<p>Hello! I have just finished my 3rd year as an occupational therapy student. My program is 5 years, in which I will graduate with a BS next year and a masters the following year. I have little to no interest in being an occupational therapist for long though. In fact, the thought has made me increasingly miserable. When I graduate can I go on to apply for immunology/virology programs? Or is my major too far off that I would most likely not get into these programs? Should I pick up another major? Any help is appreciated. I discussed this with my adviser and she gave me a dirty look, and said "If you don't want to be an OT, why are you here?" I know she was upset because I am taking a spot away from someone else you wanted it, but I figure I have come this far I might as well finish. She was no help.</p>
<p>Most immunology/virology PhD programs won’t care what your official major or program is, but they will require you to have at least a significant amount of the standard biomed coursework, which is pretty similar to a premed program. So biology classes (cell bio, genetics, molecular bio etc), but also several years of chemistry (at least through organic and preferably also biochem) and some physics and math. Find programs you’d be interested in, they will list requirements (or recommendations) and see if you have them.</p>
<p>And significant research experience is a must - it doesn’t have to be in immunology or virology, but something wetlab that would in general fit under biomed would be expected. At least a year. Without it, you likely won’t get it in anywhere worth going, and honestly, you shouldn’t, as you really have no basis to judge if grad school in those fields is something you want to be doing.</p>
<p>A year is too little. You need at least 2 years, and more ideally 3-5 years of experience. A lot of immunology PhD students spend 2 years in undergrad plus an additional 2 years afterwards as a research assistant/lab tech/research associate. </p>
<p>And yes, do consider the websites of the kinds of programs you are interested in. They will tell you what kinds of prerequisite classes you need.</p>
<p>Ignore your advisor. A lot of people start in one career and then change their mind, especially if they were 18 when they selected the career.</p>