Health Sciences

If a graduate degree or career advancement is your end goal, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from UC Online can set you apart from the competition. Designed with students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy in mind, our courses satisfy the most common prerequisite requirements and carry with them the University of Cincinnati's reputation.

Occupational therapy graduate program admission requirements differ among institutions, so students should review prerequisite courses relevant to graduate programs of interest and work with their advisors to reach their goals. Due to the competitive nature of admissions to most OT graduate programs, completion of this degree does not guarantee acceptance to an occupational therapy program.

UC's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences — Pre-Occupational Therapy program is ideal for compassionate individuals who aspire to help others lead healthier, happier and more functional lives through the art of occupational therapy. Our graduates have the knowledge and tools required to advance their careers as certified occupational therapy assistants, or pursue a graduate school program.

Students who complete this OTA bachelor advancement program will have the prerequisites they need to apply for occupational therapy graduate programs across the country. UC's health sciences programs have an excellent reputation for being academically rigorous and preparing students well for their graduate studies. Graduate programs in occupational therapy are often very competitive. You can set yourself apart from your competition with a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Occupational therapists are required to obtain at least a master's degree before beginning their careers. The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences — Pre-Occupational Therapy offered through UC Online provides the baseline of knowledge required to apply to an occupational therapy graduate program with confidence.

Occupational Therapist Career Duties

A career in occupational therapy can be a rewarding and engaging lifetime pursuit. Our flexible online bachelor's degree is the first step to launching yours.

The field of occupational therapy is ideal for those who seek a purposeful career making a positive impact on the lives of others. As an occupational therapist, you will address the human needs of your patients, helping them regain autonomy and self-confidence.

Occupational therapists use occupation or purposeful activity as therapy to treat people suffering from physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments. The use of these occupations can help individuals lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work in private practices, hospitals, rehab centers, senior centers, outpatient centers, clinics, schools, in-home care, and many other settings. This unique field of medicinal therapy is widely applicable, so occupational therapists find themselves working with patients of all ages, from young children to the elderly.

The field of occupational therapy has many specializations. Occupational therapists may also specialize in treating certain patient diagnoses, such as individuals with autism or brain injury, or can specialize in providing specific treatments, such as hippotherapy, or sensory integration through a combination of advanced training and experience. Regardless of specialization, the common thread between all occupational therapists is the desire to affect a positive and tangible change in their patients' lives.

While our BS in Health Sciences — Pre-Occupational Therapy degree maintains a primary focus on the occupational therapy discipline, our program also equips graduates with a comprehensive health degree, empowering them to pivot into alternative career pahts or pursue further education.

Students completing the program can obtain a minor in psychology and are able to get an additional minor in public health by taking six additional credit hours.

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning. 

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major: 

• Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 
• Sinclair Community College  
• Stark State College 
• Fox College 
• Kapi’olani Community College 
• St. Louis College of Health Careers 
• SUNY Erie Community College 
• UA Cossatot Community College 
• St. Louis College of Health Professions 
• Hawkeye Community College
• Tulsa Community College
• Trident Technical College
• Allegany Community College
• San Juan Community College
• Lorain Community College