3 answers
Voc
Student
Landrum, South Carolina
42
Questions
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What classes should i take? What is your routine like? What is the best way to get into this career?
#occupational-therapy
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3 answers
Rachael Allert, COTA/L
Licensed& Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
2
Answers
Hanceville, Alabama
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
I am Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and I’m able to treat patients under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT). This is a great way to get started in an OT career. My university offered an Occupational Therapy Assistant Program that students can apply to after completing the prerequisites which included Anatomy &Physiology 1&2, Intro to Psych, Developmental Psych, Intro to Statistics, and a gerontology class. The OTA program included classes like Pathology (of conditions treated in OT), Theory & Practice specific to our profession, Healthcare Systems, Psychopathology, Pediatrics, and Therapeutic Media (using crafts in therapy). We also had labs to teach us about transferring patients, splinting, adaptive equipment, etc. it was challenging but very fun! We also completed 2 rounds of 8 week “fieldwork” rotations, where you are basically a student worker “learning the ropes.”
After fieldwork, you take a national board exam then get licensed in your state, and you are ready to work! From starting my prerequisites at a Community College to getting my first job, the process took about 2.5 years .
Another way to get into this profession is to get hired as an OT Aide. This is an entry level job that does not require a license and it would give you a chance to see if this is really what you want to do. You can also call a place that offers occupational therapy and ask if they have an OT or OTA who is willing to let you shadow them to see what their typical day is like.
Also, I agree with Kristine and Beth!
After fieldwork, you take a national board exam then get licensed in your state, and you are ready to work! From starting my prerequisites at a Community College to getting my first job, the process took about 2.5 years .
Another way to get into this profession is to get hired as an OT Aide. This is an entry level job that does not require a license and it would give you a chance to see if this is really what you want to do. You can also call a place that offers occupational therapy and ask if they have an OT or OTA who is willing to let you shadow them to see what their typical day is like.
Also, I agree with Kristine and Beth!
Beth Burgess PT, MS, GCS
Physical Therapist
56
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Beth’s Answer
I completely agree with Kristine’s answer. OT is a masters degree. Not every university offers OT and each has their own requirements. Look at which classes are needed in undergraduate at any school, then apply for OT school for your masters. Most people major in kinesiology or biology but as long as you do your prerequisites, you could major in anything - psychology or dance, whatever.
Occupational therapist assistant is another option. It is an associate degree (2 years). They do more hands on treatment and less paperwork. Their salary is not as high, but it is a satisfying job.
Rehabilitation jobs have gotten more flexible. Most hospitals and clinics are usually 8-5, but you could flex to 7-4, or 10-6. If you do home care you can set your own schedule. Some OT’s work in schools for school schedule and summers off.
To get into this career you just need to graduate and pass your licensing exam. There are lots of jobs out there. The trick is finding the setting and client type you like best. Volunteer or observe at several different settings to help you decide.
Explore AOTA.com for schools and information.
Volunteer or observe at various clinics, nursing homes, hospitals.
Occupational therapist assistant is another option. It is an associate degree (2 years). They do more hands on treatment and less paperwork. Their salary is not as high, but it is a satisfying job.
Rehabilitation jobs have gotten more flexible. Most hospitals and clinics are usually 8-5, but you could flex to 7-4, or 10-6. If you do home care you can set your own schedule. Some OT’s work in schools for school schedule and summers off.
To get into this career you just need to graduate and pass your licensing exam. There are lots of jobs out there. The trick is finding the setting and client type you like best. Volunteer or observe at several different settings to help you decide.
Beth recommends the following next steps:
Kristine Tarbell
Occupational Therapist
1
Answer
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Kristine’s Answer
If you live near a community college, I would start there. Go to the guidance counselor and see if they have a transfer agreement with a near by university for an Occupational Therapy (OT) program. If they don't, try and find the University you want to attend and follow their prerequisite requirement list (pick 2 or 3 Universities and see where their prerequisites overlap, as their may be some variation in requirements). Community college is the best kept secret in healthcare! Take as many requirements as needed to apply to the University you choose.
As far as a routine in the work place, that will vary depending on the setting, but you can count on hours between 8am-5pm for most positions.
Since this career path requires a lot of education, I would suggest you volunteer a few hours in the therapy department at a local nursing home or hospital. This will allow you to see if this career is a good fit for you.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your education.
As far as a routine in the work place, that will vary depending on the setting, but you can count on hours between 8am-5pm for most positions.
Since this career path requires a lot of education, I would suggest you volunteer a few hours in the therapy department at a local nursing home or hospital. This will allow you to see if this career is a good fit for you.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your education.