How to Become an Occupational Therapist

So you're considering a career in occupational therapy. In order to know whether you are suitable for this job, you first need to know what occupational therapy is and what an occupational therapist does. An occupational therapist is someone who aids the physically and mentally disabled with their daily activities, and teaches them how to become independent. For instance, if someone is recovering from a life altering accident, an occupational therapist will help her/him overcome any limitations (say learning how to walk without support, cooking for oneself, taking a shower oneself, etc.), and help live a productive life without having to depend on others. Similarly, those who need aid with mental disabilities may be taught how to think for themselves, improve their memory, or take small decisions without support. All in all, the job description of an occupational therapist tells us that it is one that requires you to be empathetic (not sympathetic), compassionate, and patient in order to be successful at it. If you think you have it in you to carry out this job well, here's how to become an occupational therapist.

Requirements to Become an Occupational Therapist

Those wishing to pursue occupational therapy and occupational health as a career option need to start preparing as early as possible. Choosing subjects such as biology, psychology, anatomy, sociology, anthropology, and liberal arts as your college majors will help you with your course in occupational therapy. While traditionally the minimum educational requirement for an occupational therapist was a bachelor's degree, in today's day and time, to become an occupational therapist, you must complete a master's degree in occupational therapy from an educational institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), so as to qualify for the licensing exam. Further, the licensing exam requires you to complete a minimum time period of volunteer work as an occupational therapist.

Careers in occupational therapy are based on skill, so you just cannot rely on your degree to make you a good occupational therapist. Further, if you want to specialize in a particular field within occupational therapy, you should opt for appropriate volunteer work or internship. For instance, if you want to become a pediatric occupational therapist, apart from specializing in that field during your masters, working with children in the course of your training will help you advance further in the field. Occupational therapy for children is one of the many fields you can specialize in under the field of occupational therapy.

After your master's degree, you are required to sit for a national certification exam, passing which will make you a licensed occupational therapist. This is mandatory in all states, and the requirements to qualify for these exams may differ within each state. Learning about the requirements in your state is an important step towards becoming an occupational therapist. Once you are licensed, you may work with hospitals and rehabilitation centers as an occupational therapist.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Occupational Therapist?

Let's start with how many years of school it takes to become an occupational therapist. An undergraduate program in occupational therapy can last between 3-4 years. Further, a master's degree will take a minimum of 2 years. That makes the duration at school about 5-6 years. Thereafter, a minimum of six months of work experience is required for you to qualify for the certification exam. As such, becoming an occupational therapist can take anywhere from 7-8 years.

Becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant

An occupational therapist assistant is someone who assists an occupational therapist to perform her/his duties. While the work environment and duration of work of an occupational therapist assistant is similar to that of an occupational therapist, there is a difference in terms of the education required. A certified occupational therapist assistant (COTA) requires to complete an associate degree or a certificate program from an accredited school. These professionals are also required to pass a national certification exam in order to practice in this field. The salary of an occupational therapy assistant ranges anywhere between US $31,000 - US $44,000 per year as salary. This range will increase with advanced education and experience.

Salary of an Occupational Therapist

The salary of an occupational therapist ranges anywhere between US $56,000 - US $63,000. Here too, the salary depends on your education, experience, and the state you practice in. Continuing education in the field will increase your job responsibilities and salary prospects significantly.

Occupational therapy is one of those medical jobs that you can take up without having to go through the rigorous training to become a doctor or a nurse. Further, the job prospects within the field are bound to increase over the years. Becoming an occupational therapist then, is a great choice, and if you think you have the mental make up, skills and abilities this field requires, go for it and make the most of this career field.