What is Pre-Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages recover or adapt after injury, illness, disability or developmental delays. When you major in occupational therapy, you’ll learn to assess patient abilities, create personalized treatment plans, and guide patients in rebuilding everyday skills for work, school, and independent living. At LSU, you’ll complete a bachelor’s degree with the required prerequisites, then pursue a master’s or entry-level doctorate at your chosen program—including LSU Health in New Orleans or Shreveport. LSU offers concentrations in Human Movement ScienceExercise Science & Human Performance, and Physical Activity & Health.

Program Highlights
Expert Research Work alongside nationally recognized LSU researchers whose breakthroughs shape modern medicine. Gain hands-on experience that strengthens your skills, résumé, and future applications.
Success Network Your Student Success Team of faculty, advisors, and professional staff is here to support you with personalized guidance to help you navigate academics, opportunities, and campus life with confidence.
Elite Support The LSU Center for Academic Success (CAS) is one of only three Learning Centers of Excellence in the nation, offering tutoring, coaching, and proven strategies to boost your GPA and career confidence.
Proven Outcomes LSU students consistently exceed national acceptance rates and earn spots in top PA, PT, and pharmacy programs, including Baylor, Yale, UNC Chapel Hill, and UCSF.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Pediatric occupational therapist
Geriatric occupational therapist
Neurorehabilitation occupational therapist
Orthopedic occupational therapist
Community-based occupational therapist
Entrepreneur
Rehabilitation manager
Assistive technology specialist
Health or rehabilitation researcher
Health policy/advocacy
Occupational therapy educator

Workplace Settings

Hospitals
Rehabilitation centers
Schools
Nursing homes
Academic universities
Outpatient clinics
Mental health clinics
Home health agencies
Private practice
$65,000
Average alumni Pre-Occupational Therapy salary 2-5 years after graduation
Building Skills
Foundational Movement Gain understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to support patient recovery.
Interpersonal communication Build strong skills in communication, cultural awareness, and client connection.
Critical Thinking Practice research, data analysis, and clinical reasoning to guide personalized treatment.
Functional Assessment Learn to evaluate abilities, challenges, and goals across diverse patient populations.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
Apply Today!