Woman being assisted in lifting a dumbbell

Become an Occupational Therapist

SRU's PAFM program is an excellent choice to start your journey to becoming an OT

Physical Activity & Fitness Management: Pre-Occupational Therapy

Offered by: Physical and Health Education

Choose Physical Activity & Fitness Management (PAFM) if you're preparing for graduate study and a career as an occupational therapist.

Why Choose PAFM: Pre-Occupational Therapy?

The proposed Physical Activity & Fitness Management (PAFM): Pre-Occupational Therapy 3+3 program provides a path that will prepare students with an interest in teaching, leading, and managing physical activity for continued study to become an Occupational Therapist. PAFM/Pre-OT 3+3 students will become skilled in understanding the human body and how it responds and adapts to exercise and physical activity. Students will also understand the psychology of motivation and ways to help future patients reach their health-related goals. The PAFM concentration provides students with the knowledge base to work with people throughout their lifespan with an emphasis on physical activity and wellbeing. It then allows students to apply this knowledge.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

PAFM Pre-Occupational Therapy SRU 3+3: Earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy in six years rather than seven. In the first three years, you complete your PAFM major courses and pre-requisites for the SRU OTD program. At the end of your second year, you apply for admission into the SRU OTD program. If accepted, your first year in the SRU OTD program meets the remaining requirements for your undergraduate degree. If not accepted, you continue to complete your undergraduate degree and can reapply to the program. The accelerated option is for incoming freshmen only.

PAFM Pre-Occupational Therapy (SRU Traditional): Complete the requirements for your PAFM major and the pre-requisites for the SRU OTD program and apply to the SRU OTD program in your senior year.

Careers In Occupational Therapy

Upon completion of the Psychology undergraduate program and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program you will be well prepared to embark on your career as an Occupational Therapist, a growing profession with increasing demand.