Editor: What To Know
- One of the first things you will need to do if you want to become an occupational therapist is obtain a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy or in a related field.
- One of the most important things that you can do as an occupational therapist is to be an advocate for your patients.
- In this article, we will explore some of the requirements to enter this profession, as well as what you can expect from a career in OT.
Occupational therapy is a career that many people are curious about. It’s a field that is constantly growing and changing, so it can be hard to know what it takes to become an occupational therapist. In this article, we will explore some of the requirements to enter this profession, as well as what you can expect from a career in OT.
Get the right educational program
One of the first things you will need to do if you want to become an occupational therapist is obtain a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy or in a related field. Taking the required or relevant college course is what it takes to become an occupational therapist. OTs help patients with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities to live as independently as possible. In order to work in this field, you need to have the right training.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to complete a professional program in occupational therapy. These programs are typically two years long, and they include both classroom learning and clinical experience. Once you have completed your professional program, you will need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. This is a certification exam that all occupational therapists must pass in order to practice.
Consider your career needs and preference
There are many different educational programs that can lead to a career as an occupational therapist. In order to be eligible for licensure, your program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). There are a number of schools that offer OT programs, both online and on campus.
When choosing an OT program, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences. Do you want to study online or in person? Do you want to specialize in a certain area, such as pediatric OT or mental health OT? Do you want a Master of Public Health postgraduate program? The last option is particularly useful for those who want to pursue a career in public health or make a change in their communities. There are many different programs to choose from, so find one that fits your needs and interests. Also, your specialization and preferences don’t have to be always pursued once you have worked on the field. You can choose to prioritize educational advancement first before working as an occupational therapist.
Get certified
One of the main things that is necessary in order to become an occupational therapist is to obtain certification. This is something that can be done by taking an accredited program and then passing an exam. There are different levels of certification, depending on your experience and area of expertise.
After becoming certified, you will be able to pursue a career as an occupational therapist. OTs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private clinics. As covered earlier, they may also choose to specialize in a particular area of practice, such as pediatric occupational therapy or mental health occupational therapy.
Maintain your certification
As with any other profession, it’s important to keep your certification up to date. This means completing continuing education requirements and staying informed about new developments in your field.
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is the governing body that oversees certification for occupational therapists. In order to maintain your certification, you must be a member of NBCOT and pay the annual renewal fee. You must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every three years.
In order to maintain your certification, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every three years. NBCOT offers a variety of continuing education options, including online courses, live webinars, and face-to-face seminars. You can also find continuing education opportunities through other organizations, such as professional associations and universities.
Be an advocate for your patients
One of the most important things that you can do as an occupational therapist is to be an advocate for your patients. OTs are advocates for their patients, working to ensure that they have the resources they need to live full and productive lives. As an OT, you’ll need to be vocal about the needs of your patients and work to get them the best care possible. This means standing up for them and fighting for the services and treatments that they need. It can be difficult to stand up for what you believe in, but it’s essential to do what’s best for your patients.
Stay up to date on the latest research
It’s also important to stay up to date on the latest research in the field of occupational therapy. This way, you can ensure that you are providing your patients with the best possible care. There is always new research being conducted, so it’s important to make sure that you are keeping up with the latest trends.
Network
Occupational therapists need a strong network of people to help them succeed. From colleagues to mentors, OTs need support to reach their goals. Another important thing to do as an occupational therapist is to network with other professionals. This can help you learn from their experiences and get new ideas. It can also help you build relationships that could be helpful down the road. Building relationships is essential in any field, and networking is what will help OTs thrive in their career.
Aside from having a great network, OTs also need to be passionate about their work. They should be excited to help others reach their goals and improve their quality of life. It’s important to have a positive attitude and be willing to put in the hard work necessary to become an occupational therapist.
If you have the drive and the passion, then networking is the key to your success. With the right connections, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So, start building relationships and networking today to become the best occupational therapist you can be.
The work of an OT is physically and emotionally demanding
This is one vital thing to consider before you pursue a career in occupational therapy. OTs work with people who have a wide range of physical and emotional needs. The job can be physically demanding, as OTs often need to lift and move patients. They may also need to work long hours, depending on their clients’ needs.
Emotionally, OTs deal with a lot of stress. They often see patients who are struggling, and it can be difficult to make progress with some cases. This can be emotionally draining, but it is also very rewarding when patients make progress.
If you’re looking for a career that is both physically and emotionally demanding, then occupational therapy may be the right choice for you. OTs help people regain their independence and improve their quality of life, which is a very rewarding experience.
These are just a few of the things that it takes to become an occupational therapist. It’s a challenging but rewarding profession, and it’s important to have the right skills and qualities if you want to be successful. If you are interested in helping people achieve their fullest potential, then a career as an occupational therapist may be right for you.
