Occupational Therapy (OT) is a very rewarding profession. They help people of all ages who would typically struggle to perform normal daily activities. It’s challenging and impactful work that patients and their families greatly appreciate.

Is OT a good career 2020?

OT was ranked 13 in top 100 best jobs and 11 in the best healthcare jobs by US News and World reports. Such top rankings only go to show that a career in this field will match your talents and skills, challenge you year-after-year, offer room to advance, isn’t too stressful, and most importantly, pays well.

How can an OT make more money?

1. Work in a SNF or Home Health. These are the some of the highest paid settings for occupational therapists.
2. Work in an environment that offers bonuses/incentives.
3. Work in a place that offers overtime pay.
4. Work weekends.
5. Sign up to do travel therapy.
6. Move to a rural location.
7. Avoid salaried positions.
8. Specialize.

Is OT a stressful job?

Being an occupational therapist can be stressful. Almost every setting has productivity requirements, with some settings less strict than others. So while you do get to provide meaningful treatments and help people achieve their goals, you do have to deal with the struggle of meeting your productivity on a daily basis.

What kind of Education do you need to become an occupational therapist?

To become an occupational therapist, you will need to graduate from an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program in occupational therapy to qualify for licensing.

How long does it take to get an occupational therapy license?

Most programs are full-time, although you can complete some on a part-time basis. Coursework will typically cover topics such as biology, physiology, behavioral science and occupational therapy techniques. Accredited programs always include at least six months of supervised fieldwork, which is required to complete your program.

Do you have to go to college to be an OT?

If you earn your bachelor’s in an unrelated field, you may need to take prerequisite courses before applying to grad school. If you wish to become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) rather than an OT, you need only earn your associate degree in OT.

How long does it take to become a physical therapist?

Becoming a physical therapist can take anywhere from three to eight years. Before you can enroll in a DPT program, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, ideally with a major in health sciences. A bachelor’s degree typically takes three to four years to complete for full-time students.