What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is the practice of using specific activities to treat and rehabilitate injured, ill, or disabled people. An Occupational Therapist is a licensed health care professional who creates and implements treatment plans for patients. In order to be an Occupational Therapist, one must have a Master’s Degree. Some schools offer a combined bachelor’s / master’s degree program, which usually results in a 5-6 year program. (Individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another area can still earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.)
Is Occupational Therapy a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you like to help others? Are you a “people person”? Are you patient and compassionate? Are you creative? Are you a strong communicator? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then a degree in Occupational Therapy might be for you!
High School Classes Needed for an Occupational Therapy Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 4 Math Credits
- 4 Lab Science Credits
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Psychology
- Visual Arts
- Music
- If your high school offers the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage!
- Student Government
- Athletics
- Band
- Chorus
Common Occupational Therapy Courses in College:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Biostatics
- Development Psychology
- Ergonomics
- Ethics
- Kinesiology
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Therapy Administration
- Physics
- Psychology
- Research Methods
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Most programs require extensive fieldwork and clinical experience.
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Anthropology: the study of human beings
- Biology: the study of living organisms
- Dental Hygiene: a course of study that prepares students to serve as dental hygienists (health care professionals who work with dentists to provide care of patients’ teeth and gums)
- Emergency Medical Technology: a course of study that prepares students to serve as emergency medical personnel (EMTs and EMS)
- Health Care Administration: a program that prepares students to manage the business aspects in the health care industry
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN): a course of study that prepares students to serve as nurses who assist registered nurses and doctors
- Nursing (RN): a course of study that prepares students to serve as registered nurses
- Occupational Therapy Assistant: a course of study that prepares students to provide OT services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
- Psychology: the study of the human mind and human behavior
- Physical Therapy: a program that prepares students to work as physical therapists or physical therapy assistants (health care professionals who work to rehabilitate people using exercise and specialized equipment)
Occupational Therapy Careers:
Once they have passed the necessary exams, most graduates go on to work as Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapists can work in private practices, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. Some Occupational Therapists go on to design ergonomically appropriate tools and furniture. Some go into businesses and help employees be healthier and more productive. An Occupational Therapy major will likely have many options.
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