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Degrees and Schools
A master's degree in occupational therapy is required for employment as an Occupational Therapist. Programs available include a number of combined bachelor's/master's programs, numerous master's programs and a hand-full of doctoral programs. There are also now a small number of programs that are designed for students who will continue working while attending school. Programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in order for students to be eligible for licensing in most states.
Coursework
Below is a sampling of the type of courses a student may take in an occupational therapy program:
- foundations of occupational science and therapy
- functional anatomy and kinesiology
- neuroscience
- orthotics and prosthetics
- effective documentation in OT practice
- clinical reasoning and professional judgment
- perceptual and cognitive disabilities
- assistive technologies
- OT analysis and intervention
- fieldwork
Online Classes and Programs
There are currently no accredited occupational therapy degree programs that are completely online although a number of programs offer some coursework via distance-learning methods. Some programs offer as much as 70 percent of coursework online. However, advanced education programs for practicing Occupational Therapists are available completely online.
Employment Requirements
Occupational Therapists must be licensed in most states and Washington DC and must be registered or certified in the remaining states. All states require Occupational Therapists have graduated from an occupational therapist program that is accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Licensing often requires individuals pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Those hiring Occupational Therapists also require candidates have CPR certification, good physical health, a driver's license and dependable transportation when the job involves travel. Some states have additional requirements for those who will work in schools or in early intervention programs.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
When selecting an occupational therapy program, the below questions should be considered:
- Certification Exam Pass Rate - What is the first-time pass rate on the national certification exam or state licensing exam?
- State Requirements - Does the program meet all the licensing requirements of the state where the student plans to become licensed?
- Working Students - Is the program designed for working students? Can any courses be taken online? Can courses be taken during weekends and evenings?
- Location - Is the school location convenient? Will the student need to relocate? If a daily commute is unreasonable, are there courses that can be taken online?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)?
Occupational Therapists Job Description
Occupational Therapists help people become more independent and productive through therapy which helps them develop, recover or maintain skills needed for daily life or work. Therapy and accommodations may be provided to help patients with both physical and mental tasks that can include activities such as getting dressed, remembering to take medication or driving. They may help people who have developmental disabilities or disabilities resulting from health problems or aging. Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings including schools, assisted living residences, nursing homes, hospitals and patients' homes or workplaces.
Example Occupational Therapy Program
Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.
Occupational therapy assistants must have a passion for helping people, and the student featured here in this video is no exception. Produced by Penn College, a part of the Penn State University system.
Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist will vary between jobs and may include some of those listed below:
- evaluate patients
- evaluate patient's home or work environment
- teach specific skills to patient
- teach patient to use adaptive equipment
- supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants
- identify other services needed
- collaborate with other health care providers
- maintain patient records
Resources
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy - The NBCOT provides occupational therapy certification for individuals who have completed an accredited program. Passing the NBCOT exam is required for certification and by many state licensing boards.
The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc - The AOTA represents the interests of Occupational Therapy professionals and students and provides advocacy, education, resources and standards. Occupational Therapy programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which is part of this organization.
National Rehabilitation Information Center - NARIC is an online resource for rehabilitation oriented information which is accessible through a searchable database and online publications.
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation - The AOTF's mission is to advance Occupational Therapy research, education, and leadership and to raise the public's awareness of the importance of this field in helping individuals live more fullfilling lives.
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