Are you interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy? As an occupational therapist myself, I can attest to the incredible impact this profession has on individuals' lives. Occupational therapy is a growing field that offers a range of opportunities, from working in schools to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
If you're considering a career in occupational therapy, you'll need to start by attending an occupational therapy school. In this blog post, I'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about occupational therapy school, including the curriculum, prerequisites, and tips for success.
What is Occupational Therapy School?
Occupational therapy school is a graduate-level program that prepares individuals to become licensed occupational therapists. The program typically takes two to three years to complete and includes both classroom coursework and hands-on clinical experience.
The curriculum of occupational therapy school includes a range of courses that cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, therapeutic interventions, and more. Students will also complete fieldwork and clinical rotations, where they can gain practical experience working with clients in various settings.
Prerequisites for Occupational Therapy School
If you are interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy, one of the first steps is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a related field. Most occupational therapy programs require a certain number of prerequisite courses to be completed before applying to the program. These courses vary depending on the school, but there are some general prerequisites that are common across most programs.
Common Prerequisites for Occupational Therapy School
- Anatomy and Physiology: This course provides an in-depth understanding of the human body's structure and function, including the various systems and organs.
- Biology: Biology courses cover the fundamental concepts of life, including the study of living organisms, their behavior, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Psychology: Psychology courses provide insight into the human mind and behavior, including topics like social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
- Statistics: This course covers the basics of statistics, including probability, sampling, and data analysis.
- Medical Terminology: This course introduces students to the language and terminology used in the medical field, including medical abbreviations and vocabulary.
- Human Development: This course covers the stages of human development from birth through old age, including the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional changes that occur during each stage.
- Sociology: Sociology courses provide an understanding of human social behavior, including topics like social inequality, race, and gender.
Additional Requirements
In addition to completing the prerequisite courses, most occupational therapy programs require a certain number of hours of volunteer or work experience in an occupational therapy setting. This experience provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and to develop the necessary skills and knowledge needed for success in the field.
Some schools may also require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and to have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
It's important to research the specific requirements for each occupational therapy program to ensure that you meet all of the prerequisites before applying. Many schools offer guidance on their websites or through admissions counselors who can provide more information and answer any questions you may have.
Tips for Success in Occupational Therapy School
Occupational therapy is a challenging and rewarding field that requires extensive training and education. If you are considering a career in occupational therapy, you will need to complete a graduate program in occupational therapy. However, getting accepted into an occupational therapy program is only the first step. To be successful in occupational therapy school, you will need to put in a lot of hard work and dedication. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for success in occupational therapy school.
1. Stay Organized
Organization is key to success in occupational therapy school. You will have a lot of coursework, assignments, and clinical hours to manage. Keep track of deadlines, assignments, and schedules using a planner or calendar. Make sure to also stay on top of your email and communication with your professors and classmates.
2. Be Prepared to Learn
Occupational therapy school is an intense learning experience, and you will be exposed to a lot of new information and techniques. Be prepared to dedicate yourself to learning and expanding your knowledge. Take advantage of resources such as textbooks, journals, and online resources. Attend lectures, participate in discussions, and ask questions to get the most out of your education.
3. Develop Strong Study Habits
To be successful in occupational therapy school, you will need to develop strong study habits. This may include finding a quiet study space, breaking up your study sessions into manageable chunks, and taking breaks to avoid burnout. It is also important to review your coursework regularly to reinforce your understanding of the material.
4. Participate in Clinical Experiences
Clinical experiences are a crucial component of occupational therapy school. They allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in a real-world setting. Take advantage of clinical experiences and use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism from your supervisors and peers.
5. Seek Support
Occupational therapy school can be challenging and stressful, so it is important to seek support when you need it. This may include reaching out to your professors or academic advisors, joining study groups or student organizations, or seeking counseling services if necessary. Remember that you are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Occupational Therapy
There are many benefits to pursuing a career in occupational therapy, including:
- Making a difference in people's lives: Occupational therapists help clients improve their daily lives and achieve their goals, which can be incredibly rewarding.
- Job stability: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Variety of job settings: Occupational therapists can work in a range of settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
- Competitive salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $86,280 in May 2020.
In conclusion, occupational therapy school is the first step towards pursuing a career in occupational therapy. With a rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experience, it prepares individuals to become licensed occupational therapists who can make a positive impact on their clients' lives. If you're considering a career in occupational therapy, I encourage you to explore the many opportunities this field has to offer.