Occupational Therapist Life Videos:

Here’s a brief list of what Occupational Therapists do:

  • Patient Assessment: Conducting assessments to evaluate clients' physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional abilities related to activities of daily living (ADLs) and work tasks.

  • Goal Setting and Treatment Planning: Collaborating with clients to set personalized goals and develop individualized treatment plans to improve functional independence and quality of life.

  • Therapeutic Interventions: Providing interventions such as therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment training, and environmental modifications to facilitate independence in daily activities.

  • Functional Rehabilitation: Helping clients regain and improve skills needed for self-care, work, school, and leisure activities through therapeutic activities and interventions.

  • Adaptive Techniques: Teaching adaptive techniques and strategies to compensate for physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments and maximize clients' abilities to perform daily tasks.

  • Assistive Technology: Recommending and training clients in the use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and technologies to enhance independence and safety.

  • Sensory Integration: Addressing sensory processing difficulties and sensory integration challenges to improve clients' ability to participate in daily activities and environments.

  • Psychosocial Support: Providing emotional support, counseling, and coping strategies to clients and their families to promote mental well-being and adjustment to life changes.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

  1. Educational Preparation:

    • Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While specific majors are not always required, coursework in biology, psychology, sociology, anatomy, physiology, and human development can be beneficial.

    • Prerequisite Courses: Complete prerequisite courses required by Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs. These may include biology, psychology, sociology, anatomy, physiology, and statistics.

  2. Gain Observation and Volunteer Experience:

    • Clinical Experience: Obtain hands-on experience by shadowing or volunteering with occupational therapists in various healthcare or community settings. This experience helps you understand the role of an occupational therapist and gain insight into patient care.

  3. Apply to Occupational Therapy Programs:

    • Master’s or Doctoral Program: Apply to accredited Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs. MOT programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, while OTD programs are usually 3 years in length and include advanced coursework and clinical training.

    • Accreditation: Choose an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) to ensure the program meets national standards for occupational therapy education.

  4. Complete Clinical Fieldwork:

    • Clinical Experience: Participate in supervised clinical fieldwork as part of your occupational therapy program. Fieldwork placements provide hands-on training in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and community agencies.

  5. Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam:

    • Licensure Exam: After completing your occupational therapy program, pass the NBCOT exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The NBCOT exam assesses your knowledge and competency in occupational therapy practice.

    • State Licensure: Apply for licensure as an occupational therapist through your state licensing board. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include passing the NBCOT exam, completing supervised fieldwork hours, and meeting continuing education requirements.

  6. Specialization and Certification:

    • Specialization: Consider pursuing specialization in a specific area of occupational therapy, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, rehabilitation, hand therapy, or assistive technology. Specialization may require additional training, clinical experience, and certification exams.

    • Certification: Obtain specialty certification through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or other recognized bodies to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in your chosen area of practice.

      This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!