How to Become an Occupational Therapist?
Explore the journey of becoming an Occupational Therapist, from eligibility and education to the roles you can pursue and the opportunities awaiting in this rewarding career
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Occupational Therapist
"Occupational Therapists don't just teach tasks, they enable a life of purpose and dignity." – Michael Green
An occupational therapist helps people overcome challenges from illness, aging, or injuries, enabling them to manage daily tasks and work. This support can transform lives by offering new perspectives and opportunities. Occupational therapy can be part of a healthcare team or practiced independently, with referrals from various sources, including self-referrals. It is used in government, commercial, and non-profit settings, focusing on client-driven outcomes such as involvement, satisfaction, and improved effectiveness.
Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist:
Step-1
Begin by completing a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, such as psychology, biology, or anatomy, to build a foundation for occupational therapy studies.
Step-2
Most programs require a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree to practice. This typically takes two to three years and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Step-3
During your master’s program, you'll complete fieldwork to gain practical experience in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and rehab centers.
Step-4
After completing your degree, you’ll need to pass this exam to become licensed in your state.
Step-5
Each state has its own licensure requirements, so make sure to research and fulfill those to practice legally in your region.
Step-6
Occupational therapy is an evolving field, and continuing education is required to maintain your licensure. This helps you keep up-to-date with the latest practices and treatments.
Step-7
As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy, geriatrics, mental health, or another niche area.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | B.A in Psychology or equivalent or Diploma/Certification in Occupational Therapy from a recognized establishment. |
| Postgraduate Degree | M.Sc in Clinical Psychology (optional but beneficial for advanced knowledge and career opportunities). |
| Entrance Exams | No standardized entrance exams required. Assessments depend on the university. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th grade from any recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC). Cut-off percentages may vary by college.
- No standardized Entrance exams after 12th for Psychology; availability depends on the university.
- To become an Occupational Therapist, you need a B.A. in Psychology or a recognized diploma/certification.
- An M.Sc in Clinical Psychology is beneficial for advanced degrees and in-depth learning.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as an Occupational Therapist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Occupational Therapists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of the human body, its systems, and their functions. | Methods and strategies for rehabilitation and treatment of physical conditions. |
| Insight into human behavior and mental health, including emotional and cognitive aspects. | Familiarity with tools and devices that assist in patient mobility and independence. |
| Understanding of clinical terms and language used in healthcare settings. | Skills to evaluate patients' conditions, needs, and progress during treatment. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-solving and critical thinking | Empathy and patience |
| Communication and interpersonal skills | Time management |
| Physical stamina | Detail-oriented approach |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Occupational Therapist.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for an Occupational Therapist:
Once you qualify as an Occupational Therapist, numerous opportunities open up:
Designs and coordinates programs and events at various venues, managing logistics and staffing.
Uses music to aid in mental health, help those with disabilities, and promote well-being and self-expression.
Studies workplace dynamics and organizational structures to improve efficiency, often using data analytics.
Manages recreational programs and facilities, overseeing activities, staff, and community engagement.
Provides medical care and therapy, including diagnosis, treatment, and patient management in various healthcare settings.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for an Occupational Therapist:
Occupational Therapists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | Mpower | Stepping Stones Center |
| Mantra Care | FutuReady Pediatric Intervention Services | Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Pro Physio Healthcare | SphearWell - Speech & Hearing Center | ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab |
| Hywel Dda University Health Board |
Colleges offering courses for Occupational Therapist:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| AIIMS Delhi - All India Institute of Medical Sciences New | IGNOU Delhi - Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| JMI New Delhi - Jamia Millia Islamia | MSU Baroda - Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |
| LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University | Christ University, Bangalore |
| BHU Varanasi - Banaras Hindu University | GGSIPU Delhi - Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University |
| UNIPUNE (Pune University) - Savitribai Phule Pune University | Chandigarh University, Chandigarh |
End Note
Becoming an Occupational Therapist is not just about earning a degree—it’s about developing the skills and compassion to help people regain control over their lives. If you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling journey, SetMyCareer is here to guide you through Career counselling after graduation. Whether you need advice on choosing the right college or navigating career opportunities, connect with our experts to achieve your career goals!
In this Career Outline
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