Becoming an occupational therapist requires a Master’s degree and passing a board exam.
Occupational therapists are health care specialists who utilize work-related or task-specific exercises to assist individuals with physical, developmental, or psychological impairments re-learn or preserve the capabilities needed for self-sufficient and enjoyable lives.
These therapeutic care providers commonly collaborate with other health care professionals including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, speech therapists, physical therapists and social workers to design patient recovery plans.
Occupational Therapist Pay
Median annual wages of occupational therapists were $72,320 in 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between $55,090 and $81,290. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,920 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,520.
Occupational Therapist Employment Outlook
Occupational therapist employment is anticipated to increase considerably faster compared to the average. Job prospects should be excellent, particularly for occupational therapists working with the older populations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the need for both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants has increased by approximately 35 percent in the past decade and will continue to grow by 33 percent from 2010 to 2020.
Occupational Therapist Education
A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree is usually the minimum prerequisite for entrance into the profession. Additionally, occupational therapists are required to graduate from an academic program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (AOTA) to be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Graduate school admissions staff also like to see any work experience, volunteer or paid, in the medical field. Undergraduate majors recommended for pre-Occupational Therapy students include biology, exercise science and athletic training.
Occupational Therapist Licensure/Certification
Every state oversees the practice of occupational therapy. To acquire a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy Master’s degree program and pass the NBCOT exam. Individuals who pass the exam are granted the official title of Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). Qualification criteria for licensure varies by state and it’s recommended to contact your state’s licensing board for more information. Certain states have their own licensing exam which needs to be taken in addition to the NBCOT. Furthermore, some states have extra requirements for occupational therapists that want to work in schools or certain intervention programs. These supplementary requirements might include teaching courses, teaching certificates or intervention certifications.
Tips for becoming an Occupational Therapist
- Join a student organization or association that involves health care careers
- Volunteer in different occupational therapy facilities
- Shadow a licensed occupational therapist at his or her place of work
- Do an internship or work part time as an occupational therapist aide
