Career Opportunities for Occupational Therapists

How to become an occupational therapist: A step-by-step guide

Thinking about a career in occupational therapy? It’s a field where you can truly make a difference, helping people with physical, mental or developmental challenges reclaim their independence and improve their quality of life. But before diving in, it’s important to understand what the journey looks like — from choosing the right degree to exploring the diverse roles available to OTs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started on this rewarding career path. You’ll learn about the degrees available, the career opportunities waiting for you and how St. Scholastica can support you in achieving your goals as an occupational therapist.

What to know about becoming an occupational therapist

Before diving into the specifics of becoming an OT, it’s important to understand what the job involves. Occupational therapy is all about helping people engage in meaningful activities that are essential to their lives, from everyday tasks like dressing and cooking to complex work-related skills. To be successful, you need a combination of technical skills, interpersonal abilities and a passion for helping others. Below are some key qualities and skills to cultivate as you prepare for a career in occupational therapy.

Types of skills needed

To thrive as an occupational therapist, it’s essential to build a strong foundation in both physical health and mental well-being. Throughout your OT degree program, you’ll develop a variety of vital skills that are crucial for success in the field, including:

• Problem-solving: OTs frequently work with patients who require customized care. The ability to analyze situations and adapt environments, tasks or strategies to fit each individual’s needs is key. This critical thinking skill ensures that therapy is tailored and effective, helping patients overcome obstacles and regain independence.
• Communication: Clear, empathetic communication is at the heart of building relationships with patients and their families. Whether explaining treatment plans, offering emotional support or collaborating with other healthcare professionals, being able to communicate with sensitivity and clarity ensures the best outcomes for everyone involved.
• Dexterity and coordination: Many OTs work hands-on with patients in physical rehabilitation, so manual dexterity and coordination are essential. From demonstrating exercises to adjusting equipment and performing therapy techniques, the ability to physically guide patients through exercises and support their recovery is a crucial skill that is refined over time.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence: Since occupational therapy often involves patients dealing with physical or mental health challenges, the ability to empathize with patients’ struggles and maintain emotional intelligence is essential. This skill allows OTs to provide care that addresses not only physical rehabilitation but also the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery.

These skills are developed throughout your occupational therapy education, with plenty of opportunities to hone them in real-world clinical settings. As you progress through your program, you’ll not only learn the technical aspects of therapy but also how to truly connect with and support patients on their journeys to recovery.

Qualities of an occupational therapist

Beyond skills, certain personal qualities are essential for success in the occupational therapy field. These include:

• Patience: Healing and rehabilitation can take time, and progress isn’t always linear. Patience is key for both OTs and their patients.
• Empathy: Understanding and relating to your patients’ struggles and triumphs can make a significant difference in their recovery and independence.
• Adaptability: Every patient is unique, and the ability to think on your feet and adapt your approach is an important trait for OTs.

Roles and responsibilities of an occupational therapist

Occupational therapists work with individuals across all age groups, from children to elderly patients. Their primary responsibility is to help people regain, maintain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. Depending on the specialty, the specific roles of an OT may vary, but common tasks include:

• Conducting assessments to evaluate patients’ abilities and needs
• Developing personalized treatment plans
• Helping patients with physical and mental rehabilitation
• Training patients in techniques to adapt to or overcome challenges
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

Different types of job titles within the OT field

There are various roles within the OT field, each offering different career opportunities based on your interests and education level. Common OT job titles include:

• Pediatric occupational therapist: Working with children who have developmental or physical disabilities
• Geriatric occupational therapist: Specializing in elderly patients, helping them maintain independence and quality of life
• Hand therapist: Focused on patients recovering from hand or upper extremity injuries
• Mental health occupational therapist: Assisting patients with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and PTSD

Where do OTs work?

Occupational therapists have the flexibility to work in a wide range of settings, each offering unique opportunities to make an impact in different aspects of patient care. Here are some common places where OTs provide essential services:

• Hospitals and clinics: OTs in hospitals and clinics often work with patients recovering from surgery, injuries or illnesses
• Schools and educational facilities: In schools, occupational therapists work with children who have developmental, physical or emotional challenges
• Rehabilitation centers: Occupational therapists in rehabilitation centers assist patients recovering from major surgeries, strokes or injuries
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities: In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, OTs work with older adults to address age-related challenges such as arthritis, dementia or limited mobility
• Patients’ homes (home healthcare settings): Some OTs provide services directly in patients’ homes, allowing them to work with individuals in their natural living environments

The variety of work settings available to OTs makes this career both dynamic and rewarding. Whether you’re interested in working with children, the elderly or patients recovering from injury, the opportunities are vast, and your skills can make a difference in a number of different environments.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an occupational therapist

Becoming an occupational therapist (OT) is a rewarding journey that requires education, practical experience and certification. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Your path to becoming an OT starts with earning a bachelor’s degree. While it’s not mandatory to major in a specific field, many students choose health sciences, psychology or other related disciplines. Some schools, like St. Scholastica, offer pre-occupational therapy programs that include foundational courses in anatomy, biology and psychology, providing an excellent preparation for graduate school.

Step 2: Complete a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy

After completing your bachelor’s, the next step is pursuing a graduate program in occupational therapy. St. Scholastica offers both a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. The master’s degree is typically the required entry-level qualification, while the doctoral program is ideal for those looking to take on leadership roles, specialize further or work in academic settings.

Explore St. Scholastica’s OT programs:

• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Step 3: Gain hands-on experience

As part of your graduate education, you’ll complete clinical rotations, which are essential to your training. These rotations give you the chance to work directly with patients in various settings, providing hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals. It’s a vital step to understanding the real-world challenges of the profession and refining your skills.

Step 4: Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam

After completing your graduate program, you’ll need to pass the NBCOT exam, which is a key milestone in becoming a licensed occupational therapist. This exam tests your knowledge and competency across different areas of the OT field. Preparing for this exam ensures that you have the expertise necessary to practice safely and effectively.

Step 5: Obtain state licensure

Once you pass the NBCOT exam, you’ll need to obtain licensure in the state where you plan to work. Each state has specific licensure requirements, which may include additional exams or paperwork. Make sure to check your state’s regulations to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.

Following these steps will put you on the path to becoming a licensed occupational therapist. With a rewarding career ahead, you’ll be ready to make a real difference in the lives of your patients.

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

Becoming an occupational therapist typically takes around six to eight years:

• 4 years for a bachelor’s degree
• 2-4 years for a master’s or doctoral degree

Keep in mind that clinical experience and licensure requirements can add additional time, but the investment in your education will pay off in a rewarding career.

Become an OT with St. Scholastica

Ready to start your journey to becoming an occupational therapist? St. Scholastica offers both master’s and doctoral programs that provide the education, experience and mentorship needed to succeed in this growing field. Take the first step today and explore the degree options that will help you reach your career goals.

Learn more about our OT programs:

• Pre-Occupational Therapy
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Becoming an occupational therapist opens up a world of opportunities to help others and make a lasting impact on their lives. Your path starts here!