Occupational Therapy Schools

US News has ranked occupational therapy among the best careers in terms of salary, quality of life, and stability every year from 2006 to 2011. Occupational therapists (OTs) help clients who are mentally, physically, or developmentally impaired improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. OTs might teach recall methods to a person with short-term memory loss, or train a quadriplegic to use an eating aid. If this career path interests you, read on to find out more about occupational therapy’s diverse opportunities, education requirements, and growing job market.

WHAT DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS DO?

Outlining the daily duties of an OT is difficult because patients, treatments, and treatment facilities are so diverse.

OTs might treat clients with congenital disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Or, they might work with clients whose ability to function has been impaired, such as the elderly, those with spinal cord injuries, or stroke victims. Depending on clients’ needs, an OT will help them learn to dress, cook, and use a computer, among other daily tasks. They also instruct clients in the use of adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs and orthoses. An OT can assign exercises to improve strength, dexterity, visual acuity, or hand-eye coordination. In some cases, an OT will even design special adaptive equipment to suit their client’s needs.

OTs do not just help those with physical impairments, though. On the mental health side of things, OTs lead clients through activities that help them engage in daily life. OTs might teach time management and budgeting skills, or practical things like the use of public transportation. Sometimes OTs use computer programs as teaching aids for decision-making skills or problem-solving. OTs might work with drug addicts, alcoholics, and those with eating disorders as well.

OTs can also work with children, frequently as part of a school’s staff. These professionals identify children with developmental issues, and work with them on adaptive techniques. In addition, they may lead small groups in the classroom or consult with a student’s teacher. Some OTs even intervene with children as young as toddlers or infants who are at risk for developmental delays.

Specialization - Because the scope of occupational therapy is large, many OTs decide to specialize in a particular disability or age group, for example working with school-age children or mental health patients. OTs can also specialize in gerontology, hand therapy, vision rehabilitation, or driver rehabilitation, as well as other areas.

Work Environments - Work environments for OTs range from schools and hospitals to nursing care centers and the clients’ homes. Some work in medical offices. Most OTs spend a lot of time on their feet demonstrating techniques.

HOW DO I BECOME AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST?

Occupational Therapist Registered - To become a licensed practicing occupational therapist, you must earn a master’s degree or higher in occupational therapy from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) accredited institution, and pass the national certifying exam. This will earn you the title Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) in most states.

However, some states have their own requirements on top of this such as a state exam or additional certification requirements for those working in schools and early intervention programs. Check your state requirements for specifics.

There are over 150 accredited master’s or combined bachelor’s/master’s programs and four accredited doctorate programs in the country, all of which require 24 weeks of field work as part of the curriculum.

Occupational Therapist Assistant - Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) must also attend an ACOTE accredited institution and sit for the national certifying exam for assistants; however, they only need to obtain a two-year associate degree.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A PROGRAM?

Accreditation - If your goal is to become an OTR or OTA, you should only consider ACOTE accredited programs, because graduation from an unaccredited institution does not qualify you to sit for the national certifying exam. Find complete lists of accredited programs here:

Classroom Time Required - The vast majority of accredited OT programs are full-time, but a growing number are weekend, part-time, or online. Consider how much time you will be able to commit.

Admission Criteria - Most OT programs require psychology courses as a prerequisite, but beyond this, the requirements for academic credits and volunteer hours vary. Some programs require hundreds of hours of volunteer service, while some require none. You must either apply to programs for which you already meet the criteria, or spend time building up your experience in order to qualify for the program of your choice. Many applicants spend time finishing prerequisites at a local college before applying to OT programs.

Cost - The cheapest options for OT programs are public schools in your home state and online programs. In-state public school programs cost $10,000 to $15,000 per semester, while private programs can be upwards of $20,000 per semester. Online programs are less.

Location - Though the rule isn’t hard and fast, many people end up completing their field work nearby their school and developing that connection into a job. Consequently, you may want to consider going to school in the area where you most want to work.

WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS?

Growing Job Market - The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 26 percent increase in OT jobs between 2008 and 2018 due to an aging population and health advancements that have increased the survival rate of those with disabilities.

Salary - The median salary for OTs was $66,780 in May 2008. This varies depending on work environment - OT salaries range from under $40,000 to more than $100,000, with those working in home health care earning the most.

Career Advancement - There are opportunities for OTs to advance in their careers, usually by taking on supervisory roles or administrative roles in hospitals and rehab centers. OTs can also increase their pay scale by specializing in a clinical area. Some OTs move on to teach classes in accredited training programs.

WHAT DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS SAY ABOUT THEIR JOB?

Most OTs appreciate the stability of their job. There are plenty of jobs available, the pay is good, the hours are flexible, and many positions are fairly independent, with no boss looking over your shoulder. Much of the time, OTs work out in the field with clients and are able to set their own schedules.

OTs must be passionate and persistent in their optimism, or they may find this career frustrating. Some clients will take a long time to improve, and some may not improve at all. Depending on the client’s attitude, the work can be very stressful as well. OTs must put all judgment aside and patiently help their clients to live the best lives possible.

With the right outlook, occupational therapy can be one of the most rewarding careers out there. OTs improve their clients’ lives in tangible ways.