For those who have suffered a permanently disabling injury or a mental, physical, developmental, or emotional impairment, it can be challenging to hold a job, function in the day-to-day, and make the most out of life.
Featured Schools with Occupational Therapy Degree Programs
- Illinois School of Health Careers: O'Hare (Cumberland) Branch
South University: West Palm Beach
California College of San Diego: San Diego
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties with Radiography Emphasis
Occupational therapists help these individuals learn how to work with their illness or injuries, and help them regain as much independence and self-confidence as possible. Occupational therapy degree programs prepare students for the rigors of this challenging but incredibly rewarding career.
Occupational therapy consists of helping patients in a variety of ways. Occupational therapists may help train patients in job-related duties, help arrange the workplace environment so it suits their needs, or assess the patient’s progress through a job-specific training program.
Occupational therapists may also help patients in their personal lives. They may help them learn to dress, bathe and cook for themselves; perform physical movements to improve balance, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination; or execute memory exercises to improve cognitive function.
Types of Occupational Therapy Degree Programs Available
The level of occupational therapy degree you wish to practice will determine the college degree you pursue. If you want to start your career as an occupational therapy assistant, for example, you can earn an occupational therapy associate’s degree designed especially for this career. (Some schools also offer a one-year certificate program.) These programs will prepare you for the national certification examination for occupational therapy assistants.
If you want to become an occupational therapist and practice on your own, you will need a master’s degree in occupational therapy. You can choose to earn your undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, or you can pursue a related field, such as biology, anatomy or psychology.
Generally speaking, professional requirements dictate that students must hold a master’s degree, as well as a national “Occupational Therapist Registered” (OCR) certification in order to work in the field.
What an Occupational Therapy Degree Teaches You
All occupational therapy degrees cover core subjects required for general study, including physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, as well as applied occupational therapy theory and skills. All accredited occupational therapy degree programs also require fieldwork as part of the degree.
Students may also choose to study a therapy specialty, as the range of individuals that occupational therapists help is quite broad. For example, students can specialize in environmental modification, and their training will focus on adapting workspaces to a patient’s needs.
Other students can choose to work with patients with permanent disabilities. These students learn how to help patients use adaptive technologies and aids to adjust to their unique situation.
Other occupational therapists work with the elderly. They learn to evaluate a patient’s ability to drive his or herself to and from work, and assist as needed, or make recommendations for adaptive equipment.
Featured Careers with an Occupational Therapy Degree
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist AssistantQuestions to Ask About an Occupational Therapy Degree
- Do I want to help someone overcome physical, mental or emotional injuries, illnesses, and challenges?
- Do I have the mental, physical, and emotional stamina to undertake very challenging, but very rewarding work?
- Am I comfortable working with people with mental and physical disabilities?
Sources: aota.org; bls.gov
