MOT Program: Prerequisites

Prerequisite coursework consists of the required courses and general elective courses. Applicants muct earn a C- or above in all required courses. Credit/No Credit and Pass/Fail courses do NOT fulfill courses requirements. Remedial and technical classes will not be accepted.

Ninety (90) semester hours of prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of the MOT program in summer session (June). Of these, at least 6 semester hours must be numbered 300 (junior level) or above.

Please note: prerequisites may not be concentrated into a limited amount of time. By the end of the fall semester, the student must have completed at least 32 semester hours of required coursework including at least 3 semester hours of prerequisite science coursework. Students without 32 hours of credit by the start of spring semester will not be considered for admission. Please be advised that the University of Kansas transfers a maximum of 64 credit hours from accredited community colleges.

Science (8 or more credits)
The following content must be covered: Biology, Physiology, Human Anatomy, and Anatomy Lab. Lecture courses must be a minimum of three semester hours each. An Anatomy and Physiology (with Lab) can be taken as a combined course, for a minimum of five credit hours. Anatomy or Anatomy and Physiology must have been taken within five (5) years of application. Virtual coursework will not be accepted for either the anatomy lab OR anatomy and physiology lab requirement. See information on additional recommended science coursework under “General Electives” below.

English (9 credits)
English Composition (6 credits) and an advanced-level English course (3) are required.

Speech/Communication (3 credits)
Fundamentals of Speech or Interpersonal Communication (3 credits) includes an introduction to the study of communication theory, process, and skill with application to interpersonal relations, group interaction and public speaking. Virtual coursework or independent study will not be accepted to fulfill this requirement.

Psychology (6 credits)
Students must take 3 semester hours EACH of General Psychology and Abnormal Psychology.

Human Development (3 credits)
The Development course(s) must cover the entire lifespan. The course(s) may be taken in a psychology, human development, or sociology department.

Sociology (3 credits)
Introductory Sociology or Cultural Anthropology may satisfy this requirement.

Math (3 credits)
College Algebra or higher-level math course is required.

Statistics (3 credits)
An introductory course in Statistics fulfills this prerequisite. The course need not be restricted to a Math department.

Ethics (3 credit hours)
Introduction to Ethics, Bioethics or Medical Ethics will fulfill this prerequisite.

Restricted Electives (12 credits)
Students select from one or more complementary disciplines of study which focus on behavioral and/or social issues for a total of 4 elective courses. Choices include: psychology, sociology, family studies, special education, diversity or multicultural studies and/or community health and wellness.

General Electives
Additional elective coursework must bring the total hours to at least 90 when combined with the prerequisites listed above. Applicants may fulfill this requirement with any combination of college-level coursework taken for a letter grade, earning C- or higher; however, remedial and technical classes will not be accepted.

Recommended courses within the general electives include: biology and physiology labs, additional biological science coursework, physics, kinesiology or biomechanics, introduction to OT, professional or technical writing, additional communications coursework (i.e. interpersonal communication), sociology or psychology course focusing on family issues, sign language, foreign language, hands-on art course, additional courses that expose the student to multicultural issues, and additional humanities of interest to the student.

Courses that fulfill prerequisites for other OT programs will be accepted as electives as long as they transfer to the University of Kansas. Be aware that not all computer courses will transfer as college credit. Please remember that the University of Kansas will transfer only 64 hours from a community college.

KUMC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, marital status, veteran status, ancestry or age. For additional information about the EEO/AA policies and procedures, see the EEO/AA section of the KUMC Faculty Handbook. or the KUMC Equal Opportunity Office website.

Direct requests for disability accommodation to Carol Wagner, EO/Disability Specialist: 913-588-1206 (Voice) or 913-588-7963 (TDD). Persons with speech or hearing impairments who wish to contact the university may access the Kansas State Relay at 800-766-3777.

KU Medical Center Equal Opportunity Statement

University of Kansas Equal Opportunity Office (main campus - Lawrence)