If you want to change your career, there are many fields that you can select. For instance, you can decide to become a therapist. In such a case, you have to know all the requirements for taking up the occupational therapy continuation courses Jacksonville FL has. Also, you will need to understand what you are in for. For instance, you should know that you will be treating patients with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, etc. You will thus work with the patients to improve, develop and recover their skills. The following are the requirements you must meet for you to get started.
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.
The examination you will sit for is called the COTA. It is mandatory to take this examination if you plan to become an OT. Normally, this test will allow you to become an assistant OT but only if you pass. It consists of questions with multiple choices, and it has to be completed online. When you complete the exam and pass, you will be certified with the NBCOT.
When you have sat for the COTA exam and excelled in it, you can look for OTA jobs so that you can gain experience in this filed. Even if it is not mandatory to work as an OTA before applying for the OT degree program, it is still essential. This is because you will gain experience and increase your chances of taking a masters degree.
For you to become an OT, you have to advance your education. Thus, you need a masters degree for you to qualify. Interested students can earn an undergraduate degree in related areas like physiology and biology before continuing to the masters degree. Also, students can decide to apply for the combined bachelors and masters program. The masters studies prepare the learners to sit for the OTR 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.
Before an OT is allowed to practice, he/she must obtain the state licensure. This license is usually given in the state that the OT intends to work. The requirement for the licensure varies in different states, but most municipalities require the NBCOT score, some transcripts, and a background check.
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.
The examination you will sit for is called the COTA. It is mandatory to take this examination if you plan to become an OT. Normally, this test will allow you to become an assistant OT but only if you pass. It consists of questions with multiple choices, and it has to be completed online. When you complete the exam and pass, you will be certified with the NBCOT.
When you have sat for the COTA exam and excelled in it, you can look for OTA jobs so that you can gain experience in this filed. Even if it is not mandatory to work as an OTA before applying for the OT degree program, it is still essential. This is because you will gain experience and increase your chances of taking a masters degree.
For you to become an OT, you have to advance your education. Thus, you need a masters degree for you to qualify. Interested students can earn an undergraduate degree in related areas like physiology and biology before continuing to the masters degree. Also, students can decide to apply for the combined bachelors and masters program. The masters studies prepare the learners to sit for the OTR 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.
Before an OT is allowed to practice, he/she must obtain the state licensure. This license is usually given in the state that the OT intends to work. The requirement for the licensure varies in different states, but most municipalities require the NBCOT score, some transcripts, and a background check.
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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