Occupational therapy is the expanding profession devoted to engaging clients in skilled, purposeful treatments, or as occupational therapists would say, interventions. These interventions are designed to improve the quality of a client's life or increase their capacity for a meaningful occupation. Occupational therapists believe in a holistic approach where the person, the task, and the environment are viewed as an interacting whole. Occupational therapy is client centered and customized, helping people of all ages regain, develop, or master skills in order to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Therapy engages clients in activities of daily life such as self-care skills, caring for others, education, work, and social interaction. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to live meaningful lives despite barriers or limitations in physical, social, or mental functioning.
Careers
There are two careers which require specific education & credentialing in occupational therapy.
The occupational therapist (OT) and the occupational therapy assistant (OTA). The Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) provides accreditation to all institutions which provide OT or OTA programs. Although there are many programs throughout the country, not all institutions offer occupational therapy. Look into a school which offers an OT or OTA program nearest you. In addition, there are a handful of schools offering a clinical doctor entry-level OT program.
Certification
Upon successful completion of an OT or OTA program, a student becomes eligible to sit for examination called the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Successful completion qualifies the student to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) or registered occupational therapist (OTR). in order to start a career one must start as a COTA or OTR however, not all OTs and OTAs keep their certification current.
Occupational Therapist
In the United States an entry level OT is required to have at least a masters level degree. A handful of programs even offer a doctorate for entry level OT. In order to apply to a Master of Science Occupational Therapy program you will need:
- A bachelors degree (although a few schools offer a joint bachelors/masters degree) - The bachelor's degree can be in any subject however; Beware! Entrance into an OT program is contingent upon the successful completion of prerequisite course work! A student should investigate which undergraduate degree plans best match occupational therapy prerequisites. Some schools offer undergraduate degrees which are specifically tailored to meet the undergraduate level course prerequisites for occupational therapy. Try investigating an undergraduate program in Community Health.
- GRE Scores - Most OT programs require a minimum combined math and verbal GRE score of 1000; some schools require a minimum combined math and verbal score of 1100.
- GPA of 3.0 - Most OT programs require a minimum GPA of 3.o
- Transcripts - All OT programs will require official transcripts which document satisfactory GPA and prerequisite coursework. Prerequisites will likely include the following:
1. courses in human anatomy & physiology w/Labs
2. abnormal psychology or psychopathology course
3. lifespan human development course
4. research course in health professions or behavioral research
5. musculoskeletal Anatomy course w/Lab
6. neuroanatomy/neurophysiology course
7. physics or qualified physical science course
8. general psychology course
9. statistics course
1o. sociology or anthropology course which focuses on multiculturalism
Credit requirements vary widely according to the specific degree program but all OT programs have ACOTE mandated fieldwork standards. Fieldwork has two components, level I and level II. Fieldwork takes place in a proffesional OT setting under the supervision of a qualified OT. Level I fieldwork is designed to enrich and complement class room learning; whereas Level II fieldwork serves as a bridge between the academics and real world practice. Level II fieldwork is designed to give student OTs proficiency in client-centered interventions and requires 24 weeks of supervised full time field experience.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
The OTA works under the direction of an occupational therapist providing services to patients. In order to become an occupational therapy assistant you will need an associate level (two year) degree. Degree programs require approximately 70 credits hours of college coursework and many require a minimum GPA of 2.5. Fieldwork (training in a professional OT setting) lasts 16 weeks and is an integral component of all OTA programs.
Other Qualifications and Skills
Occupational therapy is a caring profession. Occupational therapy professionals need patience as well as communication skills to inspire clients. Creativity and imagination are also necessary skills since therapy is tailored to the specific desires, goals and needs of each client. In addition, occupational therapists working in a home health setting need innovative coping skills to adapt to the wide array of challenges.
Career in Occupational Therapy: Job Outlook
While the U.S. economy struggles and unemployment rates remain high, the future for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants looks promising. The U.S. has a rapidly growing percentage of older citizens. As the population continues to grow and age, they will increasingly need occupational therapy. The U.S.Department of Labor shows a favorable forecast for occupational therapists. The median annual income for an occupational therapist in 2009 was approximately $65,000, but incomes vary widely by geographic location, experience, and specialty. Learn more regarding earnings potential for OTs . The future looks auspicious for a career as a OTA as well. The median income for an occupational therapy assistant in 2009 was approximately $45,000. Be mindful that earnings vary widely according to setting, experience and geographical location. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor Website to learn more about the job outlooks.
Occupational Therapy Organizations
The collective voice, educational guidelines, and direction of occupational therapy in the United States has always fallen under the umbrella of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This organization provides a wealth of information via its website for both the professional and student alike. The Organization offers discount memberships to students. Memberships can keep students informed about trends and concerns within the profession. In addition, the site provides access to current and previous issues of the American Journal of Occupation Therapy (AJOT) online. This is a valuable resource for peer-reviewed, evidence-based research in OT. The AOTA website and AJOT provide information and advertisements regarding employment and continuing education as well. You can join AOTA's OT Connections for free without joining the AOTA. OT Connections is an online community designed for OT professionals, students and consumers to interact, connect and share information related to occupational therapy. It includes blogs, galleries and forums. website does not require membership access.
Another organization important to professionals and students alike is the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT). WFOT is the collective voice for occupational therapists and occupational therapy around the world. This site offers information on advocacy, education and employment as well. There are also numerous local organizations throughout the country. For example, in Florida the OT association is Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA).
Specialization
In occupational therapy there are many areas of specialization with each requiring specific educational and experience levels.
Board Certification
AOTA offers board certifications to validate rigorous continuing competence and quality of service provided by occupational therapists. There are four areas of board certification and they are:
Board certification is open to occupational therapists who meet the following criteria:- 3,000 hours in the certification area as an OT in the last 5 years, of which 250 hours are service delivery
- Address 2 criteria of your choosing in each competency
- Complete 1 narrative reflection for each competence
- Self-assessment that includes reflection on status of previously established goals
- Develop a new professional development plan
Specialty Certification
Specialty Certification validates the experience, continuing competence and servive delivery of OT practioners. Specialty certification is open to both OTs and OTAs in the following areas:
- Driving and Community Mobility OT & OTA
- EnvironmentalModification OT & OTA
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing OT & OTA
- Low Vision OT & OTA
OT professionals must first meet the following standards
- 2000 hours in the specialty area as an OT or OTA in the last 5 years of which 300 hours are service delivery
- Address 2 criteria of your choosing in each competence
- Complete 1 narrative reflection for each competency
- Self-assessment that includes reflection on status of previously established goals
- Develop a new professional development
Check here for more information regarding board certification and specialization.
Beyond the AOTA there are many other certifications. A sample of a few are listed below to give you an idea of what is available.
Certified Hand Specialist
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is often an occupational therapist but may be a physical therapist who has at least five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in hand therapy. In addition, a CHT must pass a comprehensive test of advanced skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because it is based in theory and evidence–based practice, CHTs are required to demonstrate continued competency by recertifying every five years. Visit here for more information regarding competency requirements for this certification.
Sensory Integration (SI)
This site provides information for courses in Sensory Integration (SI) which lead to certification. Certification permits administering and interpreting the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) which are widely used in diagnosing sensory processing disorder as well as the degree of disorder. Sensory integration is often used with clients with the following conditions: autism, dyspraxia, mental retardation, ADHD and psychiatric disorders.
Neuro-DevelopmentalTreatment (NDT)
NDT is used primarily with children who have Cerebral Palsy and adults who have dysfunction due to stroke or traumatic brain injury. When people have problems with posture and movement which lead to limitations in functional activity, NDT focuses on the analysis and treatment of these sensorimotor impairments and limitations. There are separate courses required for adult and child NDT certification. Investigate NDT certification here.
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