How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Training and Education Jobs and Salaries
Occupational therapists must be licensed, requiring a masters degree in occupational therapy, six months of supervised fieldwork, and passing scores on national and State examinations. A master degree or higher in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into the field. In 2007, 124 master degree programs offered entry-level education, 66 programs offered a combined bachelors and masters degree, and five offered an entry-level doctoral degree.
Most schools have full-time programs, although a growing number are offering weekend or part-time programs as well. Coursework in occupational therapy programs include the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as the application of occupational therapy theory and skills. Programs also require the completion of six months of supervised fieldwork. People considering this profession should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and the social sciences.
College admissions offices also look favorably on paid or volunteer experience in the health care field. Relevant undergraduate majors include biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy. All States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of occupational therapy. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a national certification examination. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
Some States have additional requirements for therapists who work in schools or early intervention programs. These requirements may include education-related classes, an education practice certificate, or early intervention certification. Occupational therapists need patience and strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and respect in their clients. Patience is necessary because many clients may not show rapid improvement. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs are assets.
Those working in home health care services also must be able to adapt to a variety of settings. Occupational therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure. Therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles.
Because of rising health care costs, third-party payers are beginning to encourage occupational therapist assistants and aides to take more hands-on responsibility for clients. Occupational therapists can choose to advance their careers by taking on administrative duties and supervising assistants and aides. Occupational therapists also can advance by specializing in a clinical area and gaining expertise in treating a certain type of patient or ailment. Therapists have specialized in gerontology, mental health, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation. In addition, some occupational therapists choose to teach classes in accredited occupational therapy educational programs.