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Distance Learning Degree in Occupational Therapy
Online Degrees in Occupational Therapy
Discover online occupational therapy degrees from accredited universities and colleges.
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists help clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
In large rehabilitation centers, therapists may work in spacious rooms equipped with machines, tools, and other devices generating noise. The work can be tiring, because therapists are on their feet much of the time. Those providing home health care services may spend time driving from appointment to appointment. Therapists also face hazards such as back strain from lifting and moving clients and equipment. Hospitals will continue to employ a large number of occupational therapists to provide therapy services to acutely ill inpatients. Hospitals also will need occupational therapists to staff their outpatient rehabilitation programs.
Currently, a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into the field. Beginning in 2007, however, a master’s degree or higher will be the minimum educational requirement. As a result, students in bachelor’s-level programs must complete their coursework and fieldwork before 2007. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a national certification examination. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title “Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).” Some States have additional requirements for therapists who work in schools or early intervention programs. These requirements may include education-related classes, an education practice certificate, or early intervention certification requirements.
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Featured Schools For Online Degree Programs in Occupational Therapy
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Boston University
Master of Science (post-professional) for practicing Occupational Therapists
The highly regarded post-professional Master of Science from Boston University is now offered in an e-Learning format. This innovative program allows students to earn their MS degree without disrupting their career or relocating their family.
The post-professional MS program is designed to increase practitioners’ ability to apply current theory, research, and knowledge of health and social service systems in their current clinical practice setting.
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University of Florida
Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy
The Masters in Occupational Therapy Degree Program is designed for students who do not have an OT degree. The program provides the student with a holistic perspective, including an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical base for practice in the current health care environment. Students study the biological, psychological and social systems that impact on the performance of occupational roles, at the baccalaureate level, as prerequisite to the strong background in theory, assessment and therapeutic interventions which is provided within this program.
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