
If you’re passionate about pursuing a career as an occupational therapist, there are seven essential steps you must follow to achieve your goal. First, you’ll need to choose between becoming an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) or an occupational therapist (OT). OTs are required to hold a master’s degree in occupational therapy, while OTAs can practice with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in OTA. Many people start as OTAs and then pursue further education to become OTs.
To become an OT, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements of an occupational therapy program. This typically includes a high school diploma or GED and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Some programs may also require prerequisite courses.
Once accepted into a program, you’ll need to successfully complete the coursework. Online programs, such as St. Kate’s online OTA program, offer flexibility and hands-on experience at learning sites. Approximately 80% of the coursework is completed online, while the remaining 20% is done in person at learning sites. Fieldwork experiences are also included to provide real-world practical experience.
After completing the program, you’ll need to become a certified OTA and gain work experience. This involves sitting for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and applying for licensure in your state.
Once you’ve gained experience as an OTA, you can decide whether you want to pursue further education to become an OT. If so, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as occupational therapy or psychology. After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you can apply to an OT master’s or doctorate program. The choice between a master’s or doctorate program depends on your interests, career goals, and financial situation.
After completing your advanced degree program, you’ll need to gain licensure and pass another NCBOT exam to become a licensed occupational therapist. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to begin your career as an occupational therapist.
Becoming an occupational therapist offers personal fulfillment, career advancement opportunities, stability, flexibility, and a growing job market. The median salary for OTs in 2021 was $85,570. However, it’s important to consider the potential stress, physical and emotional demands, and the cost of education and training associated with the profession.
Key Takeaways:
- There are two options for becoming an occupational therapist: occupational therapy assistant (OTA) or occupational therapist (OT).
- OTs require a master’s degree, while OTAs can practice with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in OTA.
- Admission requirements for occupational therapy programs typically include a high school diploma or GED and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Completing an occupational therapy program involves coursework, online learning, in-person learning sites, and fieldwork experiences.
- After completing the program, becoming a certified OTA and gaining work experience is necessary.
Choosing Between OTA and OT
Before embarking on your journey to become an occupational therapist, it’s important to understand the differences between becoming an OTA or an OT. OTAs and OTs play distinct roles in the field of occupational therapy, and each path has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA): If you choose to become an OTA, you will need to obtain an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in OTA. This program typically takes around two years to complete. As an OTA, you will work under the supervision and guidance of an OT, helping patients implement treatment plans and develop essential skills for daily living. OTAs have a more hands-on role and often work directly with patients.
Occupational Therapist (OT): Becoming an OT requires more education and training. In addition to completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as occupational therapy or psychology, you will need to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Some individuals may choose to pursue a doctoral degree in occupational therapy to further their knowledge and expertise.
As an OT, you will have a broader scope of practice and more responsibilities. You will conduct evaluations, develop treatment plans, and provide interventions to help patients regain independence and improve their overall quality of life. OTs often work in settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing between OTA and OT. As an OTA, you can enter the workforce sooner with less education and financial investment. The program duration for an OTA is shorter, and the cost of education may be lower compared to pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree. Additionally, the demand for OTAs is growing, providing good job prospects.
On the other hand, if you aspire to have more autonomy, take on leadership roles, or conduct research in the field of occupational therapy, becoming an OT may be the right path for you. As an OT, you will have the opportunity to work with a wider range of patients, specialize in specific areas of practice, and potentially earn a higher salary.
OTA | OT |
---|---|
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree | Master’s or doctoral degree |
Less education and financial investment | More education and financial investment |
Working under the supervision of an OT | Greater autonomy and responsibility |
Shorter program duration | Longer program duration |
Lower potential salary | Potential for higher salary |
Ultimately, the choice between OTA and OT depends on your personal interests, career goals, and financial situation. Both paths offer rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whichever path you choose, remember that continuing education and professional development are crucial to stay current in the field and provide the best possible care to your patients.
Admission Requirements for Occupational Therapy Programs
To pursue a career as an occupational therapist, you must meet the admission requirements of an accredited occupational therapy program. These requirements serve as the foundation for gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective therapy to individuals in need.
The first step in the admission process is typically the completion of a high school diploma or GED. This educational milestone demonstrates your readiness for higher education and sets the stage for further academic pursuits in occupational therapy.
Additionally, most programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. This academic standard ensures that prospective students have a solid academic foundation to succeed in the rigorous coursework of an occupational therapy program.
Some programs may also require prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, and biology, to provide a solid scientific and psychological framework for understanding human behavior and movement. These courses are essential for building a strong foundation in the field of occupational therapy.
Admission Requirements | Details |
---|---|
High School Diploma or GED | Completion of a high school diploma or GED is required to demonstrate readiness for higher education. |
Minimum Cumulative GPA | A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is typically required to ensure academic preparedness. |
Prerequisite Courses | Some programs may require prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, and biology, to provide foundational knowledge in the field. |
Meeting these admission requirements is the first step towards embarking on a fulfilling career as an occupational therapist. It’s important to research and carefully review the specific requirements of each program you’re interested in to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.
Once you’ve met the admission requirements and gained acceptance into an occupational therapy program, you’ll be on your way to acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in the lives of others. The journey to becoming an occupational therapist requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges to lead fulfilling lives.
Completing Occupational Therapy Education and Certification
Once accepted into an occupational therapy program, you will embark on a journey of coursework, hands-on experiences, and certification to become a licensed OTA. Online programs, like St. Kate’s online OTA program, provide the flexibility to complete approximately 80% of the coursework online. The remaining 20% is done in person at learning sites, where you’ll gain practical experience and valuable skills.
Fieldwork experiences are an integral part of the program, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences provide hands-on learning opportunities and help you develop the necessary skills to become a competent OTA. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support individuals on their path to recovery and independence.
After successfully completing the program, you’ll need to obtain certification as an OTA. This involves sitting for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The NBCOT exam is a comprehensive assessment of your knowledge and skills in occupational therapy. Passing this exam demonstrates your competence in the field and your readiness to enter the profession.
Occupational Therapy Program | Hands-On Experience | Certification |
---|---|---|
Coursework completed online | Fieldwork experiences | Sit for NBCOT exam |
Learning sites for practical experience | Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams | Obtain OTA certification |
Once you’ve obtained OTA certification, you can start your career as a licensed occupational therapy assistant. This rewarding profession offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives by helping them regain independence and improve their overall well-being. As an OTA, you’ll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, implementing treatment plans, assisting with therapeutic activities, and providing support to clients.
As you gain experience and explore your interests, you may decide to advance your career and become an occupational therapist. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as occupational therapy or psychology. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can apply to an occupational therapy master’s or doctorate program. The choice between a master’s or doctorate program depends on your career goals, personal preferences, and financial considerations.
Becoming a licensed occupational therapist requires additional education, licensure, and passing another NCBOT exam. The advanced degree program will deepen your knowledge and expertise in occupational therapy, preparing you for the increased responsibilities and challenges of an OT. Once you’ve completed these final steps, you’ll be ready to embark on a fulfilling career as an occupational therapist, making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
If you’re ready to take your career as an occupational therapist to the next level, it’s time to explore the options of obtaining a higher degree and becoming a licensed OT. By pursuing an advanced degree in occupational therapy, you can open doors to new opportunities, increased earning potential, and a deeper understanding of the field.
To begin your journey towards becoming an OT, you’ll first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as occupational therapy or psychology. This foundational education will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a master’s or doctorate program. It’s important to research different schools and programs to find the one that best fits your interests, career goals, and financial situation.
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, you can then apply to an OT master’s or doctorate program. These programs will further enhance your understanding of occupational therapy theory and practice, and provide you with valuable hands-on experience through internships and clinical rotations. Depending on the program, you may have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of occupational therapy, such as pediatrics, mental health, or geriatrics.
After completing your advanced degree program, you’ll need to gain licensure and pass another National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a licensed occupational therapist. This process ensures that you have met the highest standards of competency and professionalism in the field. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be equipped with the necessary qualifications to pursue a fulfilling career as an occupational therapist.
If you’re passionate about helping others improve their lives and achieve their goals, pursuing a career as an occupational therapist can be incredibly rewarding. The field offers personal fulfillment, career advancement opportunities, stability, flexibility, and a growing job market. According to 2021 data, the median salary for OTs was $85,570, highlighting the financial benefits of this profession.
However, it’s important to consider the potential stress, physical and emotional demands, as well as the cost of education and training associated with the profession. Becoming an occupational therapist requires dedication and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
Overall, by taking the necessary steps to advance your career as an occupational therapist, you can make a positive impact in the lives of others while also achieving personal and professional fulfillment. Whether you choose to specialize in a particular area or work in a variety of settings, the field of occupational therapy offers a diverse range of opportunities to enhance the well-being and quality of life for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
FAQ
Q: Can I become an occupational therapist with an associate degree?
A: No, to become an occupational therapist (OT), you will need to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy. However, you can start as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in OTA and then pursue further education to become an OT.
Q: What are the admission requirements for an occupational therapy program?
A: The admission requirements for an occupational therapy program typically include a high school diploma or GED and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Some programs may also require prerequisite courses.
Q: How can I become a certified OTA?
A: To become a certified OTA, you need to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and apply for licensure in your state. Successfully passing the NBCOT exam and obtaining licensure will allow you to practice as a certified OTA.
Q: Can I advance from being an OTA to becoming an OT?
A: Yes, if you are an OTA and want to become an OT, you can pursue further education. First, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as occupational therapy or psychology. After that, you can apply to an OT master’s or doctorate program. This will allow you to become an occupational therapist.
Q: What is the median salary for occupational therapists?
A: The median salary for occupational therapists in 2021 was $85,570. However, it’s important to consider factors such as location, experience, and setting when determining salary potential.