Filed in Category Pediatric Therapy
I’m still in high school but I’m already thinking about my future.
What should be my major in college if I plan on going to becoming an occupational therapist?
My guess is physcology, but I’m not sure.
I haven’t taken phsycology in high school so I don’t know how good I am at it. Science isn’t my favorite subject though.
I do know that I want to work with kids that mentally challenged, like kids with down syndrome or autism. And I think Pediatric occupational therapy seems like the right job for me.
I just need to know where to start.
Can anyone help?
Thanks so much. I appreciate your help.
2 Comments so far
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What Should I Major In To Become A Pediatric Ot?
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To be honest where you have to start will differ slightly from school to school and state to state. So you best bet will be to set up a meeting with a college counselor and get it straight from the school….curriculums change from time to time and therefore classes will change. You can also get started in a program no that you can start taking classes now and get a jump start…look into that too!
Occupational therapists are regulated in all 50 States. Individuals pursuing a career as an occupational therapist usually need to earn a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or education deemed equivalent.
Education and training. A master’s degree or higher in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into the field. In 2007, 124 master’s degree programs offered entry-level education, 66 programs offered a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree, and 5 offered an entry-level doctoral degree. Most schools have full-time programs, although a growing number are offering weekend or part-time programs as well. Coursework in occupational therapy programs include the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as the application of occupational therapy theory and skills. Programs also require the completion of 6 months of supervised fieldwork.
People considering this profession should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and the social sciences. College admissions offices also look favorably on paid or volunteer experience in the health care field. Relevant undergraduate majors include biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy.
Licensure. All States regulate the practice of occupational therapy. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a national certification examination. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title “Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).” Specific eligibility requirements for licensure vary by State.
Other qualifications. Occupational therapists need patience and strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and respect in their clients. Patience is necessary because many clients may not show rapid improvement. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs are assets. Those working in home health care services also must be able to adapt to a variety of settings.
Advancement. Occupational therapists are expected to continue their professional development by participating in continuing education courses and workshops. In fact, a number of States require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.
Therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles. Because of rising health care costs, third-party payers are beginning to encourage occupational therapist assistants and aides to take more hands-on responsibility for clients. Occupational therapists can choose to advance their careers by taking on administrative duties and supervising assistants and aides.
Occupational therapists also can advance by specializing in a clinical area and gaining expertise in treating a certain type of patient or ailment. Therapists have specialized in gerontology, mental health, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation. In addition, some occupational therapists choose to teach classes in accredited occupational therapy educational programs.