How To Become an Occupational Therapist: Steps, Jobs, & Salary Show
Become Team Updated July 28, 2022 6 Steps to Become an Occupational TherapistStep 1 Earn an associates degree. Occupational therapy careers require advanced degrees, but an occupational therapy assistant associate's degree is a practical starting point. These two-year programs prepare students to sit for the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) exam, a national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Students can gain knowledge and skills in subjects like biology; anatomy and physiology; mental and physical health theory and practice; pediatrics; and geriatrics. Programs typically include fieldwork, giving students hands-on occupational therapy assistant practice. Step 2 Take the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam. After completing their associate's degree program, graduates interested in becoming occupational therapy assistants can sit for the COTA exam. The COTA is a computer-based exam comprised of 200 multiple choice questions. Upon passing, examinees will receive an official NBCOT certificate and wallet card around 4-6 weeks after the exam is scored. Step 3 Gain experience in the occupational therapy field. Students who pass the COTA exam can seek occupational therapy assistant jobs to gain experience in the occupational therapy field. While it isn't necessary to work in the occupational therapy field as an assistant before applying to an occupational therapy degree program, having experience may increase the likelihood of getting into a master's program. Step 4 Advance your education. A master's degree is required to become an occupational therapist. Students can either earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, like biology or physiology, before advancing to a master's program, or they can apply for a combined bachelor's/master's program. In combined degree programs, students take undergraduate and graduate level courses in occupational therapy and can graduate with both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Master's degree programs combine theory and practice to give students a comprehensive knowledge of occupational therapy. Fieldwork is required and must be completed under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Master's degree programs in occupational therapy aim to prepare students to sit for the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam. Step 5 Pass the Occupational Therapy Registered (OTR) exam. A passing score on the OTR exam is required to become a licensed occupational therapist. Like the COTA exam, the OTR is computer-based. There are three clinical simulation problems and 170 multiple choice questions that are designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to make conclusions about client needs, get information about a client's occupational performance and the factors that play into it, choose appropriate therapies and manage and direct occupational therapy services. The exam application costs $515, or $555 for a paper application. Applicants need to submit either their school transcripts or their NBCOT Academic Credential Verification Form and undergo a character review. Once they pass the exam, prospective occupational therapists will receive an official certificate from the NBCOT and a wallet card. Step 6 Gain state licensure. Occupational therapists need to get licensed in the state in which they plan to practice. Licensure requirements vary between states, but they typically require an NBCOT score, academic transcripts and a background check. Licensing fees also vary and can range from around $50 to $240. There may be additional fees for things like fingerprinting and temporary licenses as well. To keep their licensure up to date, occupational therapists need to take continuing education units. They can also pursue doctoral degrees to become specialists and gain specialization certifications. Occupational Therapist Salary & Job GrowthKnowing that they are helping people lead more fulfilling, healthy lives is gratifying in itself, but occupational therapists can expect to make a good living, too. According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for occupational therapists is $83,200 as of May 2017. This is more than double the average wage for all occupations. Salary survey and comparison site, Payscale, estimates that experience in the field and residence can greatly affect earnings. While entry-level occupational therapists tend to earn a little less than the national average of $72,000, mid-career professional earn around 6 percent more than the national average. That number jumps to a 19 percent increase for late-career professionals. Earnings also vary depending on an where an occupational therapist practices. Prospective occupational therapists should check out state-specific wage information to get a more accurate picture of the field where they plan to work. Currently Employed: 1,200 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 28.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $81,390 Currently Employed: 1,200 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 28.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $81,390 Currently Employed: 270 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11.50% Amount: Mean wage annual: $82,810 Currently Employed: 1,800 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $86,530 Currently Employed: 1,090 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 31.20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $79,220 Currently Employed: 10,620 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 22.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $89,870 Currently Employed: 2,770 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 36.60% Amount: Mean wage annual: $88,290 Currently Employed: 1,990 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $90,760 Currently Employed: 460 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23% Amount: Mean wage annual: $84,450 Currently Employed: 6,600 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 29.50% Amount: Mean wage annual: $84,260 Currently Employed: 2,840 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 36.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $79,990 Currently Employed: 290 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 19.20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $80,580
Currently Employed: 430 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23.50% Amount: Mean wage annual: $82,820 Currently Employed: 5,210 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.70% Amount: Mean wage annual: $82,290 Currently Employed: 2,890 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 27.80% Amount: Mean wage annual: $79,490 Currently Employed: 1,010 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 28.60% Amount: Mean wage annual: $77,910 Currently Employed: 1,330 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15.80% Amount: Mean wage annual: $77,000 Currently Employed: 1,340 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 46.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $78,760 Currently Employed: 1,790 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.10% Amount: Mean wage annual: $84,020 Currently Employed: 1,000 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $68,300 Currently Employed: 3,300 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 31.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $85,620 Currently Employed: 5,130 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 18.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $87,380 Currently Employed: 4,780 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $80,110 Currently Employed: 2,820 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15.10% Amount: Mean wage annual: $73,680 Currently Employed: 960 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 24.20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $81,400 Currently Employed: 2,380 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 24% Amount: Mean wage annual: $77,460 Currently Employed: 340 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23.90% Amount: Mean wage annual: $77,070 Currently Employed: 890 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $75,780 Currently Employed: 730 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23.90% Amount: Mean wage annual: $103,280 Currently Employed: 1,060 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $81,010 Currently Employed: 5,240 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23% Amount: Mean wage annual: $94,100 Currently Employed: 690 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 27.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $81,310 Currently Employed: 9,080 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 22.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $87,260 Currently Employed: 3,330 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 26.20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $83,100 Currently Employed: 430 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 29.50% Amount: Mean wage annual: $67,930 Currently Employed: 4,670 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 26.70% Amount: Mean wage annual: $85,480 Currently Employed: 920 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.10% Amount: Mean wage annual: $83,150 Currently Employed: 1,260 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 24.60% Amount: Mean wage annual: $90,060 Currently Employed: 7,310 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.40% Amount: Mean wage annual: $79,860 Currently Employed: 380 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17.50% Amount: Mean wage annual: $77,570 Currently Employed: 1,280 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21.90% Amount: Mean wage annual: $78,610 Currently Employed: 410 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.90% Amount: Mean wage annual: $66,990 Currently Employed: 2,100 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 35% Amount: Mean wage annual: $82,940 Currently Employed: 10,170 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 33.70% Amount: Mean wage annual: $94,530 Currently Employed: 880 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 32.70% Amount: Mean wage annual: $83,650 Currently Employed: 290 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $77,650 Currently Employed: 3,000 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 28.70% Amount: Mean wage annual: $90,720 Currently Employed: 2,800 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 25.30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $80,590 Currently Employed: 610 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.50% Amount: Mean wage annual: $85,090 Currently Employed: 3,250 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11.60% Amount: Mean wage annual: $70,670 Currently Employed: 290 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 24.90% Amount: Mean wage annual: $80,380 Like the national median wage per year, the projected job growth for occupational therapy is considerably higher than the average for all occupations: a 24 percent increase is expected between 2016 and 2026. This growth is largely due to increased need for occupational therapists as the Baby Boomer population ages and requires more assistance. Jobs in various medical settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers, will likely provide many opportunities for occupational therapists. There is also consistent demand for treatment of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, especially the non-invasive, long-term outpatient treatments provided by occupational therapists. Working in schools with students on the autism spectrum may be a good option for occupational therapists as well. While demand for occupational therapists is expected to be high, it also depends on patients' ability to pay for services, either through insurance or out of pocket. Legislative developments and changes in the healthcare system can affect the job outlook for occupational therapists in the future. Finding an Occupational Therapist ProgramThere are many things students should consider when looking for an occupational therapy program. Students should always make sure their program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education , but beyond that, students can account for different variables, like cost, delivery method, program length and combined degree programs versus standalone ones, to tailor their school search. Search tools like the one below can help students narrow down their options and find an occupational therapy program that meets their needs. Occupational Therapist Associations & GroupsNetworking is an important part of being an occupational therapist. As a student, networking can help with landing internships, supervised fieldwork, job shadows and future career and education opportunities. For established professionals, networking helps occupational therapists meet others in the field, make job connections, learn about changes in the industry and best practices, promote their services, gain new skills and learn about classes and other opportunities. Organizations like the ones below can open experienced and prospective occupational therapists to a range of networking opportunities to help them thrive in the field.
Resources for Occupational TherapistsBecause they help all types of people improve their functionality in day-to-day activities, occupational therapists can benefit from having a large arsenal of tools and educational resources. Whether they are looking to brush up on developments in the industry or for apps and activities to use with clients, occupational therapists can get started on their search by browsing through these resources.
The American Occupational Therapy Association has various job search and prep tools to help occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants build resumes, prepare for interviews and find jobs in their area. Joining professional associations can help occupational therapists build their professional networks and learn more about the changing landscape of occupational therapy. Continuing education units (CEUs) are education credits professionals earn by periodically taking classes after they have become licensed. Each state specifies how many CEUs occupational therapists need to take before they can renew their license. Students earn CEUs by taking approved courses, which are often available online. AOTA offers continuing education courses for occupational therapists and offers a database of approved, non-AOTA continuing education providers. AOTA's guide to fieldwork is a comprehensive resource for prospective occupational therapists looking for specific information about their hands-on practice requirements. A master's degree is considered an entry-level degree for occupational therapists. This means that, at the master's level, students will get a generalist education. Students who want to specialize in certain areas of occupational therapy typically have to earn a doctorate or gain specialized certifications after working in the field for a while. Latest PostsLearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. View the most relevant programs for your interests and compare them by tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors important to you. How do you become an occupational therapist UK?You can do a degree in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council. Courses combine practical placements with academic study. You may be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you've got a degree in a related subject like: biological science.
How do I become an occupational therapist in Canada?To practice occupational therapy in Canada, you must complete an MSc(OT) entry-to-practice degree program and pass the national certification exam. You may also need to meet other specific criteria, depending on the province you choose to work in.
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How do you become an occupational therapist
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