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How can I become an Occupational Therapist?

Can I become an Occupational Therapist with a degree in rehabilitation science?

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Anna’s Answer

Hey Haelyn,

Your degree in Rehabilitation science is a great avenue for you to get into an OT program afterwards. I have seen a huge increase in demand for OT across the US working as a recruiter. You will have many opportunities for jobs. I would recommend the OT program you are interested in and do research to see what extra curricular hours you can bring to the table to show you have experience and skills.
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Godfrey’s Answer

Good concern
Occupational Therapy is one of the medical professionals in high demand.
One needs to have completed high school diploma,then one can proceed and do prerequisites units that makes one eligible to pursue Bachelor of science in occupational therapy which may take 3-4 years which includes both theories and practical assessment.
After completing aone may be required to undertake internship program before being registered and licensed as an occupational therapist that will allow one to practice.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Haelyn
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Susie’s Answer

Occupational Therapy is an exciting field! In the USA, you will need to complete an MS in OT or an OTD. Your undergraduate degree in Rehab Sciences most likely would prepare you very well, but you would have to check with the pre-requisites for the graduate programs you are interested in applying to. I am a pediatric PT, but my eldest child is in an OTD program at the moment, and had to knock out a year of pre-requisites prior to applying, even with a dual BS in Psych and Studio Art, with a neuroscience concentration. You will also need to complete observation hours in various OT settings for most schools. Letters of Recommendation, too.

For example, here is the list of pre-req coursework for the OTD program at RUSH, in Chicago:

"Courses* (with a letter grade of “C” or higher) completed before matriculation with the following content:
Human anatomy with lab (cadaver lab preferred) = total of 4 credit hours
Human physiology (lab preferred) = total of at least 3 credit hours
Statistics (including descriptive and inferential statistics)
Sociology or Anthropology
Human growth and development across the lifespan (from birth through old age and dying)
Abnormal Psychology
One Psychology course (in addition to Human Growth and Development and Abnormal Psychology)
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Traci’s Answer

Yes, an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation can open the door for entry into Master’s level OT degree. This was my route.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, I appreciate it! Haelyn
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Stephanie’s Answer

Here in the US a master’s or doctorate degree in occupational therapy is required to become an occupational therapist. A degree in rehabilitation can certainly get you there. I would also encourage you to look at dual degree programs where you do your undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same time which takes time off to get your degree. What I heard when looking at schools was schools are more likely to take you if you attended the same school as an undergraduate, which is something to consider when looking at schools.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Haelyn
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