Occupational therapists help individuals become more independent and live fulfilling lives.
Occupational therapists (OT) work with individuals who have temporary or permanent disabilities in order to increase their clients' independence and quality of life. This may involve teaching them to use assistive technologies or compensate for permanent loss of motor function. For example, an occupational therapist might teach someone get in and out of a wheelchair so the person can perform tasks, like using the restroom and taking a bath, independently.
To become an occupational therapist, you must earn a master’s degree from an accredited OT school. Requirements for occupational therapy school include having a bachelor’s degree, meeting minimum undergraduate GPA standards, and fulfilling OT school requirements, including field work.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts or anatomy can be useful when applying to occupational therapy schools, according to the Department of Labor. To prepare for undergraduate studies in these fields, the Department of Labor recommends taking high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art and the social sciences.
GPA
Occupational therapy schools may require a minimum GPA for enrollment. According to Saint Joseph's College, GPA requirements differ by the school. For instance, admission into the School of Health Technology and Management at Stony Brook University requires a minimum 2.5 GPA with at least a 2.5 GPA in prerequisite math and science courses, while Philadelphia University requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 with at least a 3.0 in prerequisite math and science courses. To determine a specific school’s requirement, Saint Joseph's College recommends contacting the school directly.
Fulfilling Curriculum Requirements
Once admitted to OT school, the student will be required to meet certain curriculum requirements. According to the Department of Labor, common curriculum requirements for OT programs include studies in physical, behavioral, and biological sciences, as well as studies in OT skills and theory. Also, occupational therapy students should have good computer skills as OTs sometimes use computers with their clients as part of treatment. Strong communication skills are also important as therapists must be able to communicate well with clients and their loved ones.
Supervised Fieldwork
The curriculum for occupational therapy schools includes a required 24 weeks of supervised field work, according to the Department of Labor. The field work gives students the opportunity to incorporate theory learned in the classroom into practice. Field work can be done in a variety of occupational therapy settings, including schools and assistant living residences.
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