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Preparation
 A master's degree
or higher in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into
the field. Entry-level programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) at an institution accredited by
recognized institutional accrediting agencies. A full list is available online. Postprofessional programs are not accredited by ACOTE
and admit students who already have an occupational therapist entry-level
degree.
Most schools have full-time programs, although a growing
number are offering weekend or part-time programs as well. Coursework in
occupational therapy programs include the physical, biological, and
behavioral sciences as well as the application of occupational therapy
theory and skills. Programs also require the completion of 6 months of
supervised fieldwork.
People considering this profession should take high school
courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and the social
sciences. College admissions offices also look favorably on paid or
volunteer experience in the health care field. Relevant undergraduate
majors include biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts,
and anatomy.
All States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia
regulate the practice of occupational therapy. To obtain a license,
applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a
national certification examination. Those who pass the exam are awarded the
title "Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)." Some states have
additional requirements for therapists who work in schools or early
intervention programs. These requirements may include education-related
classes, an education practice certificate, or early intervention
certification.
Occupational therapists are expected to continue their
professional development by participating in continuing education courses
and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as
a condition of maintaining licensure.
Therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles.
Because of rising health care costs, third-party payers are beginning to
encourage occupational therapist assistants and aides to take more hands-on
responsibility for clients. Occupational therapists can choose to advance
their careers by taking on administrative duties and supervising assistants
and aides.
Occupational therapists also can advance by specializing in
a clinical area and gaining expertise in treating a certain type of patient
or ailment. Therapists have specialized in gerontology, mental health,
pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation. In addition, some occupational
therapists choose to teach classes in accredited occupational therapy
educational programs.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
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