If it’s to find ways to help them in any way you can, a degree in Occupational Therapy might be the right choice for you.
Occupational therapists work day in and day out to develop therapeutic solutions for ill, injured, or disabled patients. These professionals work hard to help patients recover and improve as well as to maintain the skills that they need for everyday living and working.
As an occupational therapist, you might work in a hospital, nursing home, school, or home healthcare setting. While a compassionate soul and a hardworking nature are the base requirements for one of these careers, you’ll also need to have a minimum of a master’s degree.
A doctorate degree is even better. Considered a terminal degree in the field, a doctorate degree will equip you with the skills necessary to pursue roles in teaching and administration. You will enjoy a much better hiring rate – and a very nice salary to boot.
What kind of Occupational Therapy degree should you get?
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As an occupational therapist, you will be charged with reviewing patients’ medical histories and evaluating their needs to help develop an effective treatment plan. As a result, you need to pursue a program of study that not only lays the theoretical groundwork for a good foundational knowledge of occupational therapy but also gives you plenty of hands-on experiences.
Look for a program that includes plenty of opportunities for research, internships, and other work experiences. This will help you hone your critical thinking and decision-making skills so that you can be an effective practitioner.
But wait – what if you are already working in occupational therapy and want to continue your education without leaving your current employment? No worries – this can easily be done. All you need to do is consider an online program in Occupational Therapy that will be more flexible and adaptable to your needs and goals.
An online program of study will allow you to meet your goals and take classes on your own terms; you can work independently without ever having to leave your current place of employment. Online programs are often identical to their on-campus counterparts, yet they are more accessible and often even more affordable because you don’t have to cover subsidiary expenses such as travel and residential costs.
Not sure that an online doctorate in Occupational Therapy is the right choice for you? Take a look at our comprehensive ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities for a look at all of the options that are available to you.
How much money do people make with a degree in Occupational Therapy?
If you have a degree in Occupational Therapy, you will be eligible for a career in one of the highest-paying jobs in the country. The top 10% of all earners in this field receive an average of $120,750 or more per year. On average, most occupational therapists earn about $84,270.
If you work in a skilled nursing facility, you will be part of the highest group of earners. Other common work environments include home healthcare services, private offices, hospitals, and schools.
Perhaps even better than the high pay is the fact that, as an occupational therapist, your skills and services will always be in high demand. These jobs are expected to grow by a whopping 24% by 2026 – this figure is more than three times the national average!
What are the requirements for a degree in Occupational Therapy?
To become an occupational therapist, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree. The highest earners also have doctorate degrees, and you may also need to be licensed to practice in your state.
To apply for a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, you will need either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree – often both – in a related field. You will need to show significant coursework in areas like physiology and biology, and some programs require that you have previously worked or volunteered in an occupational therapy setting.
A doctoral program will include a large amount of supervised fieldwork to give you extensive clinical work experience. You will likely take preparatory courses that will enable you to pass the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Good programs will also be recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association for their ability to train you in diagnostic, interpersonal, and technological competencies.
What are the best degrees in Occupational Therapy?
Earning a college degree is a major investment. It takes a lot of time, money, and dedication in order to receive a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
The best degree in Occupational Therapy will vary depending on your career goals and personal preferences. In order to find the perfect degree, you will need to think carefully about your goals. Look for a degree that meshes with your career plans and pick one that is best suited for your individual life circumstances.
We get it-you’re busy. That’s why we hope to take the stress out of finding the perfect college program by showing you the best options out there. When we create our list, we only select the programs that have the best reputation for high-quality instruction, affordability, and convenience.
Our final list is reflective of the best schools in the entire country. We know finding the perfect school isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair, which is why we would love for you to take a look at our detailed methodology page. Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about how we find, select, and narrow down our list of the best programs in the country.
Think you have what it takes to be an occupational therapist? Then continue reading to learn all about the 30 Best Online Doctorates in Occupational Therapy.
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