Your 4 Step Guide to Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy is a rewarding profession that allows you to make a significant impact on people’s lives. If you’re considering this career path, here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming an occupational therapist.
Step 1: Education
The first step in your journey is to obtain a solid educational foundation. This typically involves earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and completing the prerequisites for a graduate program in occupational therapy.
Bachelor’s Degree
Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, health science, or psychology. This will provide you with a solid foundation in the sciences and humanities, which are crucial for understanding human behavior and physiology. According to Zippia, 55% of occupational therapists have only a bachelor’s degree, and 42% continue to higher degrees. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete the prerequisites for a graduate program in occupational therapy. These typically include courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics. Be sure to check the specific prerequisites of the graduate programs you’re interested in, as they can vary.
Step 2: Graduate Program
Once you’ve completed your undergraduate education and prerequisites, it’s time to enroll in a graduate program in occupational therapy.
Choosing a Program
Choose a master’s or doctoral program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). These programs typically take two to three years to complete. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, there are 199 doctoral programs and 168 master’s programs accredited by ACOTE. Some of the schools that offer these programs include Boston University, University of Southern California, and Washington University in St. Louis.
Fieldwork Experience
Most occupational therapy programs require students to complete fieldwork placements. This hands-on experience allows you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.
Step 3: Certification
After completing your graduate program, you’ll need to become certified. This involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in occupational therapy and is a requirement for licensure in most states.
Here are some key points about the NBCOT exam:
Exam Content: The NBCOT exam covers a wide range of topics that are important for occupational therapy practice. It’s crucial to know what is covered on the exam before you start to study.
Exam Format: The NBCOT OTR exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions answered over four hours.
Scoring: NBCOT exams are scored on specific days. You must take the exam a minimum of three days before the score date when you wish to receive your results.
Certification: Individuals who earn and maintain the OTR and COTA certifications from NBCOT are held to the highest standards for professional competence, public safety, ethical conduct standards, and recertification requirements for continued competence.
Preparation: NBCOT provides a variety of study tools to help candidates prepare for the exam.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the NBCOT Exam Handbook provided on the NBCOT website. It provides all the details about getting certified and taking the exam.
Step 4: Licensure and Continuing Education
The final step in your journey is to obtain state licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements. Each state has its own requirements for occupational therapy licensure. Generally, this involves passing the NBCOT exam and submitting an application to the state’s occupational therapy board.
Continuing Education
Once you’re a licensed occupational therapist, you’ll need to keep up with continuing education requirements to maintain your licensure. This ensures that you stay current with the latest developments in the field.
Becoming an occupational therapist is a rewarding journey that requires dedication and hard work. But the reward is a fulfilling career that allows you to make a significant impact on people’s lives. If you’re compassionate, interested in wellness and fitness, and want to help others live their best lives, a career in occupational therapy could be a great fit for you