Additional Information
If you are still in high school, bulk up on science courses. Take math,
biology, chemistry, physics and English courses. And keep your grades high
-- competition is stiff to get into occupational therapy programs.
Learn as much as you can about this field before you commit to it, advises
Rhonda Wideman. She teaches in a university occupational therapy program.
"Visit a variety of facilities to observe different practice settings and
client populations. Visits to observe OT programs can generally be arranged
by speaking to an occupational therapist in a facility in your area," says
Wideman.
In order to work in occupational therapy, you will need a degree in occupational
therapy from an accredited university. Then you have to complete an internship
and pass certifying exams.
Some OTs may go on to specialize, either by gaining a master's degree or
increasing their level of experience. Occupational therapists can specialize
in working with different types of injuries or sicknesses, or with certain
age groups.