Search

Bachelor of Science in Health Science: Occupational Therapy Track

Occupational Therapy students work in one of AIC's labs utilizing assistive technology devices.
The Colaccino Center for Health Sciences, featuring cutting edge labs in physical and occupational therapy, exercise science, and more.

Program Overview

Take the first step in your journey to becoming a successful practitioner and 

Program Format

On Campus

Degree Options

  • BS in Health Sciences

Time to Complete

  • Four-Year BS Program
  • 3+2 BS/MSOT: 5 Years

Why Study Occupational Therapy at AIC?

As strategic, collaborative allied health professionals, occupational therapists leverage movement and neurological sciences to help individuals of all ages and abilities scale hurdles and thrive in their daily lives.

American International College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science: Occupational Therapy track program offers access to healthcare careers for students from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not have the resources or initial qualifications to enter more competitive or specialized programs directly.

Upon successful completion of undergraduate requirements, students are awarded a bachelor of science degree in health sciences and then must complete one more year to earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree.

What to Expect

  • Guidance from accomplished faculty: Your progress will be stewarded by award-winning faculty whose research has garnered regional, national, and international acclaim. Their specialties—in mental health, pediatrics, public health, and adult rehabilitation in inpatient and outpatient settings—let you preview where and how you could practice. Explore their recent achievements.
  • Strong community relationships: Through the School of Health Sciences’ partnerships with area non-profits, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools, Occupational Therapy students build their competence, confidence, and adaptability while serving the Greater Springfield region.
  • A close-knit program: Small class sizes on a small campus result in one-on-one attention from your instructors, lots of engaging discussions, and more time in our interdisciplinary simulation lab.
  • Collaborative care delivery: School of Health Sciences students come together while learning from each other, first on campus and then by engaging with the surrounding community. 
AIC alum Janelis Rodriguez ’21, MSOT ’22

First-generation Alumna Janelis Rodriguez ’21, MSOT ’22 shares her experience in AIC’s OT program during our College Tour segment.

Watch Story

Program Details

Begin training for a career built on evidence-based guidance, adaptation, and improving quality of life for all as a first-year undergraduate or transfer student in AIC’s Health Science Occupational Therapy Track program. Your education kicks off with an intensive scientific-meets-liberal-arts introduction before transitioning to Occupational Therapy courses during your third year.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the role of the occupational therapist as a health care professional.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the professional behaviors associated with occupational therapy.
  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of the health sciences including anatomy and physiology, physics, functional anatomy and psychology.
  • Attain the qualifications required for progression into an accredited entry-level MSOT program.

Early Childhood/Elementary Education

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science: Occupational Therapy Track:

  • BIO1200/1201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab   
  • BIO1210/1211: Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
  • BIO3200: Functional Anatomy
  • ENG1201: English Composition
  • ENG1202: Analytical Writing
  • INT1200: Health Science Professions
  • PCH1030: Introduction to Public Health
  • PHY1200/1210: Physics of the Human Body with Lab
  • PSY1200: Introduction to Psychology
  • PSY2450: Developmental Psychology
  • PSY2610: Health Psychology
  • PSY3422: Physiological Psychology
  • PSY3600: Abnormal Psychology
  • PSY2302 or MAT1430: Statistics or Foundations of Statistics
  • SOC 1100: Introduction to Sociology
  • OTR5010: Introduction to Occupational Therapy
  • OTR5030 Effective Communication

Additional Graduate level courses are required to complete the Professional Foundational phase of the program. The undergraduate Health Science: Occupational Therapy Track major requires a minor in either Exercise Studies, Public Health or Psychology.  The minor requirements can be found under those specific majors. 

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Individuals interested in studying Health Science at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Health Promotion, Research, and Management Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student.

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year.

Undergraduate Tuition and Costs

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

All Undergraduate Scholarships

Uncover the life-transforming potential of occupational therapy in our community and as you define your niche in the healthcare field:

  • Every Moment Counts: This program, supported by a grant from the Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, brings OT students into the MLK Jr. Charter School of Excellence to promote positive psychology and mental health as practical tools for managing everyday challenges. Learn more about Every Moment Counts.
  • Community Cafeteria: In this six-week program, MSOT students instruct kindergarteners from the MLK Jr. Charter School of Excellence in breathing exercises and other group-based activities, helping them build socio-emotional skills and an enjoyment of school in the process. Learn more about Community Cafeteria.
  • AIC Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) Chapter: This organization, part of a nationwide network, continuously strives for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice through mentorship, thought leadership, professional dialogue, and policy work. Learn more about our chapter.
  • Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA): This AOTA-sponsored organization provides a collaborative space for discussing and elevating student scholarship and philanthropic efforts. Learn more about SOTA.

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

Have a Question?

No matter your education or career stage, you’ll always receive an answer from the School of Health Sciences team about entering the occupational therapy profession. Here’s how to get in touch.

Patricia Meyers, OTD, OTR/L
Director and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

Phone: 413-205-3024
Email: patricia.meyers@aic.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

AIC Director and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Patricia Meyers OTD, OTR/L

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

An AIC student talks course selection for the Psychology major with their academic advisor.

Student Success Advising

Saremi Center for Career Development

Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations (CASAA)

What Can You Do with an Occupational Therapy Degree?

Job Titles

Occupational therapists’ titles reflect where and how they practice—be it as a generalist, a specialist, or an industry role. Common titles include:

  • Assistive technology consultant
  • Director of rehabilitation
  • Ergonomist
  • Geriatric occupational therapist
  • Hand therapist
  • Mental health occupational therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Pediatric occupational therapist

Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data, occupational therapists with a master’s degree earn a median salary of $98,340. The field is projected to grow 14% through 2034 in response to changing patient demographics and care trends.Based on these factors, U.S. News & World Report ranked occupational therapy #8 for healthcare jobs and #23 out of 100 Best Jobs in 2025.

Where Our Graduates Work

An MSOT and a passing score on the NBCOT exam open doors to OT careers in:

  • Community centers
  • Consulting
  • Ergonomics and human-centered design
  • Health promotion and education
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing and long-term care facilities
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Primary care offices
  • Public health
  • Rehabilitation centers

Related Programs

Multiple sectors of the healthcare field recognize the therapeutic benefits of movement. We offer undergraduates a glimpse and supply our graduate students with the resources and experiences to pursue several related careers.

Health Sciences students collaborate on an assignment in one of American International College's labs

 Health Sciences: Generalist Track, BS

A physical therapy student works with local seniors during a pro bono care service.

Health Sciences: Physical Therapy Track, BS

Students learn to use equipment in American International College's Human Performance Lab, a state-of-the-art exercise science learning area.

Exercise Science, BS

Ready to Take the Next Step?

There’s no greater feeling than helping someone not just adapt but excel in the world. Discover how you’ll do this in AIC’s Occupational Therapy program.

Schedule a Visit Request Info Apply Now