Occupational Therapy BS/MS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapy uses everyday activities as the means of helping people to achieve independence. For the person with a physical disability, the first focus is on performing critical daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, bathing and eating. Once these skills are mastered the occupational therapy program is built around the skills needed to perform a person's daily responsibilities such as participating in education, caring for a home and family, or seeking and maintaining employment.
The goals for a client with mental illness are also based on the ability to function independently. In treating mental or emotional problems, the occupational therapy program often includes practice in managing time, working productively with others, and enjoying leisure.
What tasks would I be performing during a typical workday?
Depending on your employer or the setting in which you work, your occupational therapy career might include:
- aiding the growth and development of premature babies
- enhancing learning environments for physically or mentally challenged school children
- adapting home environments for people dealing with the effects of stroke, reduced vision, or dementia
- analyzing job task requirements for an injured worker
- analyzing tasks and equipment to prevent ergonomic injuries
- conducting research to measure the effectiveness of treatment activities.
Where do occupational therapy practitioners work?
Opportunities for change and variety characterize the outstanding range of career options in occupational therapy. You will be welcomed by employers such as public schools, rehabilitation hospitals, mental health centers, nursing home, physician practices, and home health agencies. As your career progresses, you will want to consider advancement opportunities in management, specialization, teaching, research, or private practice.
Top 10 Emerging Practice Areas to Watch in the New Millennium
- Ergonomics consulting
- Driver rehabilitation and training
- Design and accessibility consulting and home modification
- Low Vision Services
- Private practice community health services
- Technology and assistive device development and consulting
- Welfare-to-work services
- Health and wellness consulting
- Ticket to Work services
- Addressing the psychosocial needs of children and youth
Does occupational therapy offer opportunities for individuals of culturally diverse backgrounds?
The occupational therapy profession is actively seeking to expand the number of practitioners representing the many aspects of culturally diversity in our society.
How do I prepare for a career in occupational therapy?
To become and occupational therapist you can choose one of three routes: a bachelor's degree, a professional master's or a clinical doctoral degree program. Beginning in 2007, new occupational therapists will need a degree at the graduate level. All occupational therapy education programs include a period of supervised fieldwork experience.
To become an occupational therapy assistant, you must complete a two-year associate degree and a period of fieldwork.
What prerequisites will I need when applying to an occupational therapy program?
Schools typically require course work concentrating on the biological and behavioral sciences, including biology, psychology, and sociology. Most programs also require volunteer or paid work experience with persons with disabilities.
How do I know which program is the best or has a higher ranking?
Neither the AOTA nor ACOTE ranks programs. Accreditation of a program indicates that the program is in substantial compliance with the Standards. Various programs may exceed the minimum standards, but they are not acknowledged as such by AOTA.
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