Heidi Said:

how can I become a certified Occupational Therapist?

We Answered:

No, this would result in a PT degree. You would declare OT as your major...depending on the structure of that school's program. If applying to a master's degree program you might have a BS in biology or other related field as long as you have met that school's prerequistie course load.

You can go to the aota website at www.aota.org to view a list of educational programs and a list of accredited schools.

Ted Said:

I would like to hear from a COTA - Certified Occupational Therapist?

We Answered:

Currently, a bachelor?s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into the field. Beginning in 2007, however, a master?s degree or higher will be the minimum educational requirement. As a result, students in bachelor?s-level programs must complete their coursework and fieldwork before 2007. All States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of occupational therapy. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a national certification examination. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title ?Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).? Some States have additional requirements for therapists who work in schools or early intervention programs. These requirements may include education-related classes, an education practice certificate, or early intervention certification requirements.

In 2005, 122 master?s degree programs offered entry-level education, 65 programs offered a combined bachelor?s and master?s degree, and 5 offered an entry-level doctoral degree. Most schools have full-time programs, although a growing number are offering weekend or part-time programs as well. Bachelor?s degree programs in occupational therapy are no longer offered because of the requirement for a master?s degree or higher beginning in 2007. In addition, post baccalaureate certificate programs for students with a degree other than occupational therapy are no longer offered.

Occupational therapy coursework includes the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences and the application of occupational therapy theory and skills. The completion of 6 months of supervised fieldwork also is required.

Persons considering this profession should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and the social sciences. College admissions offices also look favorably at paid or volunteer experience in the health care field. Relevant undergraduate majors include biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy.

Occupational therapists need patience and strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and respect in their clients. Patience is necessary because many clients may not show rapid improvement. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs are assets. Those working in home health care services must be able to adapt to a variety of settings.

For more information on occupational therapy as a career, contact: American Occupational Therapy Association, 4720 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Internet: http://www.aota.org

For information regarding the requirements to practice as an occupational therapist in schools, contact the appropriate occupational therapy regulatory agency for your State.

Rachel Said:

Occupational Therapist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner?

We Answered:

I am currently a CRNA student and The University of New England, and I would highly recommend it! To be admitted to a training program you must have a bachelor degree in nursing and at least one year of experience working in intensive care as a registered nurse. Typical CRNA programs are around 2 years long. (mine is 27 months) The coursework is very challenging and is comparable to courses you would take in medical school. When you finish the program, you can go on to have a great career (and the pay's not half bad either)