How Do I Become an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists play an integral role in any workplace. Not only do occupational therapists help people deal with the hardships of everyday work, but they also tend to more critical needs, such as handling the therapeutic needs of employees experiencing psychological, physical, or physiological hardships. If you love to help people and you think you would make a good occupational therapist, then you should consider taking up this career path. Here are some of the requirements to qualify as an occupational therapist.
Educational requirements
Because occupational therapists deal with such a wide variety of topics and problems, they must be well-educated, trained, and experienced. While you are in high school and college, it would help to take up courses on or relate to human development, biology, anatomy, psychology, anthropology, and sociology. Most occupational therapist professions will require you to complete post-secondary education in occupational therapy, psychology, or social work.
Gaining training and experience
One of the best ways to start gaining experience early is to volunteer or get employed for work under a licensed and practicing occupational therapist. You can do so by applying at senior citizens’ homes, children’s hospitals for those with special needs, or homeless shelters. This will give you training and experience in dealing with people, which is one of the central roles of occupational therapists.
Getting certified
To start practicing as an occupational therapist, you will first have to get certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). To be eligible to take the NBCOT, you need to have a bachelor’s of science degree in occupational training. Once certified, you will then be able to start practicing in any workplace from hospitals and clinics to major corporations. It’s important to pursue continuing education in your field to ensure that you are up to date with all of the latest developments in occupational therapy, science, and medicine.
Related links:
Occupational Therapy — Job openings for occupational therapists
Understanding the role of Occupational Therapy — Getting to know the role of occupational therapy
Senior Occupational Therapist — Job opening for senior occupational therapist
Occupational Therapist Job Description — What the job of occupational therapist entails
The Occupational Therapist — Occupational therapist opening for pediatric OT