There are six prerequisite courses that applicants must complete with a grade of C or above before enrolling in the program. Courses do not need to be completed at the time of application. Grades in prerequisite courses are given additional weight by the admission committee. Applicants with less than 4 of the 6 required courses completed at the time of application must submit a fall grade report if any prerequisite courses were completed in the fall. Other students may be requested to submit fall grades for review by the admissions committee as part of the decision making process.

All prerequisite courses must be the equivalent of at least 3 semester hours unless otherwise noted.

1. One course: introduction to anthropology, sociology, or social psychology
2. Two courses in psychology: child psychology or child development*, and abnormal psychology*. Human/lifespan development is accepted to meet the child development requirement if it is a semester long course and has at least half of the hours spent on child development.
3. One course in statistics. Research methods will not be adequate; it must be a statistics course and can be completed in a department of psychology, sociology, statistics, math, or similar department
4. One course in human anatomy* with 30 hours of human cadaver lab study required**; minimum 4 semester hours
5. One course in human physiology* with lab, covering all structures and functions of the body
6. Although not required, it is recommended that students complete a medical terminology course. Alternatively, students are expected to complete a self-study computerized course in medical terminology upon acceptance.

*If prerequisites were completed more than 3 years prior to beginning occupational therapy coursework, it is highly recommended that applicants review a current text prior to enrollment so that they have up-to-date knowledge. If prerequisites were completed more than 8 years ago, it is recommended that applicants retake the course(s) or complete an intensive self-study prior to enrollment.

*The human anatomy and physiology courses may be satisfied by a two-course sequence in human anatomy and physiology. If the 2 courses are taken at 2 different schools, syllabi must be approved by the UIC Occupational Therapy Admissions Coordinator.

** For students who have difficulty obtaining a cadaver laboratory experience of 30 hours prior to enrollment at UIC, the occupational therapy department provides a special 30 hour OT cadaver lab in the spring of the first year of occupational therapy coursework. This is the only prerequisite requirement that can be completed AFTER enrollment.

**The required course in human anatomy should provide an anatomical overview of all the systems of the body, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Through the human cadaver lab, students gain a "hands on" appreciation for normal anatomy and develop an understanding of how the human musculoskeletal system makes movement possible. Students do not need to dissect, just learn with previously dissected cadavers. It is the best way to learn about the human body. The anatomy course and associated lab prepare students for more advanced, clinically oriented learning by providing a foundation for the biomechanical and neurological intervention courses that are an integral part of the occupational therapy curriculum.