How To Become an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people with physical and mental health issues to be more independent (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). Occupational therapists also “aspire to promote dignity… and an adequate standard of life” for their clients (Crawford et al., 2017). For example, an occupational therapist might help someone who is new in a wheelchair figure out how to live their day-to-day life in an independent matter. Occupational therapists also help their client’s family members or caregivers understand how to best help the client in their day-to-day activities.

To become an occupational therapist, one should first earn a bachelor’s degree in a program that includes some coursework in biology or a related field. After earning a bachelor’s degree, prospective occupational therapists should volunteer or otherwise work in an occupational therapist’s office to gain experience (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015).

From then, prospective occupational therapists should be qualified for a master’s degree in occupational therapy, which is the requisite degree for most jobs. After earning a master’s degree, one needs to complete occupational therapist licensing, which is administered in the United States by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). From there, one should be ready to start looking for work.

A Take Home Message

While the path to becoming a therapist may seem extremely long, it is important to remember that there are actually several paths to becoming a therapist. If one already has a bachelor’s degree in just about any subject, they can start seeking out a master’s program in psychology or therapy. Earning a Ph.D. also increases one’s chances of getting hired, and while that may seem like too much of a struggle, it is important to know that there are also Ph.D. programs which earn a master’s degree in the middle of the program.

There are also options for people who only have a bachelor’s degree, or can only realistically earn a bachelor’s degree. Without going on to earn a master’s degree, one can still work in certain counseling positions. Some people might be happy working as a counselor, but those who are not will still be earning crucial experience as a counselor which can help them eventually become licensed as a therapist and start finding work.

The takeaway message is that if you want to help people find more well-being in their lives, no matter how far along in the career path you are, with just a little bit of education and licensing you can make your goal come true.