Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Occupational Therapy/Therapist

Program Description

Just the Facts

Occupational Therapy/Therapist. A program that prepares individuals to assist patients limited by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and learning disabilities, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their independence and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, psychology, sociology, patient assessment and evaluation, standardized and non-standardized tests and measurements, assistive and rehabilitative technologies, ergonomics, environmental health, special education, vocational counseling, health education and promotion, and professional standards and ethics.

This program is available in these options:

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

Check out related careers


Related Programs

Often similar programs have different names. Be sure to explore all your options.

Additional Information

Occupational therapy programs focus on things like ergonomics and better workplace design. They also often focus on rehabilitating disabled individuals or retraining them to live well in spite of their disability.

Many institutions offer bachelor's and master's programs. However, starting in 2007, you'll need at least a master's degree.. There is a trend toward making all occupational therapy programs entry-level graduate programs.

Some occupational therapy programs are highly concentrated, allowing students to complete their coursework in just two years. Others require a full four years to complete a bachelor's degree.

A good occupational therapy program should include courses in theory as well as in the practice of occupational therapy, sciences (both social and physical) and lots of group work.

Karen Jacobs is a clinical associate professor in the department of occupational therapy at Boston University. She says OT courses include biology for health sciences, human anatomy, abnormal behavior in rehabilitation, clinical skills practicum, professional development and pathology, to name a few.

Student OTs in the U.S. must complete their coursework at a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the AOTA, complete their clinicals and receive a bachelor of science degree before they are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) test.

Once students have passed their boards, they are able to practice as an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). Once registered, each state has individual licensing requirements for OTs.

Jacobs says students should be prepared to work hard.

"The traits I find most successful in occupational therapy students are that they be resourceful self-starters, be adaptable and creative," says Jacobs. "These students have effective communication skills, both written and verbal, high ethical standards and an understanding of diversity and multiculturalism."

OTs work closely with clients from all walks of life, so the broader their knowledge base, the better.

Jacobs says working in a camp with children with special needs or volunteering at a homeless shelter or senior center would be good experience.

Books, lab coats and other equipment or materials can get very expensive. Often, fieldwork or clinicals cannot be completed nearby. Students may be required to foot the bill for food, lodging and transportation during these rotations.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy: Kids' Health
Kids need occupational therapists, too

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.