Enroll in Graceland’s Allied Health Occupational Therapy Program and put your compassion to work by helping others.
The Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy track prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in graduate school and eventually move on to a career in the allied OT field, serving others. While graduate schools have specific prerequisites, Graceland's occupational therapy program graduates students from undergrad who are well-prepared for the next level of education.
Physical and occupational therapists work with patients of all ages to care for their chronic conditions, illnesses, and injuries and help them maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. In other words, they help their clients maintain a quality of life, meet their developmental goals, and recover or improve skills lost in an injury or illness. Graceland's occupational therapy track prepares students to become well-rounded, compassionate healthcare workers who put their patients first.
Pre-Physical/Occupational therapy is one of three tracks available under the Allied Health major. In order to complete this program, you must complete both the core requirements for the Allied Health major, and the Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy track requirements.
In addition to Graceland’s general education requirements(*), all majors in Allied Health must complete the core requirements listed below. Additionally, it is highly recommended that students choose from one of the following tracks: Pre-AT/DC, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Coaching, or Strength and Conditioning/Personal Training.
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Techniques of injury prevention and caring for athletic injuries. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisites: PHED1500 or BIOL2300 or BIOL3420
The development of practical skills in the emergency treatment of the injured. Some attention will be given to the prevention of injuries. The content to be covered will include the Standard and Advanced levels of the First Aid program sponsored by the National Red Cross. Students holding current, equivalent certifications will receive an automatic waiver for the class. This is to be verified by the instructor of the class or the Health and Movement Science Division Chair. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Additional fee required.
A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Presentation of introductory research and writing methods. Introduction to the application of evidence-based practice using various tools to evaluate the research as evidence. This class will result in a final critically appraised topic paper and poster presentation. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
This course is designed to introduce students to the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to anatomical movements in the body. Students will examine the skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, and their relationships with exercise science. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
A detailed view of the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum with analysis of movement dysfunction and the principles applied to musculoskeletal function. The course examines the anatomy of full-body movement and function as it relates to activities of daily living, athletics, and exercise. Utilizing theory and practice-based approaches, the course details functional movement impairments and application of restorative theory. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisite: PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology
Introduction to the principles involved in learning and teaching motor skills. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisites: PHED1240 or PHED1500.
Theory and application of performance training to include flexibility, core, balance, plyometric, resistance, and power training. Using an integrated approach to performance students will explore programming and periodization for sport and human performance. Prerequisite: PHED1500. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
A systematic study of the bones, joints, and muscles of the human body as well as internal external forces initiating and modifying movement. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3420 with a grade of "C" or higher. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
The principles and practices of energizing the human body for physical exercise. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3440 with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Study of the variety of tools available to assess human performance. A broad range of instrumentation will be utilized. Prescriptive models will be studied and applied as a practical means of directing client performance training. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisites: PHED1500 and PHED2260 with a "C" or better.
Practicum of Clinical Assessment is designed to allow students to apply appropriate dynamic and transitional movement assessments, strength and range of motion screening, and design and apply appropriate corrective exercises to various populations. Students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework. Practical experience outside the scheduled classroom will be required. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.
Practicum of Human Performance is designed to allow students to design and apply appropriate corrective exercises, and initiate fitness and performance enhancement programming for various populations. In addition, students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous and concurrent coursework. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.
The Allied Health Capstone is designed to enable students to continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework in a practical setting(s). The clinical focus of the Allied Health Capstone will be the student’s chosen career field (ex: athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.). Class time will be spent focusing on the connection between coursework and practical application. Clinical sites will be arranged for each student prior to the beginning of the course. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Techniques of injury prevention and caring for athletic injuries. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisites: PHED1500 or BIOL2300 or BIOL3420
The development of practical skills in the emergency treatment of the injured. Some attention will be given to the prevention of injuries. The content to be covered will include the Standard and Advanced levels of the First Aid program sponsored by the National Red Cross. Students holding current, equivalent certifications will receive an automatic waiver for the class. This is to be verified by the instructor of the class or the Health and Movement Science Division Chair. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Additional fee required.
A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Presentation of introductory research and writing methods. Introduction to the application of evidence-based practice using various tools to evaluate the research as evidence. This class will result in a final critically appraised topic paper and poster presentation. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
This course is designed to introduce students to the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to anatomical movements in the body. Students will examine the skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, and their relationships with exercise science. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
A detailed view of the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum with analysis of movement dysfunction and the principles applied to musculoskeletal function. The course examines the anatomy of full-body movement and function as it relates to activities of daily living, athletics, and exercise. Utilizing theory and practice-based approaches, the course details functional movement impairments and application of restorative theory. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisite: PHED1500 Introduction to Kinesiology
Introduction to the principles involved in learning and teaching motor skills. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisites: PHED1240 or PHED1500.
Theory and application of performance training to include flexibility, core, balance, plyometric, resistance, and power training. Using an integrated approach to performance students will explore programming and periodization for sport and human performance. Prerequisite: PHED1500. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
A systematic study of the bones, joints, and muscles of the human body as well as internal external forces initiating and modifying movement. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3420 with a grade of "C" or higher. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
The principles and practices of energizing the human body for physical exercise. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3440 with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Study of the variety of tools available to assess human performance. A broad range of instrumentation will be utilized. Prescriptive models will be studied and applied as a practical means of directing client performance training. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major. Prerequisites: PHED1500 and PHED2260 with a "C" or better.
Practicum of Clinical Assessment is designed to allow students to apply appropriate dynamic and transitional movement assessments, strength and range of motion screening, and design and apply appropriate corrective exercises to various populations. Students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework. Practical experience outside the scheduled classroom will be required. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.
Practicum of Human Performance is designed to allow students to design and apply appropriate corrective exercises, and initiate fitness and performance enhancement programming for various populations. In addition, students will continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous and concurrent coursework. Pre- or Corequisite: PHED4500. Must pass with "C" or better.
The Allied Health Capstone is designed to enable students to continue to incorporate and master skills learned in previous core coursework in a practical setting(s). The clinical focus of the Allied Health Capstone will be the student’s chosen career field (ex: athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.). Class time will be spent focusing on the connection between coursework and practical application. Clinical sites will be arranged for each student prior to the beginning of the course. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
The Allied Health track in Pre-PT/OT is intended for students seeking to pursue advanced or professional degrees in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. Note that programs vary on required hours in various disciplines, so students should work with their academic advisors to determine the correct coursework to meet the entrance requirements of specific programs.
Please contact Dr. Melanie Mason mason6@graceland.edu for specific information regarding this program.
Additional required courses for Allied Health Concentration in Pre-PT/OT
A study of the diversity of life (prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), focusing on the key characteristics of life, the evolutionary processes that shape life, and the ecological interactions among organisms and their physical environments. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
A comparative study of form and function across organisms, focusing on the various structures and strategies used by plants and animals to fulfill basic life needs, levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems), and the chemical reactions of metabolism. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
General Chemistry I Workshop is appropriate for any student interested in developing a strong background in chemistry. It is intended to be the first university chemistry course for science majors. As such, it will be fairly rigorous and will draw upon previous experience in mathematics and science. Major areas to be covered include atomic and molecular structures, chemical bonding, stoichiometric relationships, and chemical reactions. Laboratory activities and experiments are closely related to concepts introduced in class discussions and will allow students to develop their laboratory skills. Good safety practices and experimental record keeping will be stressed. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and discussions in addition to homework assignments, individual/group study and preparation for exams. Course is intended for biology, chemistry, and some allied health majors. Additional fee required. Fulfills liberal learning science course. Prerequisites: MATH1280 and CHEM1310 or one year of high school chemistry. EL06 Science, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences.
General Chemistry II Workshop is appropriate for any student interested in developing a strong background in chemistry. It is the continuation of CHEM1430. Students will gain a deeper understanding of basic chemical principles and will emphasize problem solving. It is fairly rigorous and will draw upon previous chemistry experience as well as mathematics and other science fields. Major areas to be covered include physical properties of solids, liquids, and solutions, intermolecular forces, energy changes in chemical reactions, thermodynamics, gas-phase equilibrium, and aqueous acid/base equilibrium. Laboratory activities and experiments are closely related to concepts introduced in class discussions and will allow students to develop their laboratory skills. Good safety practices and experimental record keeping will be stressed. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and discussions in addition to homework assignments, individual/group study and preparation for exams. Prerequisite: CHEM1410.
An elementary physics course emphasizing the fundamental concepts associated with the physical universe. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. Designed to meet the needs of biology majors and students preparing for the medical profession and related fields. Prerequisites: Two years high school algebra and one year geometry; plane trigonometry recommended.
A continuation of PHYS1410. Topics included are electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS1410.
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences
A study of the diversity of life (prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), focusing on the key characteristics of life, the evolutionary processes that shape life, and the ecological interactions among organisms and their physical environments. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
A comparative study of form and function across organisms, focusing on the various structures and strategies used by plants and animals to fulfill basic life needs, levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems), and the chemical reactions of metabolism. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
General Chemistry I Workshop is appropriate for any student interested in developing a strong background in chemistry. It is intended to be the first university chemistry course for science majors. As such, it will be fairly rigorous and will draw upon previous experience in mathematics and science. Major areas to be covered include atomic and molecular structures, chemical bonding, stoichiometric relationships, and chemical reactions. Laboratory activities and experiments are closely related to concepts introduced in class discussions and will allow students to develop their laboratory skills. Good safety practices and experimental record keeping will be stressed. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and discussions in addition to homework assignments, individual/group study and preparation for exams. Course is intended for biology, chemistry, and some allied health majors. Additional fee required. Fulfills liberal learning science course. Prerequisites: MATH1280 and CHEM1310 or one year of high school chemistry. EL06 Science, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences.
General Chemistry II Workshop is appropriate for any student interested in developing a strong background in chemistry. It is the continuation of CHEM1430. Students will gain a deeper understanding of basic chemical principles and will emphasize problem solving. It is fairly rigorous and will draw upon previous chemistry experience as well as mathematics and other science fields. Major areas to be covered include physical properties of solids, liquids, and solutions, intermolecular forces, energy changes in chemical reactions, thermodynamics, gas-phase equilibrium, and aqueous acid/base equilibrium. Laboratory activities and experiments are closely related to concepts introduced in class discussions and will allow students to develop their laboratory skills. Good safety practices and experimental record keeping will be stressed. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and discussions in addition to homework assignments, individual/group study and preparation for exams. Prerequisite: CHEM1410.
An elementary physics course emphasizing the fundamental concepts associated with the physical universe. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. Designed to meet the needs of biology majors and students preparing for the medical profession and related fields. Prerequisites: Two years high school algebra and one year geometry; plane trigonometry recommended.
A continuation of PHYS1410. Topics included are electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS1410.
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences
The career possibilities for Pre-PT/OT graduates are endless. As you work through your degree and go onto graduate school, you’ll enter a niche path in the industry. You may find yourself working in the medical field, the sports industry, or on-site privately with your allied OT/Pre-PT degree. A Pre-Physical/Occupational Therapy major can help to prepare you for a career as a:
… and many other exciting fields.
99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.
As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.
Exclusively for students majoring in Allied Health, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Information Technology, and Data Science, the Resch Scholars Program rewards high-performing science students through a combination of enhanced learning opportunities and the Resch Scholars Program scholarship. The scholarship is for a variable amount up to full tuition and is renewable for up to four years.
To be eligible, students must also hold a 3.0+ GPA (3.5+ GPA for full tuition) and Graceland must receive a completed FAFSA by January 1, 2024. Be sure to use Graceland’s FAFSA code 001866. Other eligibility and renewal requirements can be found on the Resch Scholars website at the link below.
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