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2024-25 Catalog

Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy

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Academic Programs

Associate in Science Degree with a Concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy (830)

 The concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy prepares students to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health science, biology, kinesiology, and/or science-related fields.

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.

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, the 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.

Follow this link for career information.

Transfer Considerations

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.

  1. Foundational prerequisites at all or most programs include human anatomy and physiology (BIO 109 & 110), psychology (PSY 103, 200), statistics (MAT 240), and additional science coursework (BIO 105, CHE 105). In addition, pre-physical therapy includes a sequence in biology, chemistry, and physics. Sociology (SOC 111) is recommended for pre-occupational therapy.

Competitive Admissions

Since admission is limited and competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.

Undergraduate admission requirements will vary depending on selected major.

For Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T) OR a professional program (Masters or Doctorate) in occupational therapy, typical admission requirements include:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  2. Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  3. Prerequisite courses completed successfully
  4. Graduate school entrance exam score (GRE)
  5. Observation hours (20-30) within the last five years
  6. Program/graduate school application that can require letters of recommendation, professional resume, personal statement, interview

Special Considerations

  1. To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., students typically earn a doctor of physical therapy (D.P.T) degree from an accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam. For more information, go to apta.org
  2. Some D.P.T programs offer a 3+3 format (3 years of specific undergraduate prerequisite coursework taken prior to advancement into a three-year professional D.P.T program)
  3. To practice as an occupational therapist in the U.S., students must successfully complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy or a professional doctorate in occupational therapy (O.T.D.) and pass the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. State licensing may also be required.  For more information, go to aota.org
  4. Clinical experiences are an integral part of the curriculum. A criminal background check, drug screen, first aid and CPR are typical clinical requirements.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising 815-835-6354

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 66 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

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. Prerequisite: None 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)

    This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a 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. Prerequisite: None 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

  • *

    MAT221 - Calc for Bus & Soc Science ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A brief course in elementary differential and integral calculus. Primarily for students of business, economics and social science, with emphasis on applications. Prerequisite: MAT 121 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 OR Math 3 with a grade of C or higher. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 900-B Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/week

    OR

    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: A grade of C or better in MAT 121, College Algebra, AND MAT 122, Trigonometry OR appropriate placement (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 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 General Chemistry I or equivalent with a C or higher. 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)

      The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The 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. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 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 Bio 910 Biology major requirement. Prerequisite: BIO 105 with a grade of "C" or higher. 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 Prerequisite: None 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: a grade of C or better in MAT 081 or MAT 078 (or higher) OR concurrent enrollment in MAT 040 OR appropriate placement score (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 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 (CHE 105 and 106) and one year of general physics (PHY 201 and 202) are 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.
    • ****SOC 111 recommended for occupational therapy.