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Saturday, November 3, 2018

By Lisa Foster


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.

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.

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.

The OTR is also a web-based examination like the COTA. Hence, the examinee has to complete the test on the internet. You cannot become a licensed OT without a certificate showing that you took this examination. Hence, you have to make sure that you complete the exam and become certified with the NBCOT and the wallet card.

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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