Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs

Occupational Therapy Programs and Curriculum

A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the typical minimum requirement for entry into the field. Occupational therapy graduate programs teach critical thinking skills and practice principles so that students can learn how to work with diversified populations. Students learn core theories and ethics of practice in occupational therapy programs, and degree completion allows students to sit for the National Board for Certification in occupational therapy exam. Certifications associated with this degree include “OTR”, or Registered Occupational Therapist, and “OTL”, or Licensed Occupational Therapist.

In order to apply for admission to a master’s program in occupational therapy students must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many programs require a minimum GPA as well as an essay and interview prior to admission. The masters program ranges in length anywhere from one to four years.

Occupational therapy programs tend to favor a generalist approach in order to allow students the freedom to specialize depending on their career path. Clinical experience is a large part of the curriculum, giving students the necessary hands on education in many areas such as:

• Therapeutic skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Work evaluation and preparedness
• Practice issues
• Occupational conditions
• Wellness in lifestyles
• Occupational therapy neuroscience
• Occupational therapy process

When assessing schools, prospective students should consider the programs’ credentials. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education must accredit educational programs. Students should also be aware of class availability online.

Occupational Therapy Career Paths

Graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy can lead to positions such as occupational therapists, therapy assistants and therapy managers. Industries populated by graduates of this program include but are not limited to home health care services, nursing care facilities and elementary and secondary schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wages of occupational therapists were $66,780 in May of 2008.

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Occupational Therapy Future Job Outlook

TheBureau of Labor and Statistics expects employment in occupational therapy to grow 26 percent by 2018, much faster than the average. Job opportunities are projected to be strong for licensed occupational therapists in all settings, particularly in acute hospital, rehabilitation and orthopedic settings because the elderly receive most of their treatment in these settings. Occupational therapists with specialized knowledge in a treatment area also will have increased job prospects.