Most occupational therapy programs require a bachelor’s degree leading to a master’s degree, with strict prerequisites for admission and graduation. Fieldwork and internships are also required, and passing a licensing exam is necessary to become a licensed occupational therapist.
Most bachelor’s programs in occupational therapy are five-year programs that lead directly to a master’s degree. Prerequisites are generally the same for gaining university admission, including certain high school classes and a minimum grade point average. For a master’s degree in occupational therapy, a bachelor’s degree is required. Professional prerequisites for practicing occupational therapy typically include graduating from an accredited program, completing the application process, passing the character assessment, and passing the exam.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is not a terminal degree, and students are expected to continue at the graduate level to complete their studies. Students must declare their intent to complete the occupational therapy program by their freshman year of college to qualify. In competitive programs, it can be very difficult to meet all occupational therapist requirements. The statement usually includes an application, resume, transcripts, and an essay on future goals, which may be accepted or declined by the admissions board.
Occupational therapist prerequisites at the graduate level are even more stringent. In addition to submitting proof of a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores, references from teachers, mentors, or employers, proof of a bachelor’s degree, and personal statement are often required. As of 2011, most graduate programs only accept students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or greater in their undergraduate program, as well as minimum standardized test scores. Actual requirements vary from school to school, but in general, prerequisites for occupational therapy programs at graduate school are more stringent than those at undergraduate level.
In almost all programs, part of the occupational therapist prerequisites are fieldwork assignments and internships. These hands-on experiences allow students to practice occupational therapy concepts on real clients. There are usually at least two internships, lasting between six weeks and six months, both of which are completed under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
There are also occupational therapist professional prerequisites. The first is completion of an accredited occupational therapy program. No specific grades are required, but most graduate programs will not allow students to graduate if their GPA drops below a B minus. Students must then submit an application to take the licensing exam. Part of the application is usually a character assessment or ethics test, which may include a questionnaire and a background check to ensure the applicant has not been convicted of any serious crimes.
Once enrollment and character assessment is completed, students can take the exam, which is the last of the professional occupational therapist prerequisites. If they pass, they become licensed occupational therapists. At that time, they can apply for jobs in occupational therapy, but typically only in the region specified by their license.
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