How many years does it take to become an occupational therapist?
To become an occupational therapist, you will need to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree and pass the required licensure exams. You can expect to spend six to seven years in school: four years for an undergraduate degree and two to three years for a graduate degree (if attending on a full-time basis).
What qualifications do you need to be an OT?
To get onto a full-time occupational therapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science. You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including: BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science.
Is it hard to become an occupational therapist?
Getting into occupational therapy school is hard.
But as someone who has experienced the stresses of applying to OT school, I can tell you: Master’s and Doctorate programs are very competitive. Cohorts typically have 20-40 students per program, and schools are getting literally 300-500+ applicants each cycle.
What is the best major for occupational therapy?
7 Best Undergraduate Majors for Occupational Therapy
- Psychology. Psychology was my undergraduate major and the same major as approximately 50% of my OT school cohort (no joke).
- Kinesiology/Exercise Science. Kinesiology and exercise science are also great undergrad majors for occupational therapists.
- Education.
- Business.
- Biology.
- Sociology.
- Whatever You’re Interested In!
Are occupational therapists considered doctors?
No, you can’t call an occupational therapist (OT) a medical doctor. OTs are clinicians who have a bachelor, master, or doctoral level education.
Who makes more PT or OT?
In 2017, occupational therapists earned slightly less than physical therapists at a mean $40.69 per hour, or $84,640 per year. Their pay could fall below $26.23 per hour, or $54,560 per year, or reach above $57.91 per hour, or $120,440 per year.
Is a masters in occupational therapy worth it?
You will also have less paperwork and hassle in your daily career which is definitely a bonus. Down sides are that you need an Occupational Therapist to supervise your work. For me, however, getting my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy was definitely worth it.
What setting do occupational therapists make the most money?
According to AOTA.org, the highest paid settings in 2015 for occupational therapists include home health and long term care/skilled nursing facilities. Of course, pay per settings also varies depending on years of experience and academic credentials.
Is Occupational Therapy worth the debt?
The financial answer is yes but there is a significant price to pay. Job choice is the #1 financial factor that will impact how an OT can pay back their loans. If they’re fortunate enough to work full-time for a nonprofit, it could save a ton of money and make the degree a no-brainer.
Can occupational therapists make six figures?
If you want to get a high-paying job in healthcare, you might consider a job as an occupational therapist. There are 39,000 millennials who work as occupational therapists, and the average salary for the job is $84,640. It takes about six years as an occupational therapist to reach six–figure earnings.
Is occupational therapy a good career 2020?
Yes, occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers, you get to make a difference in other peoples’ lives, and the pay is good. Also, OT’s can work in a wide variety of settings, meaning there are always work opportunities.
What are the disadvantages of being an occupational therapist?
Few disadvantages are associated with being employed as an occupational therapist.
Challenges of Being an Occupational Therapist
- The Medical Field is Emotionally Stressful.
- Occupational Therapy is a Physically Demanding Job.
- Institutional Barriers May Prevent Desired Results.
- Long Work Hours Are Common.
Is ot a stressful job?
There is often a combination of stressful, draining times and exciting, fulfilling times while working as an occupational therapy practitioner.
Is ot a respected profession?
Summary: OT is a good career because it offers a flexible schedule, comfortable salary and the ability to choose where you work. If you’re looking for a rewarding job in healthcare, becoming an occupational therapy assistant is a great career choice.
Are OT in high demand?
The demand for occupational therapists is rising, with job growth expected to increase 27% from 2014 through 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. One reason demand is up in hospitals is that these facilities recognize that occupational therapy has a role in lowering readmission rates, she said.
How many hours do occupational therapists work a day?
Working Conditions
Occupational Therapists usually work a 40-hour week; however, many jobs are part-time, per diem (per day), or on-call. Overtime work may also be required depending on the employer. The work of a Therapist can be tiring because they spend most of their workday on their feet.
Are occupational therapists happy?
As it turns out, occupational therapists rate their career happiness 2.9 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 27% of careers.
What does an occupational therapist do on a daily basis?
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
Do occupational therapist make more money than nurses?
RNs can work overtime and get time and 1/2 and make $100,000 if they work overtime a lot. OTs can also make more by working in contract positions on top of their regular job, or in private practice. It all depends. RNs have more upward mobility in the longrun as far as management positions.
Is occupational therapy a 9 5 job?
Generally, most OT positions follow the 9–5 shift but you can make even more if you are willing to open your time for work or more administrative type of roles.