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If your goal is to help others regain movement, restore independence, or overcome injury through physical or occupational therapy, the journey begins long before you graduate. At Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), the is built not just to teach you about biomechanics and human health, but to help you plan ahead, arrange clinical experience, and build a strong PT/OT profile from your very first semester.

 

Building the Foundation in Year One

At , your first year isn’t only about general credits. Rather, it’s where you set the tone with support from your team. That means enrolling in core science courses, including anatomy, physiology, statistics, and introductory movement science, meeting with an adviser early to align those courses, and planning a path for PT/OT prerequisites so you avoid late adjustments. Observation hours in clinics or community settings are valuable too, offering insight into how therapists work, how patients respond, and how communication in those spaces flows.

 

Deepening Skills Mid-Degree

As you enter your second and third years, plan for your coursework to expand to include biomechanics, exercise physiology, and movement analysis. At this stage, diversifying your observation experiences matters. Whether that’s school-based OT or PT settings, sports rehab, or facilities for older adults, you’ll want to see how different populations receive treatment and adapt to change. Additionally, mid-degree is a great time to reach out to graduates of ÌìÃÀÓ°Ôºin kinesiology, in order to get insight into their careers and gain helpful advice. These experiences sharpen your ability to observe movement, understand patient goals, and communicate what you see.

 

Pulling It All Together in the Final Stretch

In your fourth year, you’ll want every part of your plan working for your PT/OT applications: strong grades in advanced science courses, meaningful observation or internship hours, a network of alumni who know you and want to help, and compelling application materials. Let your statements of purpose tell how you’ve grown— being able to tell the story of why an anatomy lab project mattered or how an internship made you reevaluate what care should feel like is crucial to your career. This is also a great time to ask for recommendations from faculty or clinical supervisors who have seen your growth over time.

 

Why ÌìÃÀÓ°ÔºStands Out for Pre-PT/OT Students

is not generic, but purpose built for students who want to make a difference in the wellbeing of others. You’ll benefit from hands-on learning through labs and internships in clinics, schools, and hospitals, and the Health Professions concentration is explicitly designed to align with PT/OT prerequisites. Small class sizes mean faculty know you, and that you’ll get mentorship in both academic and professional settings. Plus, you’ll see early how data, measurement, and communication are woven into your learning.

The program also emphasizes understanding of diverse communities and cultural competence, mirroring the core values of the University as a whole. That matters when you work with patients from different backgrounds and life experiences.

From Day One to Your Next Step

If your passion is in the PT/OT field, from the moment you enroll in Kinesiology, start leaning on the ÌìÃÀÓ°Ôºteam to help map out your four-year plan, and keep in regular contact with your adviser to adjust as needed. Use the early years to solidify foundation, middle years to diversify experience, and final year to polish your story.

By graduation, you’ll arrive at PT/OT school not just meeting prerequisites, but walking in with a narrative of growth— your science background, your observation experiences, your communication skills— all ready to be part of what makes you a strong candidate.

Learn more about the on the program page.