Academic preparation & School’s accreditation

Academic Requirements

                                         

Occupational Therapist (OT)

• Entry level is a master's degree in occupational therapy (MOT)
• Must attend an academic program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
• A minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork
• High school courses in biology, physics, health, art, social sciences, and chemistry are recommended
• Undergraduate degrees that are relevant to this field include liberal arts, psychology, biology, sociology, anatomy, and anthropology
• To see a sample of an OT program from an accredited school click here
• Must successfully pass the National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapist's (NBCOT) exam
• Click here for a list of accredited Masters-Level Occupational Therapy Programs

• Some schools also offer doctorate-level degrees (DOT) and postprofessional programs in occupational therapy
• Click here to obtain a list of accredited Doctorate-Level Occupational Therapy Programs

Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)

• Associate's degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE accredited school
• First year course load includes medical terminology, biology, anatomy and physiology and introduction to health care courses
• Second year course load includes occupational therapy courses related to physical disabilities, mental health, geriatrics, and pediatrics
• Must complete 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork
• Must successfully pass the National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapist's (NBCOT) exam for OTA's
• Click here for a list of accredited OTA schools in the United States

Occupational Therapist Aide

• Majority of training is done on the job
• No occupational experience is needed
• High school diploma is required
• Are not eligable for certification or licensure

                                               (BLS, 2009)





School Accreditation

In order to be certified as an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant you must attend an accredited school.  The school must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE). Once a school has become accredited, the accreditation's will continue to be conducted every five to seven years. (AOTA, 2010).

To view current ACOTE accreditatin standards click here: Accreditation Standards