Education, Certificates, Training, Oh My!
What degree do you need to practice Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapist: Masters or Doctorate
I want to work with children can I do that as an OT?
Yes! Schools, Pediatric clinics and hospitals
Where do I look for a job when I graduate?
Students connect while on clinical rotations. In addition, online postings. SAU has 100% job placement
A child is born with Down Syndrome and the family needs help with proper positioning and feeding, can an OT help?
Yes! OTs work on everyday living tasks including feeding and proper positioning to facilitate development.
What certificates can you obtain while practicing occupational therapy?
So many! Sensory Integration, Lymphedema, Vision, Assistive technology
I enjoy working with older adults can an OT do that?
Yes! Skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health, and outpatient clinics
What qualities do employers look for in an OT?
A school aged student received a diagnosis of Autism and is having a hard time socializing at school, can an OT work with that student?
Yes! OTs work on social participation and education goals within the school environment.
What is a good undergraduate degree in order to be prepared for OT school?
Students can major in any degree they want.
I like to work with a variety of ages can an OT do that?
Yes! OTs work in many settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community based settings.
What is the starting salary for an OT?
A young adult got in a car accident and sustained a spinal cord injury and can no longer walk independently The young adult wants to play sports again, can an OT help?
Yes! OTs work with individuals in the rehabilitation phase to get them to do things that want to do again like leisure and sports. This is called adaptive recreation.
How long will it take to become an OT?
Varies pending on the path.
St. Ambrose offers a 3+3 (3 years undergraduate and 3 graduate graduate=doctorate degree)
What are some unique OT jobs?
Nature based Occupational therapy, Mental Health OT, Assistive Technology, and Academia
What will my work environment look like?
Varies. You will be part of team that may include: teachers, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, social workers, psychologists
A grandparent recently had a stroke and is having a hard time using one side of their body, can an OT help?
Yes! OTs are able to create adaptive tools and make recommendations so that individual can participate in cooking, dressing and everyday tasks.
Can I work internationally?
Yes! OTs are needed across the US and the world.
How do I ensure I get the job?
Professional dress, eye-contact, arrive on time, reflect on experiences and promote your work
Yes! OTs address both physical and mental health issues with all clients. OTs ensure that the individual can engage in meaningful activities by addressing social-emotional health.