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Student riding stationary bike in exercise classroom.

Health Sciences – Occupational Therapy

​​​​​​It’s not as simple as it seems: everyday mobility relies on complex internal systems that sometimes need expert assistance. At McDaniel, you can learn how to provide that therapeutic support as an occupational therapist.

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Degree Types
Major , Specialization
Institution
Complementary Programs
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Distinctive Requirements
Capstone
Document
Professional Development

Health Sciences majors can select a specialization in Occupational Therapy to prepare them for future graduate or professional pursuits. Students will learn the skills and gain hands-on experiences they need to excel in the field of occupational therapy. From physiology to psychology, McDaniel’s Occupational Therapy specialization has you covered.

Guidance for Graduate School

In the fall of 2024, McDaniel College announced plans to develop an Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. The developing program will be an opportunity for students interested in becoming occupational therapists to continue their education at McDaniel. The program is expected to launch in 2026. Admission details will be available soon.

McDaniel students have gone on to monay graduate and professional programs in allied health fields. Allied health advising can begin as early as the first semester on campus or whenever a student first decides to pursue a health-related career. Advisors work individually with students to build their McDaniel Plan.

Distinctive Courses

KIN 2215 - Adapted Physical Education

Organization of developmental, remedial, and atypical programs for people with disabilities with an emphasis on the special competencies needed to deliver quality physical education programs to special populations. Consideration is given to legal and administrative aspects of service delivery; assessment of individuals; program planning and IEP preparation; specialized instructional techniques and teaching strategies; and modification of activities, materials, equipment, and facilities. Extensive field work is required.

KIN 3309 - Practicum in Health

This course will provide practical experience (135 hours or more) in an allied health setting of interest to the student. Students will observe the routines of  practicing professionals to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the field. Students will have the  opportunity to develop skills, attitudes, and behaviors that will help them be successful in the future. 

KIN 3330 - Biomechanics

This course enables the student to develop an understanding of the basic mechanical principles that explain movement.   Upon completing the course students will be able to identify and understand the laws that govern rest and motion of the human body.   This preparation is useful for the student considering a career in medicine, physical and occupational therapy, athletic and personal training, coaching, safety engineering, and risk management.

BIO 2211 - Human Physiology

A study of the functions of the human organism: digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, nervous control, endocrine regulation, and muscle action.

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

OT Director Cathy Felmlee Shanholtz

McDaniel College announces plans to develop master's degree in Occupational Therapy

Cathy Felmlee Shanholtz joins McDaniel as the inaugural program director for the developing Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. The program, which has received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is expected to begin in summer 2026, pending approval by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Olivia Maenner standing next to a lab skeleton.

Student Spotlight Olivia Maenner, 2019 Kinesiology and Spanish

“My best class ever was Anatomy with Kinesiology professor David Petrie because this course reminded me of how much I love learning about anatomy and gave me a great foundation which I will take into Occupational Therapy graduate school.”