Pre-Occupational Therapy
Trevecca’s exercise science bachelor’s program offers a pre-occupational therapy concentration that prepares you for graduate studies leading to a career as an occupational therapist (OT). This program, geared toward students who want to pursue an advanced degree in OT, offers rigorous coursework and three practicum experiences, giving you a strong educational foundation and valuable field experience.
Program Benefits
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Graduate with extensive practicum experience and a strong knowledge base.
- Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities available in Nashville’s prime health care market.
What to Expect
Trevecca’s pre-occupational therapy program is a concentration track within our exercise science major that prepares you for the graduate studies you’ll need to pursue a career in occupational therapy (OT). Occupational therapists are vital members of the health care community who help patients of all ages function fully in their daily lives by providing a variety of services. Some occupational therapists work in pediatric hospitals to help premature newborns develop vital life skills. Others work in school or home settings with children who have disabilities such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, helping them to face and overcome challenges. Some OTs offer rehabilitation to people recovering from injuries, while others offer services to older adults facing stroke, Alzeheimer’s disease or other physical or cognitive changes.
This degree fully prepares you for graduate school by meeting all prerequisite requirements. It gives you a solid foundation with core science classes as well as topics such as behavioral science statistics, therapeutic modalities, human growth and development, abnormal psychology, sociology and more. This degree also provides incredible opportunities for hands-on learning with three practicums, so you gain extensive field experience and insight into career opportunities as you work with therapists in a variety of clinical settings in the Nashville area.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca has been recognized nationally and locally for providing our students with the highest level of academic quality and rigor. We offer a holistic education focused on the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual health of all the students in our diverse student body. We are committed to educating the next generation to be servant leaders.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your pre-occupational therapy degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreCareer Opportunities
If you want to become an occupational therapist and plan to pursue graduate studies in occupational therapy, Trevecca’s pre-occupational therapy program was created for you. This program offers the classes you need to meet all the prerequisite requirements for application to graduate school. The rigor of each class will challenge and equip you to meet the expectations of graduate studies. You’ll work closely with your academic advisors, who serve as mentors and who ensure your coursework meets the specifications for your graduate school of choice.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
Behavioral Science Statistics
PSY 2060
An introductory course in statistics. Topics include basic measurement concepts, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, the normal curve, standard scores, correlation, regression, random sampling and probability, binomial distribution, hypothesis testing, t test, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Introduction to SPSS is also included.
General Biology II
BIO 1520
A study of diverse structures and functions observed in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, with emphasis placed on plants and vertebrates. The study of the Kingdom Plantae will include investigation of plant life cycles and reproductive strategies. Topics including respiration, digestion, and reproduction will be introduced in the study of vertebrate animals. An introduction to ecology and the impact of humans on a variety of organisms will also be included. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Basic Nutrition Across the Lifespan
EXS 2000
This course will explore the nutritive value of foods and provide an integrated overview of the physiological requirements and functions of macronutrients, energy, vitamins, and minerals for the human body across the lifespan.
Practicum I: Exercise Science
EXS 2240
This course involves the application and direct observation of principles/standards learned throughout the academic course offerings. The student will choose from a broad range of clinical settings (PT/OT clinical sites; athletic training rooms; personal training facilities, medical clinic, physician’s office, etc.) to complete the practicum observation hours. Practicum site should align with the student's career goals and must have academic advisor's approval. The Exercise Science Practicum Manual will serve as the guiding reference and will include the following benchmark requirements (documented observation time logs, weekly journals, summary of learning experience, clinical site supervisor evaluation and a practicum-specific assignment). A minimum of 40 contact hours required. Graded S/U.
Anatomy-Physiology I
BIO 2010
A study that includes the anatomy of the body as a whole. Emphasis will be on anatomical structures and organizational relationships of the organs and systems of the body. General physiology of each system and the major influence systems have on one another is emphasized. Laboratory studies include dissection of the cat and study of various skeletons, models, and charts. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Anatomy-Physiology II
BIO 2020
Designed to introduce the anatomy and physiology of multiple subsystems including the endocrine, vascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The focus will be on developing a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these subsystems that can then be applied to clinical case studies and laboratory experiments. A major objective of this course is to develop critical thinking skills that are essential for students entering various medical careers where they will serve Christ by serving others. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Medical Terminology
ALH 3060
Introduction to Exercise Science
EXS 2230
A foundational course for students who are majoring or minoring in Exercise Science. This course provides an overview of selected topics in the field of Exercise Science and other related health science disciplines, including: history of exercise science, anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise nutrition, biomechanics, motor control and motor learning, and athletic training and sport medicine. This course is designed to introduce students to the Exercise Science discipline and to demonstrate how professional fields related to the discipline can be pursued, modeled, and practiced from a Christian worldview. Additionally, the course is designed to prepare students for further courses within the Exercise Science curriculum.
Physiology of Exercise
EXS 3090
The study of the physiological effects of exercise on the human body. Special emphasis is given to factors which affect performance whether in a competitive situation or in one's personal fitness lifestyle.
Kinesiology
EXS 3100
Examines the knowledge necessary for successful analysis of human motion. Successful application of the course content will give all human performance workers a greater understanding of how the various body parts react to human movement.
Practicum II: Exercise Science
EXS 3240
Sport Medicine
EXS 3500
A study of conditioning and the care and prevention of athletic injuries. $30 lab fee charged.
Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
EXS 4300
Study of the process and procedures of exercise testing and prescription. Emphasis will be placed on prescribing and testing individual and some group exercise programs.
Senior Seminar: Exercise Science
EXS 4500
Therapeutic Modalities
EXS 4515
Presents the physical agents used in treating athletic injuries. Emphasis will be given to each modality's theoretical and physiological effects on the healing process and presents the indications and contraindications for use. The course includes two lecture periods and one laboratory period. $30 fee charged.
Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation I
EXS 4525
Provide an introduction to the theory, scientific principles, and evidence for the use of various types of exercise employed by healthcare professionals for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of optimal health, biomechanical efficiency, and physical function. Emphasis will be placed on applying a foundational understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology to basic interventional techniques as they relate to musculoskeletal performance and neuromuscular reduction. Case based instruction, lab-based practice and clinical reasoning are emphasized.
Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation II
EXS 4530
A deeper application of the theory and principles that drives therapeutic development of the human being at each level of care. Constructive investigations into current and emerging evidence surrounding tissue healing and pathophysiology, neuromotor development, movement economy and biomechanics. Case based instruction, lab-based practice and clinical reasoning are emphasized, with exposure to high-incidence post-operative protocols and precautions introduced as necessary.
Research Methods and Design-Exercise Science
EXS 4540
Gain an understanding of the key sections of research associated with the discipline of exercise science. Including research design, research participants, IRB, sampling, ethical consideration, data sources/collection and the components of graduate-level research.
General Education — 49-51 hours
Electives — 0-11 hours
Area of Concentration or a Different Minor — 15-27 hours
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.