How to Become Occupational Therapist

Does your passion lie in taking care of people with disabilities? Occupational therapy should be an area you can give consideration to. You will help those with temporary or permanent disabilities find a way back to living normally. It is a very involving job, but it comes with generous rewards. If this is a line of your interest, then knowing how to become occupational therapist should get you started.

Do you want to become an Occupational therapist? While there are many reasons to work in pediatric occupational therapy, it’s beneficial to work with all ages. This post is all about the path you should take to achieve your dream. It will tell you all the requirements from the start until you become a practitioner.

Get a Bachelor’s Degree in a Relevant Field

The first step to working in occupational therapy is earning a degree. The most obvious area is in occupational therapy, but you should not be tied down to that alone. You can pursue a degree in biology, sociology, liberal arts, health science, or kinesiology and find your way into OT. However, you should make sure to take on courses that will not only set you for an OT career but also will propel you through into a master’s program. The education qualification does not stop with a bachelor’s degree; you will need a master’s too.

Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree

A few years back, a bachelor’s degree was all you needed to become a licensed occupational therapist. The tide has changed, and every state except Colorado, now expects occupational therapists to hold a master’s degree in OT before being granted licensure. You have to get the degree and masters in an institution accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The two or three years of the master’s program will expand your experience and qualifications to work in hospitals, residential centers, private homes, and clinics.

Passing the NBCOT Exa

Every state, such as the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy, has different rules for the issuance of an OT license. However, they all follow almost the same criteria when accepting occupational therapists into the field. First, you will pay an application fee between 500 to 540 dollars. You will also provide your college transcripts and background check. You then book the exam in your state. When you do it, you either get a passing score or fail. If you fail, you will have to wait for 45 days for a retake.

It is not over once you get the passing score. You should keep up with the types of jobs in occupational therapy, and the relevant skills needed. You may have to take short courses to be abreast of new techniques and knowledge in OT. Once in a while, you will have to renew the license.

Conclusion

The global population is aging, and more people need specialized care. Occupational therapist duties involve helping patients with disabilities live the best life possible. If this is something you have wanted to do, the opportunities are very many. You now know how to become occupational therapist. Follow your dream because this is a career path that will take you places. Keep in mind that the steps to become an OT and an OTA are different.