Occupational therapists enable individuals of all ages to engage fully in daily life by addressing their work, recreation, and essential activities. Specializations include working with children, older individuals, and those facing challenges like strokes or Alzheimer's disease. The field includes new specialties such as ergonomics, low vision assistance, and accessibility improvements. Taking a holistic approach, occupational therapists adapt environments to fit individuals and play an integral role in the therapy team.
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Occupational Therapist
Choosing occupational therapy offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives across different age groups. Practitioners have the flexibility to transition between settings without additional certifications (such as between pediatrics and geriatrics), a notable advantage for those seeking diverse experiences. The profession is deeply rewarding, fostering creative problem-solving directly with individuals to enhance their well-being. However, challenges include a competitive job market, the financial investment required for a degree, and the possibility of a delay in securing preferred specialty positions due to the field's expansive nature.
Each OT school has its own specific prerequisite courses, so you will need to research the schools to which you plan to apply to ensure you fulfill their requirements. Individual schools may have additional requirements in areas such as English, physics, or biology. Many schools will also recommend taking additional courses in the humanities. Here are the most commonly required prerequisites for occupational therapy schools:
- Human Physiology with lab
- Human Anatomy with lab
- Sociology or Anthropology
- Statistics
- Medical Terminology
- General Biology with lab
- A few courses in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and/or human development
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for admission to many occupational therapy programs.
Most programs recommend spending time observing, working, or volunteering in the field of occupational therapy. The minimum number of shadowing hours is often around 40 hours, but requirements may vary based on school.
There are both MS and doctorate (OTD) programs for occupational therapy and you can apply to both through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). You will take the GRE at least six weeks before your last application is due, but preferably before OTCAS opens mid-July. Your application will take 3-4 weeks to get verified. Applications are due January of the following year, but you want to submit as early as possible, ideally in August or September.