Sometimes people feel like they need to change their careers because they are not happy with their job. Also, if you are looking for a career to major in, you can decide to become an OT. Nevertheless, there are several requirements that you have to meet before you become an OT. If you are convinced that this is the career for you, you can start taking the occupational therapy continuation courses Jacksonville FL has to offer. Also, ensure you know the specifics of the field. The requirements that you have to meet are as follows.
The first step is taking a degree in an area that is closely related to the field. For instance, you can take a degree in biology, pediatrics, physiology, mental health, and many more related fields. This is called an associate degree. It takes two years, and you cannot move to the next level without this degree. At the end of your studies, you will sit for an examination.
Once you have equipped yourself with the basic knowledge of the various subjects, you must sit for a national examination. This is the COTA examination, which is the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant examination in full. This exam is taken after you complete the associate degree program that takes two years. The COTA is an online exam that contains two hundred multiple choice questions. When you pass, you will receive an NBCOT certificate.
After sitting for the COTA examination and passing it, you can start by working as an assistant OT. Thus, you can hunt for these jobs in an institution that offers them. This is not mandatory, but it is essential. This is because the experience you gain will help you when you are taking the degree program in OT.
Whether you have gained the experience or not, you need to continue with your education. Hence, you have to be ready to start your masters degree program. Everyone who wants to become a therapist must obtain an MD. Hence, make sure you have taken up the classes and ready yourself for another examination known as the OTR. Also, you can opt to combine both your undergraduate and MD and sit for the final examination.
You thus have to sit for the OTR exam and pass it before you become a licensed OT. Just like the COTA examination, the OTR exam is computer-based. The candidate thus has to show that he/she has the knowledge that has been acquired from the studies. After passing the exam, the prospective OT is given an official certificate from NBCOT.
Still, you cannot practice without a license. Hence, you have to ensure that you have gained a permit from the state that you want to practice in. The license requirements differ in different states. The basic requirements are an NBCOT certificate, background check, and transcripts.
Once you have met all the requirements, you can start practicing. Make sure you start helping people as soon as you obtain your license. You can start by setting up a simple clinic then grow slowly. Make sure you have the zeal to become an OT. If you feel that you cannot become one, you can select another career.
The first step is taking a degree in an area that is closely related to the field. For instance, you can take a degree in biology, pediatrics, physiology, mental health, and many more related fields. This is called an associate degree. It takes two years, and you cannot move to the next level without this degree. At the end of your studies, you will sit for an examination.
Once you have equipped yourself with the basic knowledge of the various subjects, you must sit for a national examination. This is the COTA examination, which is the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant examination in full. This exam is taken after you complete the associate degree program that takes two years. The COTA is an online exam that contains two hundred multiple choice questions. When you pass, you will receive an NBCOT certificate.
After sitting for the COTA examination and passing it, you can start by working as an assistant OT. Thus, you can hunt for these jobs in an institution that offers them. This is not mandatory, but it is essential. This is because the experience you gain will help you when you are taking the degree program in OT.
Whether you have gained the experience or not, you need to continue with your education. Hence, you have to be ready to start your masters degree program. Everyone who wants to become a therapist must obtain an MD. Hence, make sure you have taken up the classes and ready yourself for another examination known as the OTR. Also, you can opt to combine both your undergraduate and MD and sit for the final examination.
You thus have to sit for the OTR exam and pass it before you become a licensed OT. Just like the COTA examination, the OTR exam is computer-based. The candidate thus has to show that he/she has the knowledge that has been acquired from the studies. After passing the exam, the prospective OT is given an official certificate from NBCOT.
Still, you cannot practice without a license. Hence, you have to ensure that you have gained a permit from the state that you want to practice in. The license requirements differ in different states. The basic requirements are an NBCOT certificate, background check, and transcripts.
Once you have met all the requirements, you can start practicing. Make sure you start helping people as soon as you obtain your license. You can start by setting up a simple clinic then grow slowly. Make sure you have the zeal to become an OT. If you feel that you cannot become one, you can select another career.
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