COURSE CURRICULUM

The Occupational Therapy program at the UNH Occupational Therapy Program is a structured, multi-year curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced professional practice in helping individuals regain independence and participate fully in daily life activities. The program begins with preprofessional coursework in biological sciences, psychology, kinesiology, neurology, and social sciences, along with foundational occupational therapy classes. Students study human anatomy and physiology, child and adult development, psychosocial disorders, medical terminology, and the relationship between occupation, identity, and disability, building a strong understanding of how physical, cognitive, and emotional factors affect daily functioning. Additional requirements include clinical kinesiology, neurology with laboratory work, statistics, and a health or social policy course, ensuring students develop both scientific and systems-based knowledge of healthcare and social services. In the professional phase, students with a strong academic standing enter advanced coursework focused on occupational therapy practice, including human occupation theory, evaluation and intervention techniques for adults and children, psychosocial and neurological conditions, and movement science. They also gain training in research methods, evidence-based practice, and professional roles in healthcare, which prepares them to critically analyze and apply scientific evidence in clinical decision-making. Fieldwork experiences are integrated throughout the program, allowing students to gain real-world clinical exposure and apply classroom learning in healthcare settings under supervision. A capstone research course further develops their ability to design and evaluate scholarly or applied projects. Students must meet strict academic standards, including minimum GPA requirements and performance criteria in professional courses, to progress into graduate-level training. Although students earn a Bachelor of Science degree after the undergraduate portion, they must complete a Master of Science or Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree to become licensed practitioners. Overall, the program combines science, clinical practice, and research to prepare students for professional careers focused on improving independence, health, and quality of life for diverse populations.