how long is the course for becoming an occupational therapist

What education do you need to become an occupational therapist?

You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including:

• BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
• relevant vocational qualifications
• science-based access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

What are the educational requirements for an occupational therapist?

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How to become an occupational therapist?

Set up your own private practice.

• Take business courses. You do not need a business degree, but having one wouldn't hurt, either. ...
• Find out about state and local regulations. Aside from needing to be licensed as an occupational therapist, you will also need to meet zoning regulations, building codes, and various health ...
• Determine your field of specialty. ...
• Get the word out. ...

How much schooling does an occupational therapist need?

Where Occupational Therapists Work

• a Bachelor of Science degree or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy obtained in Ontario; or
• an academic qualification considered equivalent by the College's Registration Committee; plus
• a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork (on-the-job training) or clinical practicum (observation and experience) as part of their education program.

How long occupational therapy takes?

If you are attending school full time, an OTD typically requires three years to complete, while an MOT may take only two years to complete. Both are entry-level degrees. Some schools, such as the University of St.

What education is required to be an occupational therapist?

Master's degreeOccupational Therapist / Entry level education

Is it hard becoming an occupational therapist?

Getting into occupational therapy school is HARD. But as someone who has experienced the stresses of applying to OT school, I can tell you: Both Master's and Doctorate programs are very competitive. Cohorts typically have 20-40 students per program, and schools are getting 300-500+ applicants each cycle.

How do I become an occupational therapist in Australia?

To become an Occupational Therapist in Australia, you must complete an approved degree in occupational therapy.Consider preparing for a career in occupational therapy by completing a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) (HLT43015).Complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.More items...

What is a occupational therapist salary?

80,150 USD (2015)Occupational Therapist / Median pay (annual)

Is occupational therapy a good career?

With the ability to help a vast range of people in various aspects of life, it's a career path with limitless opportunities. If you have the compassion and drive to pursue a career dedicated to giving people quality of life, you'll find a deep sense of fulfilment working in the field of occupational therapy.

What is the highest paid occupational therapist?

Overall Highest Paid Occupational Therapy Positions“Child Day Care Services” – $108,650.Management of Companies and Enterprises – $101,540.Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities – $93,870.Nursing and Skilled Nursing Facilities – $90,660.Home Health Services – $90,480.

What are the disadvantages of being an occupational therapist?

Few disadvantages are associated with being employed as an occupational therapist....Challenges of Being an Occupational TherapistThe Medical Field is Emotionally Stressful. ... Occupational Therapy is a Physically Demanding Job. ... Institutional Barriers May Prevent Desired Results. ... Long Work Hours Are Common.

Is becoming an OT worth it?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a very rewarding profession. They help people of all ages who would typically struggle to perform normal daily activities. It's challenging and impactful work that patients and their families greatly appreciate.

Is occupational therapy in demand in Australia?

The occupational therapist work force is growing at a fast rate and employment conditions are good, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Where can I study occupational therapy in Australia?

List of Top 5 Universities in Australia for Occupational Therapy:University of La Trobe. ... University of Sydney. ... Australian Catholic University (ACU) ... Curtin University. ... James Cook University (JCU)

What skills does an occupational therapist need?

Key skills for occupational therapistsPatience.Determination.Enthusiasm.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.An interest in working closely with people.Good teamworking skills.Ability to find solutions to problems.

How many years of college does it take to be an OT?

The therapist occupation needs students to earn their master’s degree before they can begin practicing. Master's/Doctorate degree programs for occu...

What to study to become an occupational therapist?

Depending on the university, the prerequisite courses will be different. In general, students need to have a graduate from a master’s program in OT...

What is the best major for occupational therapy?

Each university has its own set of prerequisite courses you need to complete to qualify for their program. Majors starting with psychology or scien...

Is it hard to become an occupational therapist?

OT is one of the more difficult careers to kick start, the high level of education certification (Master's/Doctorate) required to earn a decent liv...

How many years of schooling do you need to become an occupational therapist?

If students have completed an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, they can usually complete a one-year master's degree program at some colleges and universities.

What degree do you need to become an occupational therapist?

Some occupational therapists complete a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists interested in advanced clinical practice or becoming a manager or leader may choose to complete a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. Those who are interested in occupational therapy research can pursue a Ph.D.

What is the exam for occupational therapy?

The exam questions aim to evaluate a candidate's ability to make conclusions about a patient's needs, gather information about their occupational performance, choose the appropriate therapy and manage and direct occupational therapy services.

Do occupational therapists need continuing education?

Occupational therapists need to do continuing education units (CEUs) to keep their licensure. The CEUs are credits professionals earn by taking regular classes after becoming licensed. The CEU requirements for each state differ. Most CEUs can now be done online. AOTA offers CEUs and also maintains a database of approved continuing education providers.

Can occupational therapists become generalists?

Once occupational therapists become licensed, they can remain generalists. However, occupational therapists can also choose to continue their education to complete specialized training in driving and community mobility, school systems, low vision, feeding and eating and swallowing.

How much does an occupational therapist make?

According to the employment information provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median occupational therapist salary is approximately $84,950 annually, ...

What skills do occupational therapists need?

Learning on the job and coming up with activities on the spot related to a patient’s personality, physical settings, and the equipment available are important skills occupational therapists require. A lot of patience: Patients with different physical limitations may end up as your patients.

What does an occupational therapist do?

What Does the Occupational Therapist do? Occupational therapists can be considered as allied health professionals. They work together with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and many other health practitioners to provide holistic care for their patients.

What are the questions asked in occupational therapy?

We will cover answers to the following questions in detail: 1 What is occupational therapy? 2 What is an occupational therapist? 3 How to become an occupational therapist? 4 Do you have what it takes to start a career in occupational therapy? 5 Which university provides exceptional occupational therapy courses?

Why do occupational therapists use evidence based treatments?

They use evidence-based treatments to improve both the mental and physical health of the patient. Upon employment, occupational therapists use a true mind-body approach to help patients get back on their feet. There are many reasons to become an occupational therapist.

What do OTs need to know?

OTs need to make sure family members learn how to safely assist with bathing and toileting and demonstrate safe use of medical equipment. Students need to learn new and old safety procedures and be able to teach the patients family members how to put them into practice at their homes.

How much does it cost to get a NBCOT license?

Licensing fees also vary and an average cost of around $50 to $240 although there may be additional fees for fingerprinting and temporary licenses processes.

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

The degree takes 2-3 years to complete.

How long does an occupational therapy degree last?

OT master’s’ degree programs can last from two to three years.

What is the OTR exam?

Students need to pass all the coursework in their OT program to qualify for testing for certifications and licensing via the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam. Individual courses and requirements may vary by institution, but accredited programs follow the AOTA Model Curriculum mandates.

What is an OT designation?

Upon passage of the examination, OTs can use the designation: “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR). The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) maintains a listing of OT regulatory agencies and contact information for all states and territories.

What is an occupational therapist?

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are licensed professionals who treat injured, the chronically ill, and people with disabilities across all age groups. They evaluate the patient’s abilities and create treatment plans to provide pain relief and improve their living skills. To become an OT, students must complete the advanced courses ...

How long does it take to get an OT degree?

To complete the OT, students must undertake a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork.

How many units are required for OT?

Common prerequisites total 19-21 units, and OT programs require the completion of a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution. You’ll also have to report 30-100 voluntary observation hours completed during undergraduate work. Individual prerequisite courses include studies and labs in: Medical Terminology.

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

A long time! In most cases, you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree (four years, unless you graduate early or pursue an accelerated program), and then you’ll be in occupational therapy school anywhere from two to three years.

What is the first step in becoming an occupational therapist?

The first step of becoming an occupational therapist is completing necessary requirements to become accepted into OT school. That means earning both a high school degree and an undergraduate degree with the proper prerequisite coursework.

How much will occupational therapy jobs grow in 2026?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapy jobs are on the rise, with employment of OTs projected to grow 24% between 2016 and 2026. This rate is much faster than the average projected growth of professions in the US.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a form of rehabilitation that helps people with health challenges re-engage in meaningful daily activities. Occupational therapists (OTs) focus on education, functional training, and participation in everyday activities, rather than relying on pharmaceuticals or surgical interventions.

What do OTs need to know?

They should enjoy science (especially anatomy and kinesiology) and enjoy working with the general public. OTs need to be excellent listeners and problem-solvers, and also need to understand how to effectively teach others.

What are the factors that affect occupational therapy?

There are numerous factors that impact your salary as an OT. Years of experience, specialization, location of practice, and setting all affect your compensation.

What is the job of an OT?

Much of an OT’s job surrounds keeping patients and family members safe, which can be a challenge. From teaching family members how to safely assist with bathing and toileting, to demonstrating safe use of medical equipment—a huge focus in OT is teaching safety awareness.

Educational & Training Requirements

Both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree are required to become an occupational therapist. How long it takes to become an occupational therapist will be dependent upon a specific school’s program, but completion of both degree programs takes between 5-7 years.

Getting Licensed

Following completion of a Master’s program, the final step to becoming an occupational therapist is obtaining a license to practice.

About NAPA Center

At NAPA Center, we take an individualized approach to therapy because we understand that each child is unique with very specific needs. We embrace differences with an understanding that individualized programs work better. For this reason, no two therapeutic programs are alike.

Job Duties of an Occupational Therapist

As an occupational therapist, you will work with patients that have been injured, suffered an illness, been in an accident, or have become disabled. You will help them to perform physical activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s common for an occupational therapist to help patients through the full recovery from an illness or injury.

How To Become An Occupational Therapist in 6 Steps

The path to becoming an occupational therapist starts with good grades in high school. Scoring high on the ACT or SAT is also helpful. You want to get into a good college or university after high school.

Common Skills Needed to Become an Occupational Therapist

If you want to become a successful occupational therapist, you will need the following skills:

Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapists

According to Indeed.com, you can earn close to $82K per year as an occupational therapist. The salary you earn will depend on your location, level of experience, and employer, however. Top employers will likely pay well over $100K per year for good occupational therapists.

How many continuing education hours do occupational therapists need?

The number of continuing education units (CEUs) one needs varies from state to state. Alabama requires fifteen continuing education hours, while Iowa requires thirty.

How to become an OTA?

Step 1: Earn a Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree. Earning an associate’s degree is the first step toward becoming a successful occupational therapy assistant (OTA). There are about 175 accredited programs approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for an associate degree. You only need to earn an associate’s degree ...

How many continuing education hours are required for a driver's license in Alabama?

Alabama requires fifteen continuing education hours, while Iowa requires thirty. Colorado, Michigan, and the District of Columbia do not require continuing education. It’s also important to renew your license on time. Late renewals may result in a penalty fee or delayed renewal.

Does Colorado require occupational therapy assistants to register?

Also note that Colorado does not require occupational therapy assistants to register with the state at this time.

Do you need a doctorate to become an occupational therapist?

As of now, no states or territories require a doctoral degree to practice. Master’s programs typically include classroom work combined with field work. Field work is usually performed in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and clinics, under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist.

How long does an occupational therapy masters last?

Occupational therapy master's programs can last two to three years. Find a program that's approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association to ensure you can become a registered occupational therapist once your graduate.

What is the goal of occupational therapy?

The goal of an occupational therapist is to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, and in doing so, improve their livelihood. OTs can help patients fully recover from an injury or illness or help them adjust their movements to accommodate a better lifestyle.

How long does it take to get an occupational therapy masters?

Candidates should contact the program that they are interested in attending about specific requirements. Master’s programs usually take two to three years to complete.

What is occupational therapy?

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy “helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).”. Occupational therapists and counselors work with the mental and physical health challenges that people may face ...

How many units do you need to renew your occupational therapy license in California?

By contrast, in California, occupational therapists and counselors are licensed by the State of California Board of Occupational Therapy. In California, OTs must obtain 24 units during the renewal period to renew an occupational therapy and counseling license. To renew National Board certification, occupational therapists must earn 36 units ...

How many hours of continuing education do you need to complete in Oklahoma?

For Oklahoma, continuing education is due October 31 every even-numbered year and candidates must obtain 20 hours of approved continuing education or equivalent points every two years. Points are the equivalent of one hour of participation, and candidates can earn points through the following methods:

How many hours does AOTA require?

For Level I fieldwork, AOTA does not require a minimum number of hours. Each program sets its own requirements. However, for Level II fieldwork, the AOTA standards require a minimum of 24 weeks full-time for occupational therapy students.

How long does it take to get a masters degree?

Master’s programs usually take two to three years to complete. If the school that the candidate wishes to attend requires GREs or other graduate entrance exams, studying for and preparing for that exam can add a few weeks to a few months to a candidate’s school timeline.

What is the OTR certification?

If occupational therapists and counselors pass the NBCOT exam, they can use the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR). They must also take continuing education classes to maintain certification (see more about this in the section below).