View in PDF Format- Position Description
- Education and Training
- Application Timeline
- Admissions Criteria
- Prerequisite Coursework
- Professional Associations and Resources
Position Description
- OT’s perform tasks such as enhancing learning environments for physically or mentally challenged school children, aiding in the growth and development of premature babies, analyzing job task requirements for injured workers, and adapting home environments for people dealing with the effects of injury or illness.
- OT’s work in a variety of settings, including public schools, hospitals, mental health centers, nursing care facilities, physician practices, private clinics, and home health agencies.
- The job market is improving significantly. Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase
21-35% through 2012 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-2005 Edition). - The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) reports a growing shortage of Occupational Therapists today and in the near future.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for practicing OT’s was $54, 660 in May 2004.
- Emerging areas of practice in the field of OT include: ergonomics consulting, driver rehabilitation and training, home modification consulting, low vision services, private practice community health services, welfare-to-work services, health and wellness consulting, technological and assistive device development, and addressing the psychosocial needs of children.
- The OccupationalTherapist.com site has videos and descriptions of the job, and the American Occupational Therapy Association also has excellent resources for students.
Education and Training
In 2007, bachelor level OT programs will no longer be accredited and most are no longer taking applications. Students must earn a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution before applying to Master’s or Doctoral level Occupational Therapy Programs.
Professional Education
- Degrees Offered: Master’s (MS, MOT, MSOT), Doctoral (OTD)
- Program Length: 2-3 years in an accredited OT program, depending upon degree sought.
- There are currently 150 accredited OT programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico
Application Timeline
- Freshman-junior years: Research OT programs, gain OT related experiences, develop leadership and communication skills through campus/community involvement, take prerequisite courses, visit target schools, and identify individuals who write letters of evaluation.
- Summer prior to senior year: Take the GRE, collect application materials from schools, and begin filling out applications. Visit school websites, determine application deadlines, and plan appropriately.
- Fall of senior year: Complete and submit application packets, including transcripts, letters of evaluation, application forms, personal statements, and any additional materials. Follow the application instructions closely. Type or print neatly. Make a good first impression! Possibly begin interviewing.
- Spring of senior year: Interview at selected schools, decide which program to attend, finish any remaining prerequisite courses, send final transcripts after graduation.
- Note: This timeline is a guideline. Students are responsible for knowing the requirements and deadlines of the schools to which they apply.
Admissions Criteria
- Admissions Test: GRE
- Prerequisite Coursework: Grades of C or better are required in all prerequisites.
- Clinical Experience: Most programs will want to see exposure to the field. It is recommended for students to have more than one OT experience since the profession is so diverse.
- GPA: Generally, Minimum GPA of 2.75-3.0 is required.
- Letters of Evaluation: Most programs require 2-3 letters of evaluation, preferably 1 letter from an OT and usually at least one academic performance letter (from an instructor). Each school provides forms for Letters of Evaluation.
- Students should not use LEO for OT Programs.
- Interviews: Many programs invite qualified candidates for an on campus interview.
- Many programs require current CPR and First Aid Certification.
Prerequisite Coursework
Note: Students should contact individual schools for accurate prerequisite information. The prerequisite courses are NOT the same for every school. The following list is a guideline only.
- Anatomy (MCB 334)
- Physiology (MCB 103/104)
- Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 238)
- Child Psychology (PSYCH 216)
- Statistics
- Additional Social Sciences (PSY, SOC, ANTHRO)
- Some schools also require general biology, general chemistry, and/or physics.
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology is required through coursework or self-study.
