Do you enjoy helping others? Are you patient, willing to work hands-on and interested in healthcare and science? Then you might want to consider majoring in occupational therapy! As an occupational therapist, you will help others complete every day tasks by assisting them with their physical, learning and other disabilities.
Education
A major in occupational therapy will eventually lead to a graduate or doctorate degree. Some schools will allow you to earn a higher degree in a shorter amount of time by concentrating your bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree all into one program. In high school, it is helpful to concentrate on science-related subjects, including physics, chemistry, health science, and biology as well as psychology. Taking AP credits or other college-equivalent courses will also help you lighten your load once you get to higher levels of education. In college, you should expect to take courses in clinical practice, clinical theory, OT theory, assistive technology and fieldwork.
What to know before you apply
Getting a graduate degree is essential to becoming a practicing occupational therapist, but it is often highly competitive to get into. Make sure you are proficient in math and science in order to keep up good grades and be vigilant about getting as much experience as possible in fieldwork and clinical practice. You also should be prepared to take a clinical exam at the end of your schooling which will determine whether or not you can practice full-time. The schools you apply to should offer the training to excel at this exam to ensure you can work upon receiving your degree.
Salary
According to BLS.gov, occupational therapists earned an average of $75,400 per year as of 2012.
For more information about a career in occupational therapy, take the course at NextStepAcademy.com
