Pre-Occupational Therapy

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,782*

Help patients live independently

Help patients develop, recover, improve and maintain skills for daily living and working

Start on your path to a career in occupational therapy with this lower-cost transfer degree. To become an OT, you will need to complete a bachelor's and graduate degree in occupational therapy.

Your coursework prepares you to work with patients from a variety of backgrounds. Make a difference in people's lives by showing them how to manage everyday tasks on their own. As an occupational therapist you will:

  • Create and implement customized treatment plans.
  • Evaluate patient needs.
  • Assess growth.

Consult with the department chair (at jpabedinskas@clcillinois.edu) to choose your pre-occupational therapy area of concentration electives. Consult with an advisor to ensure the courses in your associate in arts in pre-occupational therapy fulfill the requirements of your desired college or university.

What can you do with an A.A. in Pre-Occupational Therapy?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in pre-occupational therapy prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, kinesiology, exercise science or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

Highlights

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    KIN 271

    KIN 271 Exercise Physiology

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    BIO 161

    BIO 161 General Biology I

    Class Description

    This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
         		4
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 271
      Course Title

      KIN 271 Exercise Physiology

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 271)This course will explore the study of human function as it relates to responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity and exercise. Systemic interactions and cellular changes during and after activity will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 161
      Course Title

      BIO 161 General Biology I

      Class Description

      This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HWP 240

    HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
         		3
    KIN 270

    KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

    Class Description

    (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
         		3
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    PSY 220

    PSY 220 Lifespan Development

    Class Description

    This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
         		3
    BIO 244

    BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

    Class Description

    This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    • Course Code HWP 240
      Course Title

      HWP 240 Contemporary Health Issues

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of issues related to holistic health as they pertain to personal growth and quality of life. Emphasis is placed upon behavioral changes and strategies for lifetime wellness.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code KIN 270
      Course Title

      KIN 270 Biomechanics and Kinesiology

      Class Description

      (Previously PED 270) This course will introduce students to the science of musculoskeletal human movement. Fundamental biomechanical principles and functional movement capabilities of each major joint will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 220
      Course Title

      PSY 220 Lifespan Development

      Class Description

      This course integrates theory and research as they relate to neurobiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals in cultural context from conception throughout adulthood. The course emphasizes both normal and atypical developmental stages and patterns of adjustment to differing life-time demands. Students will gain an understanding of hereditary and environmental factors on development; prenatal development and the birth process; physical development; language and cognitive development; family relationships; friend and peer relations; school, college, and career experiences; identity; gender; sexuality and health; the aging process and death and dying; as well as the research methods psychologists use to study development.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 244
      Course Title

      BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology I

      Class Description

      This course is the first of a two semester Anatomy and Physiology sequence that begins with an introduction to homeostasis and feedback loops. The structure and function of the following body systems will be explored: the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    BIO 245

    BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
         		4
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    ANT 121

    ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 245
      Course Title

      BIO 245 Anatomy and Physiology II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of BIO 244. It builds on the general information about homeostasis and the specific body systems covered in BIO 244. Within each body system, students learn the normal anatomy and physiology of the system as well as some diseases associated with each system. This course begins with the endocrine system, followed by the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system (including metabolism), urinary system (including fluid and electrolyte regulation), and the reproductive system. Human skeletons, human models, human donors (cadavers), and preserved animal organs are used in labs as representatives of human anatomy.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 121
      Course Title

      ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSY 223

    PSY 223 Abnormal Psychology

    Class Description

    This course provides a systematic presentation of the concepts related to mental health disorders with specific emphasis given to empirical research, diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, theoretical perspectives, etiology, treatment, and legal and ethical responsibilities.
         		3
    MTH 222

    MTH 222 Business Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software.Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.Prerequisites: MTH 122 (D or better) or MTH 108 (C or better)?OR?appropriate score on CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SATIAI: M1 902, BUS 901
         		4
    HUM 126

    HUM 126 Introduction to the Performing Arts

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to current performing arts trends, inclusive of cultures, traditions and populations that are typically underrepresented in the study of performing arts. Theatre, music, opera, and dance will all be examined from the point of view of the educated audience member. Students will learn to better understand and evaluate the performing arts. Terminology, practitioners, organization, and a brief history of each discipline will be examined. This will be accomplished through lectures, videos, and by attending actual performances.
         		3
    CHM 121

    CHM 121 General Chemistry I

    Class Description

    This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
         		5
    • Course Code PSY 223
      Course Title

      PSY 223 Abnormal Psychology

      Class Description

      This course provides a systematic presentation of the concepts related to mental health disorders with specific emphasis given to empirical research, diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, theoretical perspectives, etiology, treatment, and legal and ethical responsibilities.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 222
      Course Title

      MTH 222 Business Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software.Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.Prerequisites: MTH 122 (D or better) or MTH 108 (C or better)?OR?appropriate score on CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SATIAI: M1 902, BUS 901
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 126
      Course Title

      HUM 126 Introduction to the Performing Arts

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to current performing arts trends, inclusive of cultures, traditions and populations that are typically underrepresented in the study of performing arts. Theatre, music, opera, and dance will all be examined from the point of view of the educated audience member. Students will learn to better understand and evaluate the performing arts. Terminology, practitioners, organization, and a brief history of each discipline will be examined. This will be accomplished through lectures, videos, and by attending actual performances.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CHM 121
      Course Title

      CHM 121 General Chemistry I

      Class Description

      This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


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Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


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Pre-Occupational Therapy at CLC

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