Jacob Said:

Bachelors in Occupational therapy? i have associates degree?

We Answered:

The job of an OT may be both mentally and physically draining. Most schools of OT are at the master's (about six years of college if attending on a full-time basis) degree level but some are a combined bachelor's/master's degree. There are a few doctorate programs in OT, however, it may not be necessary unless wanting to perform research or teach at the university level.

With an HIT degree, some classes may transfer (though not usually the technical ones) and it may depend on which school that you'd gone to and which courses that you're hoping will transfer. You would really need to speak with an Admissions rep at the college(s) in which you're interested.

Acceptance into OT school is fierce and a lot of applicants may have a 4.0 gpa (grade point average) in science and other prerequisites and overall gpa or CLOSE to a 4.0. There are only a certain number of seats per graduating class so that admissions is quite competitive for that reason, too.

Before taking prereq courses for OT, please job shadow/observe in the various departments that an OT may work including the physical rehabilitation hospital for those with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), spinal cord injury/paralysis, hip/shoulder/knee replacement, stroke ("brain attack") which is another type of brain injury, amputated limb or such - pediatric hospital - nursing home/long-term care facilities.

You're smart for wanting to forgo those online, for-profit schools (though may be 'accredited' and may have brick and mortar buildings) such as pima institute, ashworth, kaplan, concorde career, ITT tech, keiser, sanford brown, anthem, walden, brown mackie, university of phoenix, penn foster, capella and others as they are merely out to 'make a profit' (and course credits may NOT transfer to other schools): http://www.ripoffreport.com and can search.

For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

General career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search.

For accredited programs in OT: http://www.aota.org

This site may have general volunteer opportunities: http://www.volunteermatch.org The local hospital and/or nursing home may have a need, too.

Christy Said:

How do you become an occupational therapist?

We Answered:

Step1
Prepare for a career as an occupational therapist (OT) by taking as many psychology, sociology, human development, anatomy, physics and anthropology classes as possible during high school and college.
Step2
Volunteer anywhere you can work with a registered OT helping children with special needs, senior citizens and even the homeless. Learn to work with all walks of life and to be understanding and tolerant of differences and diversity.
Step3
Look for a part-time job at a nearby hospital to gain additional experience. Any job where you will be helping to move patients will relate to your practical coursework in OT.
Step4
Shadow a practicing OT for a day or two before you get into any program to make sure the career is something that really interests you. OTs are usually resourceful self-starters with excellent communication skills, high ethical standards and a desire to help people.
Step5
Be proactive about your education and don't assume you can get it all out of a book. Take part in sports, band or art classes; studying the way people move, work and live can help you be more creative about finding solutions in your OT career.
Step6
Choose an accredited program. In the United States, you must receive a bachelor's of science degree in OT before you are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and become a registered OT (OTR).
Step7
Decide what kind of working environment you want. OTs can be found everywhere, from high-stress hospital settings to the relaxed country doctor's office.
Minor in a related area like kinesiology or biology to make yourself more marketable to employers upon graduation.

Contact the American Occupational Therapists Association (AOTA) for a list of accredited OT programs. You can write to the association at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20824, or visit its Web site (see Related Sites).

Don't assume that just because it is called occupational therapy it always relates to someone's job. Most OTs deal more with health and living issues, like helping someone with one leg learn to walk with a prosthetic.

Be prepared for the physical part of this job. OTs are often required to do some heavy lifting in the course of a normal day.

Greg Said:

Is there an online college that offers a Master's in Occupational Therapy program?

We Answered:

You can easily compare info about these schools in this site - edu.2kool4u.net

Annette Said:

Anybody know anything about online healthcare degrees to be specific-masters of occupational therapy degree?!?

We Answered:

I am working on a Master's in Adult Education online, but for Occupational Therapy you would be better off in a face-to-face program or an online one that combines courses online and field experience in a work setting. So long as the college/university you choose is regionally accredited and their online programs are regionally accredited and have online approval from a national institution your degree will be the same as others' in that area.

Tommy Said:

online occupational therapy programs? Do the exist?

We Answered:

Doubtful. You we need practical skills that you couldn't get from a computer for this.

Norma Said:

Online occupational therapy programs? Do the exist?

We Answered:

If you are already an OT, then yes, many online programs exist in order to upgrade your degree, i.e, bachelors to a masters or masters to doctorate. HOWEVER, there are NO accredited online programs to become and OT.