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Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

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Academic Programs

Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy - Associate in Science (830)

This program prepares students to transfer to a college or university to pursue an advanced degree in occupational or physical therapy. Undergraduate majors that provide preparation for a master's program in occupational therapy or a doctor of physical therapy include health science, biology or other science related fields.

Effective Fall of 2016, the associate in science (A.S.) degree is designed to complete the lower-division (freshman and sophomore) portion of a bachelor of science degree in STEM related majors. As a result, A.S. degree does not include the entire General Education Core Curriculum. Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses after transfer by completing the GECC curriculum while enrolled at the participating Illinois transfer institution OR fulfilling the general education requirements of their selected non-participating transfer institution.

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program.

Work and Employment

Physical Therapists improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent disabilities of individuals due to injury or disease. Physical Therapists work with accident victims as well as individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, nerve injuries, burns, amputations, head injuries, fractures, lower back pain, arthritis and heart disease.

Occupational Therapists assist individuals who have mentally, physically, or emotionally disabling conditions to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. The goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals have independent, productive and satisfying lives.

Special Considerations

Admission to most Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs is competitive and requires students to submit formal application to be considered for the program. Clinical experience may also be required as part of the application process. Students interested in these fields should contact the transfer school as soon as possible for specific course and application requirements.

Program Contacts

For more information on Occupational Therapy contact:
American Occupational Therapy Association
4720 Montgomery Lane
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
800/377-8555
www.aota.org

For more information on Physical Therapy contact:
The American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
800/999-APTA
http://www.apta.org

Follow this link for career information.


Total Hours Required - 66 Hours

Suggested Program

First Semester - 18 Hours

  • ***

    BIO105 - Principles of Biology ( 5 Semester Hours)

    A survey of the basic principles of biology including nature of science, cells, structure and function of organisms, genetics, evolution and ecology. This course is designed to satisfy the biology requirement for general education and vocation-occupational curriculum majors. It provides a basis for understanding principles common to all major fields of biology for the science or professional major. This course along with BIO 123 (Introduction to Botany) and BIO 131 (General Zoology) is part of the three-semester sequence that satisfies the IAI 910 Biology requirement. Students who have completed BIO 105 with a grade of "C" or better will not receive credit for BIO 103 or BIO 104. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): L1 910L, BIO 910 Lecture/Lab Hours 4 lec, 2 lab/week

  • **

    CHE105 - General Chemistry I ( 5 Semester Hours)

    This course involves the study of matter, measurements, the periodic table of the elements, atomic structure, basic concepts of quantum theory, bonding, stoichiometry of compounds and reactions, solution chemistry, introduction to acids and bases, thermochemistry, the gaseous state, and basic concepts of the liquid and solid states. This class is for chemistry, engineering, premedical, and science majors. Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or CHE 103 or CHE 102. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): P1 902L, CHM 911 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 3 lab/week

  • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

    A basic course in essay writing with emphasis on exposition, ENG 101 stresses knowledge and application of the rhetorical modes. ENG 101 presupposes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Prerequisite: ACT standard score in English of 22 or above; required scores on the current English placement test, or grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

    The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

  • *

    MAT203 - Calculus & Analytic Geometry I ( 4 Semester Hours)

    The elementary concepts of differential and integral calculus are introduced and applications are discussed. These include: limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, the indefinite and definite integral. Trigonometric functions are dealt with. Some applications are: related rates, graphing, extreme value problems and Newton's method for finding roots of equations. Prerequisite: MAT 122 - Trigonometry with a grade of C or higher (or appropriate placement score) OR four years of college preparatory high school mathematics with grades of C or higher and either the appropriate placement score or an ACT Math score at least 26 OR Math 3 with a grade of C or higher and either appropriate placement score or an ACT Math score of at least 26 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 900-1, MTH 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

Second Semester - 17 Hours

  • Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Personal Development 3 Semester hour(s)
  • **

    CHE106 - General Chemistry II ( 5 Semester Hours)

    This course is a continuation of CHE 105. This course involves the study of solutions, acids and bases, equilibria, acid-base equilibria, solubility equilibria, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination compounds, and nuclear chemistry. This class is for chemistry, engineering, premedical, and science majors. Prerequisite: CHE 105 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CHM 912 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 3 lab/week

  • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. This course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

    An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 15 Hours

  • Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
  • BIO109 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A study of introductory chemistry, cells, metabolic processes, the organization of tissues, the skeletal system, joints and articulation, the integumentary system, micro and macro organization of the nervous system, and somatic and special senses. Prerequisites: BIO 105 or BIO 108 with a grade of C or higher OR two years of high school biology with a C or higher within the last five years AND CHE 102 or CHE 103 or CHE 105 with a grade of C or higher OR one year of high school chemistry with a grade of C or higher within the last five years. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

  • ***

    BIO131 - General Zoology ( 5 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to the principles of classification of animals, followed by a systematic study of invertebrate and vertebrate animals including their morphology, physiology and natural history. Concepts of evolution, paleontology and ecology are discussed. This course along with BIO 105 (Principles of Biology and BIO 123 (Introduction to Botany) is part of the three semester sequence that satisfies the IAI 910 Biology requirement. Prerequisite: BIO 105 is required and MAT 115 or higher is recommended. 5 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): L1 910L, BIO 910 Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec, 2 lab/week

  • PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Fourth Semester - 16 Hours

  • Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s) or major field requirement
  • BIO110 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A continuation of BIO 109. BIO 110 is the study of the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. Additionally, electrolyte, pH, and water balance and human development will be discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 109 with a grade of C 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

  • *

    MAT240 - Elementary Statistics ( 3 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability, theoretical and empirical distribution, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation. Prerequisite: MAT 081 with a grade of "C" or higher or two years of high school algebra with grades of C or higher, Math 3 with a C or higher, or appropriate placement scores. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • PSY200 - Human Growth & Development ( 3 Semester Hours)

    A study of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of the human across the lifespan. Normative and non-normative patterns of development will be examined. Several major theories of human development will be be explored. Practical application of research findings will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 103 or equivalent. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Footnotes

  • *Math requirements may vary depending upon the program and transfer institution.
  • **One year of general chemistry and one year of general physics (PHY 201 or 202) is usually required for physical therapy majors but not for occupational therapy majors.
  • ***Some institutions require BIO 123 Intro to Botany in addition to BIO 105 and 131.