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How do I become a pediatric OT?
I’m a current junior in HS and interning every week with a pediatric OT in an elementary school and absolutely love it! What steps should I take to peruse a career as a pediatric OT?
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Shea,
It's great that you found something you are passionate about and are already gaining experiences in pediatric occupational therapy. To become a pediatric OT yourself, you first need to earn a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline. Common options are biology, psychology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, child development or (special) education. Aim to gain more experiences in pediatric OT by doing internships while you are in school.
Next, you need to get a masters and/or PhD in occupational therapy from an ACOTE‑accredited school. You'll learn about health, patient care and OT techniques in theoretical and clinical settings. For your licensure, you need to pass the NBCOT certification exam before you can apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professionals for your license.
You specialize in pediatric OT by taking relevant courses and doing internships. You can pursue board certification in pediatric OT by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://research.com/careers/how-to-become-an-occupational-therapist-in-massachusetts
https://www.occupationaltherapylicense.org/massachusetts-occupational-therapy/
https://www.usa.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-pediatric-occupational-therapist/
https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/pediatrics
It's great that you found something you are passionate about and are already gaining experiences in pediatric occupational therapy. To become a pediatric OT yourself, you first need to earn a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline. Common options are biology, psychology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, child development or (special) education. Aim to gain more experiences in pediatric OT by doing internships while you are in school.
Next, you need to get a masters and/or PhD in occupational therapy from an ACOTE‑accredited school. You'll learn about health, patient care and OT techniques in theoretical and clinical settings. For your licensure, you need to pass the NBCOT certification exam before you can apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professionals for your license.
You specialize in pediatric OT by taking relevant courses and doing internships. You can pursue board certification in pediatric OT by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, I really appreciate the advice!
David Lee Scher,MD, FACP, FACC, FHRS, FESC
Recently retired cardiologist
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Answers
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David Lee’s Answer
Maintain a High GPA: OT school is competitive, usually requiring at least a 3.0 GPA.
Most OT schools require undergraduate: Human Anatomy & Physiology (with lab), Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Sociology/Anthropology, and Medical Terminology.
Get to know your professors and the OTs you shadow, as you will need letters of recommendation for your application.
Most OT schools require undergraduate: Human Anatomy & Physiology (with lab), Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Sociology/Anthropology, and Medical Terminology.
Get to know your professors and the OTs you shadow, as you will need letters of recommendation for your application.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re already shadowing a pediatric OT... that hands-on exposure will help confirm this is the right path for you! Focus on doing well in high school, then choose a college major that builds a strong foundation (common options include psychology, kinesiology, health science, biology, or child development) while completing prerequisite courses for OT school. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you’ll apply to an accredited Masters or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (MOT or OTD), complete clinical fieldwork, and pass the NBCOT exam to become licensed. To stay competitive, keep gaining experience with children, volunteer when possible, build relationships for recommendations, and learn about sensory, developmental, and school-based supports.
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hello,
You've received excellent advice, so I'll just add a bit more. Getting into an occupational therapy graduate program can be very competitive. It's important to aim for high grades in your undergraduate studies. Gaining work or volunteer experience with children, even if it's not directly related to occupational therapy, can also strengthen your application.
As others have mentioned, to become an occupational therapist, you need a master's or clinical doctorate. Typically, this involves a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by a 2-year master's or a 3-year clinical doctorate. Some schools offer a 3+2 program, allowing you to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's in about five years.
Most of your expertise in working with children will come from practical experience and specialized courses you take after graduating.
Good luck!
Cindy
You've received excellent advice, so I'll just add a bit more. Getting into an occupational therapy graduate program can be very competitive. It's important to aim for high grades in your undergraduate studies. Gaining work or volunteer experience with children, even if it's not directly related to occupational therapy, can also strengthen your application.
As others have mentioned, to become an occupational therapist, you need a master's or clinical doctorate. Typically, this involves a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by a 2-year master's or a 3-year clinical doctorate. Some schools offer a 3+2 program, allowing you to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's in about five years.
Most of your expertise in working with children will come from practical experience and specialized courses you take after graduating.
Good luck!
Cindy
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
To become a pediatric occupational therapist, focus on finishing high school with strong science and psychology coursework while continuing your pediatric OT internship and other experiences working with kids. After graduating, earn a bachelor’s degree in a major you enjoy (such as psychology, health sciences, biology, or kinesiology) while completing OT school prerequisites like anatomy and physiology, statistics, and developmental psychology. During college, complete required OT observation hours in pediatric and other settings. Then apply to and complete an accredited OT graduate program (master’s or doctorate), pass the NBCOT licensing exam, and obtain state licensure. From there, you can work in pediatric settings such as schools, clinics, or hospitals, with options to further specialize over time.