Explore the Pre-Occupational Therapy program
Occupational therapists do rehabilitation work to help patients with injuries or disabilities. The OT focuses on improving the patient’s ability to do day-to-day activities, often working in a clinical setting but increasingly in a patient’s home. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, you may choose to pursue either a master’s or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy. Both degrees educate you to be an effective clinician; however, the occupational therapy doctorate degree (OTD) prepares you to conduct research in occupational therapy, helping patients through discovery of new techniques and treatment.
Many students plan to enter the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University, or the University of South Dakota, but there are many other schools offering occupational therapy degrees. Information about the prerequisites for other OT schools can be found at www.aota.org. The demand for occupational therapists is very high and is forecast to grow over the next several decades.
Local occupational therapy (DPT) programs
- Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, Iowa)
- College of St. Mary (Omaha, Neb.)
- Creighton University (Omaha, Neb.)
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion, S.D.)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Medicine (Omaha, Neb.)
Fast facts
Recommended majors:
- Applied Human and Sport Physiology (B.A. or B.S.)
- Biology (B.A. or B.S.)
- Sociology (B.A. or B.S.)
Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)
School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice
Departments: Health, Human Performance, and Sport
Your undergraduate path to becoming an occupational therapist
Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP)
The Occupational Therapy track within RHOP is designed for rural Nebraska students interested in returning to rural areas to practice occupational therapy. In this program, you’ll complete your bachelor’s degree at Wayne State before entering occupational therapy school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha or Kearney to complete your Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ODT) degree and be eligible to take the national certification examination. Participants in RHOP receive a full-tuition scholarship at WSC, guaranteed admission to UNMC, job shadowing and internship experiences, one-on-one advising, and early registration privileges.
Rural Health Opportunities Program
Honors Program
Honors students complete an independent research project, usually spanning their junior and senior years. Your research can take you just about anywhere - in the lab or library, in the community, or in the U.S. or abroad! Honors work can also be very practical. Prospective employers and graduate admissions committees often look carefully at an undergraduate record for evidence of extra initiative and genuine intellectual strength.
Learn more about the Honors Program
Pre-Occupational Therapy internships and job shadowing
Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find internships and career opportunities. Pre-Occupational Therapy students recently completed internships at the following locations:
- Burgess Health Center (Onawa, Iowa)
- Students International (Nicaragua)
Topics covered in the Pre-Occupational Therapy program
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biological systems and structures
- Body composition assessment
- Functional movement assessment
- Health status and risk factor identification
- Prevention and care of injuries
- Injury evaluation and rehabilitation
- Exercise technique and prescription
- Biomechanical or motion analysis
- Nutritional assessment
- Fitness appraisal
Graduates of the Pre-Occupational Therapy program work in their field or continue their studies using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, occupational therapy (OT) schools welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.
Recent grads are pursuing advanced degrees at the following OT schools:
- Allen College (Waterloo, Iowa)
- A.T. Still University (Mesa, Ariz.)
- College of St. Mary (Omaha, Neb.)
- Drake University (Des Moines, Iowa)
- Kansas City Medical Center (Kansas City, Kan.)
- Nebraska Methodist College (Omaha, Neb.)
- University of Mary (Bismarck, N.D.)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (Kearney, Neb.)
- University of South Dakota (Vermillion, S.D.)
Career possibilities
- Occupational therapist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Health services manager
- Sports therapist
- Art therapist
- Rehabilitation therapist

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
2024-25 Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
cost per credit hour
Tuition: $5,880
Fees: $2,290.50
Food plan: $4,690
Housing: $4,730
Most Affordable College in Nebraska
- College Affordability Guide, 2024
Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Program of Study
The following majors are recommended for students planning to attend occupational therapy school. Additional electives may be recommended. Participation in the Pre-Occupational Therapy program at WSC does not guarantee acceptance to a school of medicine.
In Applied Human and Sport Physiology, you’ll study anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and injury identification, treatment, and prevention. This is the program you’ll take if you are in RHOP for occupational therapy.
Our Biology program lays the groundwork needed or students entering medical school and provides plenty of time in our biology and research labs.
Explore the Biology program Download program fact sheet (PDF)
The blend of science and social sciences allows the Sociology program route to have holistic and unique skill set that is vital to health care.
Explore the Sociology program Download program fact sheet (PDF)
Sample courses for Pre-Occupational Therapy students
Students may be advised to take the following courses while pursuing one of the recommended majors. Please consult with your advisor to draft a final plan of study, and be sure to check with your intended medical school to make sure you're meeting all prerequisite course requirements
Credits: 4
Description: Study of the anatomic structure of the human organism. The 11 organ systems of the human and representative quadrupeds will be examined in detail with lecture, dissection, and other laboratory exercises. Dissection is required of all students taking this course. An understanding of human anatomy is beneficial for students that will ultimately enroll in advanced courses of cell biology, histology, comparative vertebrate embryology and anatomy, and parasitology. Having training in human anatomy is also beneficial for students interested in health-related and biomedical careers. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the fundamental physiological processes of the human body. Functions of the 11 organ systems will be studied. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisites: BIO 220 Human Anatomy, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to the careers commonly pursued with a major in Applied Human and Sport Physiology or Exercise Science. Topics will include the historical background professional associations, career opportunities, and academic advising for such careers. This course will include up to 10 hours of out-of-class job shadowing experience.
Credits: 3
Description: This course explores knowledge and hands-on skills which can be used to prevent, recognize, assess, and treat common injuries and illnesses associated with sport and recreational activities. Class fee of $10 required.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the major physiological systems and their response to exercise for Physical Education K-12, K-6, 7-12, and Wellness majors and students in these areas also taking Coaching minor or Endorsement. This includes the application of physiological concepts to physical training.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy, and PED 205 Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 340 Human Physiology
Credits: 3
Description: A kinesiological approach to the anatomical and mechanical analysis of human movement. Movement terminology as well as muscular and neuro-muscular function in sport will be studied. Special emphasis will be placed relating biomechanics to movement evaluation in K-12 health and physical education.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy
Description: Designed to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the physiological, biomechanical, and administrative aspects of designing and supervising strength and conditioning programs for various populations.
Prerequisite: PED 227 Weight Training, and PED 304 Sport Physiology or PED 305 Exercise Physiology
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides the student with knowledge and skills for developing and supervising safe and effective evidence-based health and rehabilitative exercise for patients and clients with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and other clinical co-morbidities. The student will gain knowledge in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of common non-communicable diseases, with an understanding of the evidence-based exercise prescription for these clinical populations. Skills will include blood pressure measurement and ECG rhythm interpretation.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I and PED 205 Anatomy and Physiology II, or BIO 220 Human Anatomy and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to orthopedic injuries and the orthopedic injury examination process for the lower extremity. The course will include injury nomenclature as well as clinical anatomy, knowledge and hands-on skills for the injury examination process, and injury management.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy, and PED 351 Biomechanics
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to orthopedic injuries and the orthopedic injury examination process for the upper extremity and trunk. The course will include injury nomenclature as well as clinical anatomy, knowledge and hands-on skills for the injury examination process and injury management.
Prerequisite: PED 105 Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 220 Human Anatomy, and PED 351 Biomechanics
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. This course will address basic rehabilitation concepts as well as a variety of techniques and applications.
Prerequisite: PED 351 Biomechanics, and PED 456 Lower Extremity Evaluation or 457 Upper Extremity Evaluation
Credits: 3
Description: This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess physical fitness, develop exercise prescriptions, and conduct applied research in the field.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in PED 470 Fitness Evaluation and Assessment, proof of current First Aid and CPR, and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Credits: 3
Description: Approaches to the assessment and treatment of emotional, social, psychotic, organic, and development
disorders are examined
Suggested minors
Students in the Pre-Occupational Therapy program may add a minor to complement their program of study. Students who recently followed the Pre-Occupational Therapy track paired their major with one or more of the following minors:
Related programs
Students interested in the Pre-OT program may also be interested in:

Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Department faculty

Barbara Engebretsen, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Barbara Engebretsen is an exercise science and public and global health professor at Wayne State College. She is active member of professional and service organizations, including the American Physiological Society, American College of Sports Medicine, the American Public Health Association, and Rotary International. She helped developed the Public and Global Health minor and One Health Studies major.

Kris Fox, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Kris Fox is an exercise science professor at Wayne State College and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in applied human and sport physiology, exercise science, and human performance.

Cameron Geisert, Ed.D.
Professor
Dr. Cameron Geisert is a sports management professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests are sociology of sport, sport law, sport event and facility management, ethics in sports, and sport marketing.

Kevin Hill, Ed.D.
Professor
Dr. Kevin Hill is a physical education professor at Wayne State College. His academic interests include rural health and sport skill instruction, as well as physical and health education.

Chad Maas, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Chad Maas is a sports management professor at Wayne State College. He is a certified instructor for Red Cross First Aid and CPR.

Paul McCawley, MSE
Assistant Professor
Paul McCawley is an exercise science professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests include strength and conditioning, as well as overall health and wellness.

Blaine Meyer, MSOM
Instructor
Blaine Meyer teaches sports management at Wayne State College, including courses such as Introduction to Sport Management, Sport Marketing and Promotion, Physical Health and Wellbeing, Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Public Relations in Sport, Sport Business, Leadership in Sport Organizations, and Ethics in Sport.

Bobby Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Bobby Smith is an exercise science professor at Wayne State College. He teaches undergraduate courses in exercise physiology, fitness assessment and evaluation, athletic performance and nutrition, as well as physical health and wellbeing.
Get in touch
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Sport
Rice Health and Physical Education Building, Room 013H
Phone: 402-375-7301
Clubs for Pre-Occupational Therapy students
Exercise is Medicine - Works toward improving the health and well-being of the campus community
Health Science Club - For students pursuing careers in health-related fields
Pre-Physical Therapy / Pre-Occupational Therapy Club - For students pursuing physical or occupational therapy careers
Psychology/Sociology Club - Participates in activities relating to psychology and sociology

Awards and Rankings
Recognized for excellence
Best Colleges for Health Sciences in Nebraska
CampusReel recognized Wayne State as one of the Best Colleges in Nebraska for Health Sciences based on alumni salaries after graduation, student loan debt, and other metrics.

A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.

Where you'll learnDepartment facilities

Human Performance Lab
Our state-of-the-art human performance lab supports classroom lab activities, train students in the field, and conduct research.

Carhart Science Building
The Carhart Science building holds several state-of-the-art classrooms and labs for students in math, science, and pre-professional health programs.
Your next steps
