Working with kids and adults with mental and physical disabilities is a great experience, which is why becoming an Occupational Therapist would be a very rewarding career choice. Before you take the steps to become an occupational therapist, you have to think about this career field a little harder to decide if it is something you would want to do. It is important to see how easy it is to get a job and what the salary is so you can see if you can make a living becoming a therapist. Once you have it set that this is what you want to do, then you can begin the process into this career field.
The first thing and probably the most important detail is going to school. No one will hire you unless you have the appropriate education. You may need to go to a school that deals with therapy programs or you can go to a regular community college or university to see what is available. You will have to check out schools near you to see if they offer an associates or bachelors degree in that field of study. Some schools may offer just an associate or just a bachelors degree. You may also be able to take your classes online if you have a hectic lifestyle.
The second step you can take is to get your foot in the door. You can intern at an occupational therapists office or work someplace that has a similar environment. This will help you get your dream job once you have completed your licensing. It would be beneficial for you to go to school part time and work part time so you can get some experience under your belt. It will be hard enough getting a job once you graduate, but it may be a little easier for you if you have some experience.
Congratulations on graduating college with an associates or bachelors degree so now you can move on to the next step. Now that you have your degree, you have to take the appropriate exams to get your license. Usually, you will be able to set up a date and time they have available for you to take the exam. You will also be notified where the exam will take place. Make sure you are prepared so you can pass the test the first try. Once you pass the exam, it will usually take a few weeks for your license to come in the mail. If you get a job interview before then, then you can show the employers proof that you have passed the licensing exam until you receive the actual one.
The last step would be looking for a job as an occupational therapist. This may be the most difficult step of all and you have to work hard at it. Many people say that looking for a full-time job is like a full-time job. Try and apply for as many jobs as an occupational therapist as you can. The more jobs you apply for, the better chances you have at getting the job. You can also apply for an assistant to occupational therapists so you will at least be in the field you want to be in.
By following these simple steps to becoming an occupational therapist, you will have the career you have been hoping for in no time at all. Once you have the job, you will have successfully completed the steps and now you can share your knowledge of how you got to where you are with other people that are interested in the same career choice as you.
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