How to be an occupational therapist

How many years does it take to become an occupational therapist?

This pathway would generally take 5 to 5 ½ years (3 years for the undergraduate degree and 2 to 2 ½ years for the master’s program). There may be prerequisite subjects that you must complete in your undergraduate course to be eligible to apply for a master’s program to become an Occupational Therapist .

How do you become an OT?

5 basic steps to becoming an occupational therapist Step 1.) Earn a bachelor’s degree. Step 2.) Complete observation hours and (probably) the GRE. Step 3.) Decide between an MOT and DOT and get into a program. Step 4.) Pass the NBCOT. Step 5.) Obtain licensure in your state.

Is it worth being an occupational therapist?

Occupational Therapy is a very rewarding profession. Aside from the rewarding career , an OT can expect a stable career with prospects of earning about $84,000/year on average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the best major for occupational therapy?

7 Best Undergraduate Majors for Occupational Therapy Psychology . Psychology was my undergraduate major and the same major as approximately 50% of my OT school cohort (no joke). Kinesiology / Exercise Science . Kinesiology and exercise science are also great majors for occupational therapists. Education . Business. Biology . Sociology . Whatever you’re interested in!

Is it hard to get into OT school?

The answer is yes, it is hard to get into programs . The few exceptions are private schools which cost a lot more than a state university so there is less competition due to less people trying to get in. The question you should be asking yourself though, is, do I want to be an Occupational Therapist?

Is Occupational Therapy harder than nursing?

OT and PT school are definitely not easier than nursing . Different subject matter in some regards, but not an easy route, especially considering that OT /PT school are graduate level degrees and nursing is only a Bachelors. Graduate programs, as mentioned, are more strict regarding grades.

What skills do you need to be an occupational therapist?

Key skills for occupational therapists Patience . Determination . Enthusiasm . Excellent interpersonal and communication skills . An interest in working closely with people. Good teamworking skills . Ability to find solutions to problems.

What is the salary of a OT?

80,150 USD (2015)

How much does it cost to become an occupational therapist?

Becoming an occupational therapist is expensive. If you’re going for the OTR (Master’s or Doctorate) route, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 for your degree.

Where do OTs make the most money?

10 States Where Occupational Therapists Earn the Most Money Nevada average occupational therapist salary: $105,450. California average occupational therapist salary: $98,450. New Jersey average occupational therapist salary: $96,820. Arizona average occupational therapist salary: $95,180.

Is occupational therapy a dying career?

OTA is a dying field . There are NO jobs. If you love OT and have some flexibility about getting a job maybe go ahead. If you need to be able to support yourself or a family, I would look at other fields.

Who makes more a PT or OT?

Occupational Therapists focus on helping patients master the activities of daily living. Physical Therapists focus on helping patients recover range of motion and decrease pain after an injury or illness. The average salary for an OT is $83,200 per year. Th average salary for a PT is $86,850 per year.

Can you be an OT with a bachelor’s degree?

Bachelor’s Degrees for Occupational Therapy . There isn’t any particular undergraduate degree that you must earn before earning your MS in OT ; nearly any bachelor’s degree can suffice.

Is Occupational Therapy in demand?

As part of the health sector, OT is a profession in demand and likely to experience employment growth. Health care and social assistance is projected to have the strongest employment growth of any industry over the five years to May 2022.

Why do you want to become an occupational therapist?

I made the choice that I wanted to have numerous opportunities to help people regain wellness and continue with a healthy and purposeful life. Occupational therapy treats the whole person and engages him or her in work, self-care, and play so that the deficit or disability can be at the best level possible.