Knowing how to become an occupational therapist can help you begin a career in this rewarding and fulfilling healthcare profession.
There are tasks that many people perform throughout their daily lives that they take for granted. Something as simple as tying their own shoes or preparing a meal may seem mundane to most people, but to those faced with physical or cognitive disabilities, they can be strenuous tasks that they are unable to perform on their own. Occupational therapists, however, are specialized healthcare professionals who work specifically with those who need help living independent and successful lives, often filling some of the gaps within the current healthcare system.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the key responsibilities of an occupational therapist include:
Occupational therapists practice in a wide range of environments due to the fact that they often work directly with their patients in the places where they live, work and study. Occupational therapists primarily work in offices or hospitals, but they also meet with patients in their homes, at their schools, at their places of employment or in public settings where they take care of their daily business.
Before you can begin practicing as an occupational therapist, you will have to invest in your education. An occupational therapist will need both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree to work directly with patients.
While the occupational therapy field does not require students to pursue a bachelor's degree in a specific subject area, some degree programs are better for those who want to become an occupational therapist. The BLS notes that graduate degree programs for occupational therapy often favor candidates who have a bachelor's degree in biology or psychology.
A graduate degree is required to become licensed to practice as an occupational therapist. A master's degree in occupational therapy will take at least two years to complete, with coursework focusing on a variety of topics, such as neuroscience and anatomy. In addition to the required coursework, students in an occupational therapy master's degree program must complete clinical requirements before graduating.
Occupational therapists are required to be licensed and certified in all 50 states, and most occupational therapists apply for state licensure and national certification after earning their graduate degree in occupational therapy.
While some licensing requirements may vary based on the state, all states require occupational therapists to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, commonly known as the NBCOT exam. To take the exam, a candidate must have earned an accredited occupational therapy graduate degree program and have completed field experience.
Individual states regulate the practice of occupational therapy, requiring all occupational therapists to become licensed in the state where they intend to practice. State licensure is a separate process from passing the NBCOT exam.
Occupational therapists who want to advance their careers and specialize in a niche area of occupational therapy will find certification programs available. Knowing the various available specialty areas can help you explore your own interests within occupational therapy and determine the right path forward for your career.
Some of the advanced specializations within the field include:
To pursue a specialty area, you may need to become certified. Certification programs are available through the American Occupational Therapy Association.
The overall career outlook for occupational therapists is positive, with the BLS noting that changes in the existing workforce will heighten demand for qualified and experienced occupational therapy professionals.
The occupational therapy field is expected to grow by about 11 percent between 2023 and 2033, with more than 9,800 job opportunities expected each year over the course of the next decade.
While your earning potential will vary based on the position that you acquire, the BLS notes that the median annual salary for occupational therapists is about $96,000. The lowest 10 percent of occupational therapists earn about $62,000 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn about $129,000 per year.
Becoming an occupational therapist provides you with an opportunity to pursue a rewarding and lucrative healthcare career, one in which you can work closely with your patients and have a direct impact on their quality of life. It is the ideal career opportunity for passionate and empathetic individuals who enjoy working with people of all ages and abilities.
At Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), the Master of Occupational Therapy is designed for students passionate about patient-centered healthcare and who want to develop the advanced skills required to ensure that all people can achieve a high quality of life, regardless of the challenges that they are faced with. The curriculum prioritizes clinical skill development while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care in occupational therapy.
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