2 answers
Grace
Student
Fullerton, California
1
Question
Updated
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What is the path to take for someone who is aspiring to become an occupational therapist?
What is the path to take for someone who is aspiring to become and occupational therapist?
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2 answers
Tamina Crook
pediatric occupational therapy assistant; student
60
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Tamina’s Answer
Everyone's path to becoming an occupational therapist looks a little different, and that's one of the things I love about the profession. My journey started by becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), where I spent many years working in the schools before deciding to go back and earn my Master's in Occupational Therapy. Looking back, that experience gave me a strong foundation and confirmed that OT was exactly where I wanted to be. My advice is to focus on doing well academically, but also spend time gaining hands-on experience by volunteering, shadowing OTs in different practice settings, and getting involved in activities that allow you to work with people. Build relationships with professors and mentors, ask questions, and stay curious because there's so much to learn beyond the classroom. OT is such a broad profession, so be open to exploring different settings—you may discover a passion you never expected.
Stephanie Smith, MA OTR/L
Occupational therapy
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
The first thing to consider is whether you want to become an occupational therapist or an OT assistant. Here are some of the differences:
1. OTs are required to get a master’s or doctorate degree while OTAs get an associate degree. The time and cost required between the two is significant. It would be good to see the job outlook for both in the area you want to live. Also look at the pay range. OTAs make less, but you also would pay a lot less for college.
2. OTs are responsible for doing evaluations and setting plans along with supervising OTAs. They get to do treatment as well. Depending on the setting they may do more or less treatments. OTAs only do treatments and get to build relationships with all of the patients they work with.
After you make that decision, then looking at which school you want to attend. Consider cost, rates of passing boards, and how many people apply to the program vs get in. Some people do take the path of becoming an OTA and then going back to become an OT. I also recommend if you are going for an OT program consider getting a job as a rehab aide/rehab tech as it looks good on an application and gives you good experience for when you graduate.
Best of luck on your path! OT is a great profession and very rewarding.
1. OTs are required to get a master’s or doctorate degree while OTAs get an associate degree. The time and cost required between the two is significant. It would be good to see the job outlook for both in the area you want to live. Also look at the pay range. OTAs make less, but you also would pay a lot less for college.
2. OTs are responsible for doing evaluations and setting plans along with supervising OTAs. They get to do treatment as well. Depending on the setting they may do more or less treatments. OTAs only do treatments and get to build relationships with all of the patients they work with.
After you make that decision, then looking at which school you want to attend. Consider cost, rates of passing boards, and how many people apply to the program vs get in. Some people do take the path of becoming an OTA and then going back to become an OT. I also recommend if you are going for an OT program consider getting a job as a rehab aide/rehab tech as it looks good on an application and gives you good experience for when you graduate.
Best of luck on your path! OT is a great profession and very rewarding.