Biology – Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy

Pre-Occupational & Physical Therapy

About the pre-occupational therapy program

The Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy program at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) helps students build a strong undergraduate foundation as they prepare for professional education in occupational or physical therapy. These healthcare professionals help patients restore function, improve mobility, manage pain, and regain independence following injury or illness. Students work with an academic advisor to plan coursework that aligns with the admission requirements of their intended professional programs.

Is the Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy Program Right for You?

The Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy program at MSSU is a good fit for students interested in healthcare, rehabilitation, and helping others improve their quality of life.

This program may be right for you if you:

Want to pursue a career as a physical or occupational therapist.
Enjoy biology and learning about the human body.
Want to build a strong scientific foundation through a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Plan to attend an accredited professional program after completing your undergraduate degree.

What You'll Learn in the pre-occupational and physical therapy program

Build a strong foundation in biological sciences while developing the scientific, communication, and laboratory skills needed to prepare for graduate or professional study in physical or occupational therapy.

Through your biology coursework, you’ll learn to:

Understand fundamental concepts in cell biology and cellular processes.
Explore genetics and molecular biology.
Study organismal biology and how living systems function.
Understand ecology, evolution, and population biology.
Apply the scientific method to investigate questions and solve problems.
Communicate scientific concepts effectively in writing.
Develop laboratory and field skills through hands-on scientific work.
Strengthen critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
Prepare for graduate or professional education and future careers in biological and health-related fields.

Pre-Occupational & Physical Therapy Careers

The Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy pathway provides a foundation for students planning to pursue professional education in occupational or physical therapy. After completing the required graduate-level education and licensing requirements, graduates can pursue careers helping people improve mobility, regain independence, and manage everyday activities following injury or illness.

Career options include:

Occupational therapist
Physical therapist
Pediatric occupational or physical therapist
Rehabilitation therapist
Healthcare or rehabilitation researcher

Curriculum & Courses

The Pre-Occupational and Physical Therapy curriculum combines foundational biology coursework with preparation for further study in occupational or physical therapy. Students build knowledge of biological systems while developing scientific reasoning, research, and laboratory skills to support their future professional education.

Catalog

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On-campus program.
Location: Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Pre-Occupational/Physical Therapy emphasis.
Schedule: Typically four years of full-time study, depending on course selection and individual progress.

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