Eligibility
The occupational therapists can start a career with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. To become a license holder in this field one has to earn this degree from an accredited program, and must pass a national certification exam. In the U.S., while most Occupational therapists are already entering the profession with a Master's degree, from 2007 onwards all colleges/ universitiesThere are also Certificate program in Occupational Therapy where they can become an Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) or aide to the Occupational Therapists and they are mostly trained on the job. Apart from educational qualifications the main personal attribute in this field is service mentality. They should need to be empathic towards the pain of the patients and have good communication skills and be able to build rapport with the patients to elicit better results.
To become eligible for the national examination for certification, students must complete a minimum of two (three maximum) supervised clinical internships in physical disabilities, pediatrics or mental health. Many college programs encourage students to pursue a third internship in an area of occupational therapists of their choosing. Upon successful completion of at least two internships, graduates must pass a national examination (NBCOT or National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). Most U.S. states also regulate occupational therapy practice.
Their course is always focused on Medical subjects, Psychology, and Occupational Therapy along with practices in clinical; paraclinical subject's .They should undergo at least 6 months of compulsory internship in various clinical settings like. Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Hand Surgery, Neurology, Paediatrics, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, etc.
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