Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists help people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists not only help clients improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also compensate for permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help clients have independent, productive,and satisfying lives. Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs such as dressing,cooking, and eating. Occupational therapy involves the evaluation, diagnosis and/or treatment of persons whose abilities to perform daily tasks are impaired by physical injury, illness, emotional or mental disorder or aging. Individuals are helped to attain the highest possible functional independence in self care, work and leisure. Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, schools, camps and home care.

Admission Requirements for UMMC

The program consists of 36 months of didactic, laboratory, demonstration and clinical course work. Class size is limited and acceptance into the program is on a competitive basis. 

Preference is given to Mississippi residents; out-of-state applicants will be considered only if there are positions available after all qualified Mississippi applicants are accepted. 

In addition to the admission standards of the institution and the general admission requirements of the School of Health Related Professions, candidates seeking admission to the occupational therapy program, must:

1. Have completed a minimum of 72 semester hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning;
2. Have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; 
3. Provide evidence of 24 hours of observation in at least two occupational therapy clinical departments or practices within the calendar year preceding the application deadline; 
4. Complete an interview with the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee;
5. Have written confirmation of completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series or that the Hepatitis B vaccination series has been started at the time of registration; and
6. Successfully complete (a grade of "C" or better) the following prerequisite courses:

Prerequisite Courses

Doctoral Program

In Summer 2018,  UMMC  will be transitioning from  a Masters level program to  a Doctoral level program. The admissions requirements will change at this time.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physical therapist?

A significant portion of the OT curriculum focuses on psychosocial and cognitive issues as a part of treatment. These areas, as well as physical dysfunction are addressed by occupational therapists through the use of purposeful activity. Occupational therapists treat individuals with physical and psychosocial dysfunction. Physical therapists focus on exercise as a treatment modality and treat physical dysfunction.

What is the average GPA accepted into the program?

The average GPA at UMMC is usually over 3.5,  This is based on an average which means there are lower and higher GPAs, however, the range usually is from 3.00 to 4.00.

Does UMMC require a degree before applying to the OT program?

No. 

Important links

• The American Occupational Therapy Association
• Occupational Therapists Outlook Handbook
• UMMC’s webpage for Occupational Therapy