Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences for Pre-Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy, rooted in mental health, emphasizes holistic treatment, addressing individuals’ mental health alongside other aspects of their well-being.
What is Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy?
Are you an Occupational Therapy Assistant who is passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you thrive in dynamic healthcare environments? The University of Cincinnati’s one-of-a-kind, 100% online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration on Pre-Occupational Therapy is your gateway to a fulfilling career where you can blend your compassion with professional expertise.
Our graduates who earn this Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree are equipped with the tools to:
- Further their careers,
- Become better practitioners, and
- Enter a graduate-level occupational therapy program.
Occupational therapy graduate degree program admission requirements differ among institutions, but our curriculum meets most prerequisite requirements. Due to the competitive nature of admissions to most occupational therapy schools’ graduate programs, completion of this degree does not guarantee acceptance to an occupational therapy program.
BS Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- All incoming BSHS – Pre-Occupational Therapy students are eligible for up to a $1,500 scholarship
- Graduate in 2-4 years as a full- or part-time student
- Simultaneously earn a minor in psychology through our partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences
Flexibility
- Easy credit transfer
- 100% Online (No Campus Visits)
- Graduate in 2-4 years as a full- or part-time student
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The online Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy completion program is for bachelor’s degree-seeking students at the University of Cincinnati are required to complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours for graduation. Up to 68 semester credit hours of prior college coursework taken at an accredited institution can be transferred in and applied to the program. Students may be required to take additional coursework to meet the 120 credit hour minimum requirement.
Foundation Courses: 9 credits
Core Courses: 48 credits
General Education Courses: 9 credits
Additional Credits: All incoming transfer credit will be reviewed and assessed. Students need at least credits in this general transfer credit category in order to reach 120 credit hours for graduation.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL1001 | English Composition English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts. |
3 |
| PSYC1001 | Introduction to Psychology This course is designed to give an overview of the field of Psychology and its major sub-fields, including (but not limited to) physiological (biology of behavior, consciousness, perception), cognitive (learning, thought, language), social, organizational, developmental, personality, and psychopathology and its treatment. Students will be equipped to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the various research methods used in the field. Students will be encouraged to critically think about the psychological theories discussed, and be able to apply those and their findings to their lives. |
3 |
| BIOL2001C | Anatomy and Physiology I This is the first course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide in-depth examination of the structure and functions of the human body. This course will cover the basic biochemistry and cell physiology upon which the study of human physiology will be based. It also covers the structure and functions of human tissues, and the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous Systems. Includes a required laboratory. Does not count toward biology major. |
4 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| STAT1031 | Introduction to Statistics A one-semester comprehensive introduction to statistics suitable for students in biology, nursing, allied health, and applied science. Discussion of data, frequency distributions, graphical and numerical summaries, design of statistical studies, and probability as a basis for statistical inference and prediction. The concepts and practice of statistical inference including confidence intervals, one and two sample t-tests, chi-square tests, regression and analysis of variance, with attention to selecting the procedure(s) appropriate for the question and data structure, and interpreting and using the result. Prerequisite: at least 30 on the ALEKS Math test or 420 on the Math Placement Test (MPT) is recommended. |
3 |
| PHYS1005C | Physics for Allied Health An introduction to physics for future health care professionals. Lectures and labs are centered around a survey of topics that apply to the allied health profession. Topics include mechanics (units, motion, forces, friction, gravity, inertia, lever systems, momentum, work, energy, power), thermodynamics (temperature and heat), pressure and fluids, waves and sound, basic electricity and safety, and light. |
3 |
| PHIL2029 | Medical Ethics Ethical issues loom large in medical treatment and research. This course is an introduction to the field of medical ethics for students with no prior background in philosophy. This course does not teach students to memorize a professional code of ethics, but rather to think for themselves about difficult moral concepts like freedom, autonomy, rights, fairness, equality, honesty, consent, and harm. Topics and cases covered in the course vary with the instructor but may include some of the following: privacy, informed consent, access to health care, eugenics, genetic engineering, organ donation, disability, end-of-life care, assisted suicide, experimental treatments, abortion, pediatric ethics, religious objections to medical care, public health issues, global bioethics, race and gender in medicine, and new or emerging medical technologies. A central goal of this course is for you to develop the skills to recognize and analyze ethical issues in medicine, especially when different values come into conflict. |
3 |
| PSYC2020 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology This course explores a variety of concepts and research areas in the field of cognitive psychology. These include, but are not limited to: learning, attention, memory, language, reasoning, and problem solving. Emphasis is placed on historical and current research methodology and findings, with interactive application exercises used when available. |
3 |
| PSYC2030 | Sensation and Perception This course explores human sensory machinery and its role in the processes of perception (e.g. vision, audition, touch, taste, olfaction), covering traditional and contemporary theories of perception and perceptual processing, and includes a discussion of the philosophical assumptions that motivate the science of psychology. |
3 |
| PSYC2040 | Developmental Psychology This course introduces developmental psychology, focusing specifically on theoretical frameworks and empirical research related to human development across the lifespan. The course covers physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development from conception to death, with an emphasis on a variety of factors influencing development such as biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. |
3 |
| PSYC2051 | Fundamentals of Psychopathology This course is a survey of the psychological science related to mental wellness and mental illness. The emphasis will be on major categories of mental health conditions as described in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and International Classification of Diseases. Students in this course will explore prevention, etiology, prognosis, treatment, and ethical issues surrounding mental health diagnosis and treatment. The course includes historical theoretical views of mental health conditions, health disparities, and the roles of biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences on mental health. |
3 |
| PSYC2XXX+ |
PSYC 2000+ level or higher elective PSYC2070 is preferred. |
3 |
| HLSC2012 | Medical Terminology This distance learning course introduces students to the language of medicine and allied health while reviewing the major organ systems of the body. Students will learn at their own pace within the boundaries of the course schedule. |
2 |
| HLSC2022C | Musculoskeletal Anatomy for DL This course is designed to provide the student with basic information in human surface anatomy and the origins, insertions, actions and nerve supply of the major muscles of the body. It also introduces the students to basic palpation and other handling techniques necessary to perform physical assessments. Basic information on common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions is included in the course. |
3 |
| HLSC3014 | Pharmacology for Health Sciences This is the fourth course in the foundations sequence of classes for Health Science majors in the College of Allied Health Sciences. The course focuses on common pharmacologic agents and their effects on health and health behaviors. The students will learn the general classifications and sub-classifications of common pharmacologic substances, their indications and contraindications for use, and their actions and side-effects. Included in the course is a discussion of basic physiology and how these agents alter it, how those alterations affect activity tolerance, and the necessary adjustments in activity programs in order for those programs to remain safe. The basic pathophysiology of common medical conditions will be introduced at it relates to the effects and side-effects of drugs commonly used for that condition. |
3 |
| HLSC3020 | Introduction to Biomechanics and Kinesiology This online course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the fields of Biomechanics and Kinesiology. This includes terminology, an examination of concepts and principles, and performing the analyses and calculations necessary to examine mechanical characteristics of basic human movements. Students will also examine the basic structural and kinematic characteristics of the musculoskeletal system, including the major joints of the spine and the extremities. This course is designed to meet the skills sets described by the ACSM and the NSCA as necessary components for entry level certifications. It does not satisfy the Introductory Biomechanics or Kinesiology requirements for the HLSC-EM or HLSC-PS degree tracks. |
3 |
| HLSC3031 | General Exercise Physiology This course covers the study of the physiological systems of the human body and how they relate to exercise and stress. Topics include energy systems, metabolism, muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, neural, endocrine, environmental and work physiology. |
3 |
| HLSC4020 | Motor Learning and Movement Control This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the neuro-anatomic and neuro-muscular components of human movement. This includes terminology, basic neuro-anatomy as it relates to the neuromuscular system, an examination of concepts and principles of movementcontrol and motor learning. Students will execute self-directed motor learning activities, performing the observations and analyses necessaryto form conclusions regarding the neuromuscular performance characteristics of human movements. This course is designed to meet the skills sets described by the ACSM and the NSCA as necessary components to qualify to take entry level certification examinations. There are online presentations, self-directed activities, and a course project. This course meets the requirementsof the basic Bachelors degree in Health Sciences but it does not satisfy the requirements for the Health Sciences-Exercise & Movement (HLSC-EM) or the Health Sciences-Physiologic Science (HLSC-PS) degree tracks. |
3 |
| HLTH3098 | Research Methods in Health Sciences In this course, students will learn skills that are the foundation of evidence-based practice. These skills include identifying major study design approaches, formulating research questions that align with specific study designs, and interpreting the most common statistical methods used in clinical and population health research. Students will also learn about ethical research conduct and about community engagement to build trust with research participants and strengthen research equity and impact. Through interprofessional collaboration, students will learn how to locate peer-reviewed research articles, how to navigate through the different sections of a research article, summarize its key elements, and critically appraise its strengths and weaknesses. Students will also learn how evidence-based practice guidelines are derived from systematic reviews and meta-analyses. |
3 |
| HLSC5019 | Pre-Occupational Therapy/Health Sciences: Distance Learning Capstone This capstone course concludes Pre-Occupational Therapy-DL and Health Sciences-DL students' undergraduate education by allowing students to assess the available literature on a clinical-based question of their choice. Students, in collaboration with their instructor, will select a clinical-based question and then locate and critically appraise available literature to create a summary of findings and a presentation detailing the key findings from the research. Students will also review/learn key aspects of assessing research studies. |
4 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL2089 | Intermediate Composition Intermediate Composition is a writing-centered course that builds on what students learn in first-year composition and focuses students’ attention on theoretical underpinning of how meaning is made, understood, and communicated within and across various discourse communities and genres. The course emphasizes critical reading and writing, advanced research and analysis skills, and rhetorical sensitivity to differences in academic, professional, and public composing. This course challenges students to engage in substantive projects drawing on primary research and source analysis methods and asks students to document, communicate, and reflect on their research. |
3 |
| GE Codes: AH,CD | GE Codes AH,CD UC Gen Ed (double dip) Arts and Humanities (AH) + Civility & Democracy (CD) not PHIL subject Select course that is both AH and CD codes Must be different subject code from other Arts and Humanities course. |
3 |
| GE Codes: SBS | GE Code SBS (not PSYC) 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS). Must be different subject code than PSYC. |
3 |
Prerequisites
Our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy program prepares students for OTA career advancement or further graduate study to become an occupational therapist. This online degree program provides the baseline of knowledge and technical skill required to enroll in an occupational therapy graduate program with confidence. Upon completion, many University of Cincinnati students will go on to pursue a master’s or doctorate in occupational therapy.
To enroll in the program, students must have:
- an occupational therapy assistant associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited program
- passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) OTA exam or have a plan in place to take the NBCOT exam
- a minimum GPA of 2.5
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
In order to apply to University of Cincinnati as a transfer student, learners must submit a transfer application form and have official transcripts sent directly to UC from all prior institutions they’ve attended.
To request these transcripts, please contact your previous institution’s registrar and ask them to send the official transcript to the University of Cincinnati via an approved electronic method such as Parchment, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar services. This is the preferred method. If electronic submission isn’t available, transcripts may be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH 45221
Due to this program’s professional licensure requirement, students are not eligible to complete the program while located outside of the United States.
Applicants with college coursework completed outside the United States are required to provide a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation for each college or university you attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be obtained from a service listed on the NACES member website.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Top tier of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
"I always knew I wanted to go back to school to earn my bachelor's degree. UC's online program laid out an easy pathway for former COTAs like me to advance my education. With the online program, I was able to maintain full-time work while balancing coursework at my own pace. Furthering my education with a bachelor's in health sciences is helping me advance in my current role outside of the occupational therapy field.
Maria M.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy
"When I returned to civilian life, I decided to get my master's in occupational therapy. I needed a flexible program that would fit with my work schedule, meet the prerequisites of the graduate programs I was looking at, and allow me to complete my bachelor's degree relatively fast. I found the University of Cincinnati's fully online degree, which met all my criteria."
Anthony M.
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy
"I was motivated to seek a bachelor's degree in health sciences because I was a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) wanting to continue my education for my master's degree in occupational therapy. I found out that UC offered a bachelor's degree in health sciences that was directly related to occupational therapy and was designed as an online program for COTAs transitioning to OTs, so it was a no-brainer that this was the program I wanted to pursue. I am very happy with my choice to attend UC. As a working COTA/L, the online format worked for my schedule without reducing or changing my work schedule. I would describe the experience of taking online classes as individualized and positive. Taking online classes requires a lot of self-control, organization and motivation. I had never taken exclusively online classes before so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was very pleased with the flexibility and pace of the courses. Despite being off campus, I felt very connected and supported by all of my instructors. After graduation from UC, I began the Master of Occupational Therapy weekend program at the University of Findlay where I am currently taking classes. I would highly recommend UC!"
Cece T.
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy
"I’ve been a COTA since 2009 and always wanted to continue my education to become an Occupational Therapist. However, I was not able to do so because I needed to continue working for my family that consists of four children while going to school. Most programs were not set up where I would have been able to continue to work, therefore I was unable to go back to school. The Pre-OT distance learning program allowed me to continue to work and attend classes online. I was eager to join UC because the college also offers the MOT program and I knew it would be an easy transition. The program was intense at times, however it was very doable. I had only taken one online class prior to UC about 11 years ago. I was nervous if I would be able to figure it out. The classes were set up easily and the professors were very quick to reply via email with any questions that I had.
I was able to work full-time and finish my bachelor’s degree in four terms while pursuing my dreams and still providing for my family. I feel as prepared as a student could feel when entering a master’s program now."
Jessica Z.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy
"I sought out the UC BS in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy program because it allowed me to further my educational career, all while still working and having a family. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, I wanted to go on to the Master's program but had to complete my Bachelors first. I had looked at other universities but didn't feel their degree was in my interest. I didn't want management in Healthcare, I wanted to expand in Health Science. The program at UC offered the flexibility of being online and the degree that would help further my career. The design of the program was based on what I felt I could handle. The advisors helped me plan out the program based on my scheduling abilities. Upon graduating from the Pre-OT program, I am now in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program at UC and am looking forward to my furthering my career in OT!"
Jessica G.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy
"At the time that I learned about UC's program, I had just decided that I needed to continue my education towards getting my master's degree in occupational therapy. My home situation had recently changed and I found myself being the primary income. UC presented a wonderful layout with ease of transitioning to the master's program and ensuring that I had all the appropriate classes I would need to pursue to further my education. For me, the choice of doing the whole program online was what secured UC as my choice. Working full time in the Dayton area wasn't ideal for driving to Cincinnati for classes, ut the option to continue my education online was very appealing. I previously took lots of online classes for my general education courses, but UC's classes online were much more organized and easier to follow. The layout of each class allowed for my work life and school life to coexist without having an overwhelming stress feeling. After completing my bachelor's degree, I am planning to continue my education in occupational therapy and obtain my master's degree."
Lauren A.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy
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