What is the best major for occupational therapy?
7 Best Undergraduate Majors for Occupational TherapyPsychology. 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!
How many years of college does it take to be an occupational therapist?
In most cases, you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree (four years, unless you graduate early or pursue an accelerated program), and then you’ll be in occupational therapy school anywhere from two to three years.
What classes are required for occupational therapy assistant?
Typically an associate’s degree from an ACOTE accredited program is required to become an occupational therapy assistant. Such coursework as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, rehabilitation theory or gerontology maybe required. Students will be required to perform level I fieldwork.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapist UK?
Entry requirements To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full time or up to six years part time. In postgraduate studies, it’s possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years.
Is it hard to become an occupational therapist?
Getting into occupational therapy school is hard. But as someone who has experienced the stresses of applying to OT school, I can tell you: Master’s and Doctorate programs are very competitive. Cohorts typically have 20-40 students per program, and schools are getting literally 300-500+ applicants each cycle.
What skills does an occupational therapist need?
Key skills for occupational therapistsPatience.Determination.Enthusiasm.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.An interest in working closely with people.Good teamworking skills.Ability to find solutions to problems.
What are the job duties of an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapists treat disabled, ill or injured patients with special equipment and the therapeutic use of daily activities. They help patients improve, regain and develop the skills needed for day to day life and work. They may provide long-term patient care and acute patient care.
Which is better PT or OT?
Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are types of rehabilitative care. While they have similar goals and treat many of the same conditions, they also differ. PT focuses on restoring or improving movement, strength, and range of motion. OT aims to improve the motor skills you need to perform daily tasks.
What does an occupational therapist do on a daily basis?
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
What does a typical day look like for an occupational therapist?
OTs generally spend at least 45 minutes with each patient each day. They get to know their patients quite well and can have a deep feeling of satisfaction as they see a patient’s progress. While with patients, OTs teach self-care tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing and grooming.
What are the typical work hours for an occupational therapist?
Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
Is occupational therapy a dying profession?
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.
Is Occupational Therapy worth the debt?
The financial answer is yes but there is a significant price to pay. Job choice is the #1 financial factor that will impact how an OT can pay back their loans. If they are fortunate enough to work full time for a non-profit, it could save a ton of money and make the degree a no-brainer.
Are occupational therapists considered doctors?
An occupational therapist is not a medical doctor or physician. They are clinicians who may have a bachelor, master, or doctorate degree. An occupational therapist may have a clinical doctorate, but they are not a medical doctorate.
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.
Who makes more RN or OT?
RNs can work overtime and get time and 1/2 and make $100,000 if they work overtime a lot. OTs can also make more by working in contract positions on top of their regular job, or in private practice. It all depends. RNs have more upward mobility in the longrun as far as management positions.
What is the salary of a OT?
80,150 USD (2015)
Can I become an occupational therapist without a degree?
An accredited degree in Occupational Therapy is generally considered a prerequisite for this profession. However, entry without a degree is possible at assistant, technician, or support worker level, where you could then progress to become a fully qualified Occupational Therapist after further study and experience.
Is it easy to get a job as an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapists are versatile and can work in so many different settings, and the jobs are out there. However, as a new occupational therapy grad, you may have found that finding an OT job is harder than you thought. OTs are usually in high demand depending on the city’s job market.
How do I start my career in occupational therapy?
6 Steps to Becoming an Occupational TherapistStep 1 Earn an associates degree. Step 2 Take the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam. Step 3 Gain experience in the occupational therapy field. Step 4 Advance your education. Step 5 Pass the Occupational Therapy Registered (OTR) exam.