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Help Others by Becoming an Occupational Therapist

If you are interested in a job after college that is both financially and personally rewarding, you might want to consider studying to become an occupational therapist. As an occupational therapist, you would help patients with a number of conditions – developmental disabilities, memory loss, short-term motor difficulties, and many more. In summary, occupational therapy is a rehabilitative type of therapy that will help return a person to a state of well-being.

Education

To become an occupational therapist, you would first need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy followed by a post-graduate degree. Your bachelor’s degree will typically take four years, while your graduate degree will take an additional three. Students studying toward this degree will take classes in anatomy, developmental psychology, neurology, pathology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and the like. The program will also include a 6-month work term. At the end of your studies, you will need to pass national and state exams to be awarded the title of “Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).” There may be additional stipulations required if you wish to work in a school or an early intervention program.

During your career, you will be expected to continue your professional education by taking workshops and continuing ed classes. Oftentimes, states require continuing education for maintaining your license as an occupational therapist.

Jobs

Once you’ve earned your master’s degree, you will be able to work in a school, children’s hospital, rehabilitation facility, nursing home, private practice, mental health center, group home, or any one of many other facilities in which patients require a rehabilitation specialist.

Outlook

An increase in employment opportunities in this area is expected, particularly in the treatment of the elderly. Changing societal needs have increased the demand for occupational therapists, including increased accident survival, an increase in disability awareness, and an aging population.

To be an occupational therapist, you need to be able to motivate others, be creative and patient, and have strong interpersonal skills. If you feel as though this describes you, looking into occupational therapy as a future career may very well be just what you should do!