How to Become an Occupational Therapist

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university

Can be in any desired field

Common choices include Psychology, Biology, and Exercise Science

MSOT or OTD degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution

Both are acceptable at this time for entry-level practitioners

OTD offers the ability to teach and work in administration

Shadow a licensed occupational therapist in at least 2-3 settings

Maintain good professionalism and build relationships

Take the GRE

Take the CASper Assessment if required by school

Work with a professor on any project they may be working on

Conduct your own research

This will help with graduate school applications and give experience for the research you are required to conduct as an OT student

Pass NBCOT exam upon graduation from a MSOT or OTD program

Obtain licensure for the state you desire to practice in

Complete continuing education requirements to keep license

Obtain certification in specialty areas you want to be trained in

Hand therapy

Hippotherapy

Neonatal therapy

Aquatic therapy

Sensory integration

Stroke rehabilitation

Low vision therapy

Kinesio taping

Industrial rehabilitation

Diabetes education

Brain injury rehabilitation

Autism therapy

Seating and mobility

Assistive technology

Complete Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs

Complete Physics I with lab or Kinesiology with lab (depending on school)

Complete Abnormal Psychology

Complete Developmental Psychology

Complete Medical Terminology (1-3 credits depending on school)

Complete a statistics course

Complete a course in advanced writing

Complete Biology I and II with labs (depending on school)

Complete General Psychology

Complete Sociology or Anthropology

Demonstrate evidence of working with people with special needs

Demonstrate evidence of advocating for occupational therapy in your community or campus

Demonstrate evidence of helping those in need

Volunteer in a food bank

Volunteer in a nursing home

Help the elderly with household duties

Outpatient

Inpatient Nursing Home

School System

Pediatrics

Skilled Nursing Facility

Acute Care

Home Health

Mental Health

Administration/Academia

Travel therapy

Teletherapy