Ruby Said:

What are some health related professions that pay at least 40,000 a year?

We Answered:

You can work up to that pay level as a laboratory technologist if you work for a top laboratory and continue your education. You will need to earn at least a B.S. along the way.

Johnnie Said:

Occupational Therapy and IT...?

We Answered:

If I were you, I would look into various forms of assistive technology and pursue it as a specialty area. You can work with touch screens, specialty switches, and robotics. You can learn about and design programs for people with visual impairments, speech impairments, or motor impairments.

Voice output and speech augmentation technology is a growing field because of all of the children with autism spectrum disorders who do not or choose not to speak.

Another area to consider is electronic and/or motorized wheelchair technology. Individuals with high level spinal cord injuries or those who have lost the ability to use both their arms and legs use switches operated by their shoulders, heads, tongues, breath, or even the pupils of their eyes. These switches can operate their wheelchairs, computers, or other electronic devices in their environment.

Lastly, you could look into myoelectric prosthetic technology. Artificial limbs can be very advanced in terms of technology. Science is getting closer to making prosthetics move more natural (powered by nerves and muscles) and technology is a big part of getting there.

I hope this helps you to figure out where you might want to go with your career. Occupational therapy is a wonderful field with lots of possibilities for specialization. I hope you have an exciting and successful future. Good luck.

Jean Said:

How do I become an Occupational Therapist?

We Answered:

You can find more detailed information at this link:
Occupational Therapists
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm

Occupational therapists are regulated in all 50 States. Individuals pursuing a career as an occupational therapist usually need to earn a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or education deemed equivalent.

Education and training. A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the typical minimum requirement for entry into the field. In addition, occupational therapists must attend an academic program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in order to sit for the national certifying exam. In 2009, 150 master's degree programs or combined bachelor's and master's degree programs were accredited, and 4 doctoral degree programs were accredited. Most schools have full-time programs, although a growing number are offering weekend or part-time programs as well. Coursework in occupational therapy programs include the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as the application of occupational therapy theory and skills. All accredited programs require at least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork as part of the academic curriculum.

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

Licensure. All States 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).” Specific eligibility requirements for licensure vary by State; contact your State’s licensing board for details.

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.

Certification and other qualifications. Certification is voluntary. The National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapy certifies occupational therapists through a national certifying exam. Those who pass the test are awarded the title Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). In some States, the national certifying exam meets requirements for regulation while other States have their own licensing exam.

Ted Said:

I want to become an Occupational Therapist... should I major in public health as an undergrad first?

We Answered:

It's an excellent idea, but you talk of a back up plan. If you can't get A's and high B's (mostly A's) in the required classes for the field (Bio, physics, chem, etc..) re-evaluate your plan. Take a few required classes your first semester and see how you do, if you're not doing well, think about making a change to something more suitable for you.