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Online Education Guide

Guide to College Majors in Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is "skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives." Occupational therapy provides people with the life skills they need to live as independently as possible.

Occupational therapists, assistants, and aides are the professionals that assist and instruct patients as they undergo occupational therapy. They use a wide variety of tools, equipment, and activities to teach the skills patients need to become more independent. The occupational therapist is usually responsible for creating a treatment plan for each patient, and the occupational therapist assistants and aides assist in carrying out this plan.

Occupational therapy is available for people in all age groups with a variety of needs. A child with a developmental delay may undergo occupational therapy to assist him or her with activities that will strengthen his or her physical and mental development. A woman who suffers a stroke may require occupational therapy to help her improve hand-eye coordination, or to regain balance. The family of a man with Alzheimer's disease may meet with an occupational therapist to learn how to help him participate as fully as possible in family activities.

Occupational therapy occurs in a variety of settings. Occupational therapy most often takes place in hospitals, where the staff works with people of many age groups and of differing abilities. Occupational therapy also occurs in mental health facilities, nursing homes, and home health care organizations.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants are required to be licensed. As part of this licensure, occupational therapist assistants are required to hold an associate's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. Occupational therapists must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, though in 2007 this requirement will change to a Master's degree. Occupational therapist aides are usually required to have only a high school diploma, though some postsecondary coursework can increase their job possibilities.

The outlook for careers in the field of occupational therapy is favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and occupational therapist aides can expect job growth to be faster than average. The elderly population is most often in need of occupational therapy services, so as the aging population grows, so will jobs in occupational therapy. In particular, occupational therapist assistants and aides may see an increase in job opportunities as occupational therapists delegate more duties to them.

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Career Education in Occupational Therapy

Undergraduate and Graduate degree and certificate programs

Occupational therapy degrees are available for students interested in a career in occupational therapy and for occupational therapists seeking to further their education. Entry-level careers can often be attained with an associate's degree while advanced positions are available to students earning a bachelor's degree or higher.

An associate's degree in occupational therapy qualifies the student for an entry-level career as an occupational therapist assistant. This degree requires general education courses such as English and mathematics, as well as courses designed to prepare the student for a career in occupational therapy. Students are usually required to complete an internship or a certain amount of fieldwork in order to graduate from the degree program.

Students applying for admission to an associate's degree program should already hold a high school diploma. Associate's degrees typically take two years to complete and are offered at technical and community colleges. Graduates of an associate's degree program in occupational therapy are usually prepared to take the national exam required to earn a license as an occupational therapist assistant.

Currently, a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy is sufficient education for obtaining a license and a subsequent career as an occupational therapist. In 2007, however, this standard will change. At that time, occupational therapy students will be required to earn a Master's degree or higher in order to qualify for a license or a career as an occupational therapist.

Because of this change in standards, many universities are no longer offering bachelor's degree programs in occupational therapy. Instead, many offer a combined bachelor's and Master's degree program. This type of degree program typically takes five years to complete. Many students opt for this combined degree because it often requires less time than a bachelor's degree and Master's degree earned separately.

The coursework taken in the first four years of a combined bachelor's and Master's degree program usually earns the student a bachelor's degree. For occupational therapy students, this degree is often in occupational science or health science. Earning this portion of the degree is not sufficient for becoming licensed. Students must complete the fifth year to earn their Master's degree in occupational therapy and be qualified for licensure.

For students who already possess a bachelor's degree, Master's degree programs in occupational therapy are offered. Some Master's degree programs are intended for students with no prior experience as an occupational therapist. These programs are called entry-level programs. Entry-level programs prepare students to take the national examination required for licensure as an occupational therapist. Fieldwork is usually required.

Post-professional Master's degree programs are intended for occupational therapists interested in expanding their knowledge of occupational therapy and increasing their effectiveness as an occupational therapist. Students in post-professional Master's degree programs often specialize in an area related to occupational therapy. Common specializations include administration, pediatrics, and gerontology.

Post-professional Master's degree programs typically do not require a residency or an internship because the students are already practicing occupational therapists. Both the post-professional and entry-level Master's degree programs in occupational therapy can take two to four years to complete.

Graduate certificates in occupational therapy are available at some colleges and universities. Graduate certificates are short courses of study that usually require five to fifteen courses. These programs are for occupational therapists who wish to expand and strengthen their professional education. They typically involve a concentration in one area of study. Common areas of study are aging, pediatrics, and developmental disabilities.

A PhD in occupational therapy requires that the student have experience as an occupational therapist. PhD programs often focus on research. Students may choose an area of study, or an emphasis, and conduct their research within that area. A dissertation presenting their original research is usually required for graduation. PhD programs often offer courses in management that prepare the occupational therapist for a career in health services management. A PhD can take more than six years to finish.

No matter the degree program, occupational therapy education requires basic and advanced courses in science. Anatomy and physiology, biology, and sociology are courses that are typically required in bachelor's and master's degree programs. Courses in medical terminology, intervention strategies, and developing effective programs are also commonly required. Required courses for PhD candidates often vary with their area of study, but may include management courses, courses in aging, and courses in theory development.

Universities offering online occupational therapy degree programs:

Boston University - Online Occupational Therapy Degree

What can you do with a College Degree in Occupational Therapy?

Career options for aspiring occupational therapists

• Occupational Therapist Aide
  Occupational therapist aides work with occupational therapists, assisting clients with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Together, they teach clients basic skills and activities necessary for improving their abilities and quality of life. An occupational therapist aide's duties vary depending on the occupational therapist they work with and the environment in which they work.
  
  Occupational therapist aides are often responsible for gathering the materials and equipment that are used by the occupational therapist and clients. Administrative work is a large component of the occupational therapist aide's job. They may schedule appointments, answer phones, and order supplies.
  
  An occupational therapist aide works in any location an occupational therapist does. They work most frequently in hospitals, but may also work in nursing homes, private practices, and home health care agencies. Occupational therapist aides work with a variety of age groups.
  
  There are no specific educational requirements for an occupational therapist aide, though many employers prefer at least a high school diploma. Much of the education needed by an occupational therapist aide is learned while on the job.
  
  Good communication skills are important for occupational therapist aides. Because they often work with clients going through difficult periods in their lives, occupational therapist aides must be sensitive and patient. Occupational therapy is a hands-on profession, so aides must have the strength and stamina to lift and guide patients through activities and exercises.
  
  
• Occupational Therapist Assistant
  Occupational therapist assistants, like aides, work together with the occupational therapist to rehabilitate clients with mental, physical, developmental, and emotional disabilities. They attempt to improve their clients' lives by teaching them life skills and activities designed to help them live more independently.
  
  Occupational therapist assistants have hands-on duties with clients. For some clients, an occupational therapist assistant may teach daily living skills, such as moving from a wheelchair into the bath, or using adaptive equipment to style their hair. Occupational assistants may teach clients stretches to improve their flexibility, or monitor clients' activities to ensure that their movements are being done correctly and safely.
  
  Assistants must help the occupational therapist keep clients' records current and accurate. They follow the treatment plan designed by the occupational therapist for the client and report the client's progress to the occupational therapist.
  
  Occupational therapist assistants have a strong desire to help people with disabilities. They are sensitive and caring. Occupational therapist assistants work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, but must be responsible enough to work independently.
  
  Occupational therapist assistants work most often in hospitals, but may work anywhere an occupational therapist does, including nursing homes, schools, and doctor's offices. They are licensed professionals, regulated by a state licensing board. Occupational therapist assistants must have a degree from an accredited occupational therapy school. The required degree for occupational therapist assistants is usually an associate's degree. They must also pass a national examination registering them as Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants.
  
  
• Occupational Therapist
  Occupational therapists work with physically, mentally, emotionally, and developmentally disabled clients. Depending on the client's needs, they may teach life skills, work related activities, assist with basic motor skills, or help improve cognitive skills. The goal of an occupational therapist is to enhance their clients' quality of life and allow them to be as independent as possible.
  
  Occupational therapists use adaptive equipment, games, and activities to teach skills to their clients. For example, a child that is having trouble with coordination may play games with the occupational therapist that are intended to improve his or her hand-eye coordination. A woman in a wheelchair may work with an occupational therapist to learn how to dress herself, or how to move from her chair to the bed.
  
  Occupational therapists are found in a variety of settings. In school systems, an occupational therapist may help adjust the school environment to allow a child with a physical disability to participate normally. In mental health settings, the occupational therapist may teach living skills such as budgeting, shopping, and home care.
  
  Nursing homes employ occupational therapists to assist their residents in the use of adaptive equipment. Adaptive equipment is any device or tool that helps simplify daily living skills to allow for more independent living. The largest employer of occupational therapists is hospitals. Occupational therapists working in hospitals see patients from all age groups with a variety of disabilities.
  
  In addition to assisting clients, occupational therapists are responsible for some administrative work. They must keep clients' records accurate and complete, noting treatment plans and progress. Occupational therapists may work with other health care professionals to develop treatments plans for clients, and are often responsible for supervising occupational therapist assistants and aides.
  
  Occupational therapists are responsible, caring individuals with a strong desire to see clients succeed. They enjoy working with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. They are creative and enjoy a career that allows them to do many different activities during the day.
  
  Until 2007, a bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for occupational therapists. Beginning in 2007, a Master's degree or higher will be required. All pre-professional occupational therapy degree programs require that fieldwork or an internship be completed before graduation. Occupational therapists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program and successful completion of a national examination.
  
  
• Medical and Health Services Managers
  Medical and health services managers plan, administer, and supervise the delivery of health care services. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and home health care organizations. They may manage an entire facility or a department within a facility.
  
  Occupational therapists with experience may advance to a career in health services management. An occupational therapist in a hospital setting may advance to become the manager of the occupational therapy division. Occupational therapists in a nursing home may advance to manage the entire facility. Education in healthcare management may be required for these positions but experience is often sufficient.
  
  In large facilities, a medical or health service manager creates and maintains policies and procedures. They may create and manage budgets and supervise and evaluate employees. In smaller facilities, such as nursing homes or small practices, they may be responsible for accounts payable and receivable, admissions, and employee training.
  
  Employment opportunities in medical and health services management are expected to grow faster than average in upcoming years. Candidates possessing healthcare experience as well as skills in management will have the best possibilities for careers in this field.

Salary Information for Careers in Occupational Therapy

In occupational therapy, as with many fields, earned income often increases with education levels. In 2002, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual income of occupational therapist aides as $22,040. Occupational therapist assistants, who are required to have more experience and education, had a median annual income of $36,660.

Occupational therapists earned a median annual income of $51,990 in 2002. Occupational therapists working in nursing homes earned the highest annual income of $53,930, while those in working in schools earned the lowest annual income of $45,740.

Medical and health services managers are often required to have extensive education and experience, which may afford them a higher salary. The median annual income for medical and health services managers in 2002 was $61,370. Income varies depending on the size of the facility and the amount of responsibility given to the manager. Medical and health services managers in hospitals earned $65,950, significantly more than other medical and health services managers. Those in physician's offices reported a median annual income of $55,600 and those in nursing homes reported earning $55,320 annually.

Certification and Licensure

Occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants are both required to earn and maintain licensure in the state in which they practice.

Occupational therapist assistants must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program, usually earning an associate's degree. They must also pass a national examination given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. When these requirements are met, occupational therapist assistants are given the title "Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant."

Occupational therapists usually are required to complete an accredited occupational therapy program that leads to a bachelor's degree or higher. Beginning in 2007, however, only a Master's degree or higher will be sufficient for obtaining licensure. Occupational therapists must also pass a national examination. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the occupational therapist is considered an OTR, or Occupational Therapist Registered.

Requirements for earning a license vary from state to state, so it is important to check with the state licensing board to determine the exact requirements of a particular state.

After obtaining licensure, occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants are required to maintain it. Every three years they must complete a minimum of 36 professional development hours. These professional development hours are typically earned by participating in activities approved by the state licensing boards. These activities may involve participating in local professional organizations or attending conferences or lectures.

Other Associations and Certification Bodies:

• American Art Therapy Association
• National Board for Certification in Occupation Therapy
• American Occupational Therapy Association
• National Organization on Disability
• American Occupational Therapy Foundation
• National Rehabilitation Association
• American Society of Hand Therapists

Explore Related Degree Programs

- Online Degrees in Occupational Therapy
- Online Degrees in Medical Science
- Online Degrees in Health Care Management

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