 Preparation
A master's degree or
higher in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into
the field. Entry-level programs must be accredited by the
Accreditation
Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) at an institution
accredited by recognized institutional accrediting agencies. A full list
is available online.
Postprofessional programs are not accredited by ACOTE and admit students
who already have an occupational therapist entry-level 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 6 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 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.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
