Education Guy Wants to become OT, Now What?

[Mr. Friscus]

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As The title says, I'd like to finally establish a career job as an occupational therapist.

Me right now? I have been working at an elementary school as a special education aid for five years. I am also a certified home health care provider for two clients with special needs through the Ohio Department of Developemental Disabilities.

My previous schooling? I have an associate of arts degree from my local community college, which has tons of partnerships. I also have furthering education in the education field at a university, but stopped schooling and did not achieve a bachelors.

As I've been looking into becoming an occupational therapist, I've been confused as to what route should be taken:

1. I see mainstream state universities with programs, suggesting one needs a four-year bachelors in a science field to enter a Masters program.

2. I see specialized schools for OT and hear of accelerated programs, but I am uncertain as to how previous schooling fits into that, if at all.

Basically, I have nothing holding me where I am, and have the freedom to go anywhere in the United States to get into a program.

Does what I'm confused about make any sense? Are there different paths to becoming an occupational therapist? Any help regarding this would be very much appreciated, thank you.

 

[Lucca]

Moving to the OT forums

 

[gina2493]

you could find schools that have BS-MS programs, which your prereqs could possibly transfer over.

I don't usually suggest being a COTA, if someone wants to be the OT, but that is another option if you feel like 3-5 more years of schooling (depending on the route you take) is not for you. good luck!

 

[Mr. Friscus]

you could find schools that have BS-MS programs, which your prereqs could possibly transfer over.

I don't usually suggest being a COTA, if someone wants to be the OT, but that is another option if you feel like 3-5 more years of schooling (depending on the route you take) is not for you. good luck!

Are there more specialized, accelerated schools?

Or is the only route getting a Bachelor's and then Master's Program?

I guess all the wording is confusing when I do my research.

 

[OT/2016]

Are there more specialized, accelerated schools?

Or is the only route getting a Bachelor's and then Master's Program?

I guess all the wording is confusing when I do my research.

There are accelerated programs called 3+2.You start your masters degree in you last year of your bachelors degree (for 5 years of schooling).
There are accelerated programs for a doctorates degree (usually totaling 6 years for a doctorates)
There is also the path for those who already have their bachelors degree (4 year degree) then purse a masters degree (2-2.5 years) for a total of 6 years of school
There are few programs that do not require you bachelors any only require 90 credit hours such as cox college and university of north dakota in which you purse a masters
You can choose to purse a masters degree or a doctoral degree (either an accelerated doctoral program, entering a doctoral program at an entry level after you have received a bachelors degree, or deciding to return to school after your masters to obtain your doctoral degree)
Lastly, there are programs for certified occupational therapy assistants (a 2 year program) plus 2 years of work experience to enter into a masters program.

 

[resot]

Are there more specialized, accelerated schools?

Or is the only route getting a Bachelor's and then Master's Program?

I guess all the wording is confusing when I do my research.

The BS to MS/MA programs are the accelerated programs because they combine some of the masters program curricula into the bachelors peogram. (Just think of it as a combo program where you get both degrees from one institution with the bachelors flowing right into the masters.)

In a typical program you will complete a bachelors program. And once finished or nearly finished, you apply elsewhere to a masters program. The standalone masters programs are usually longer than the combo because some of the required classes were not integrated into your bachelors. They are two separate programs completed at two separate schools.

Either option is fine, with the combo program being shorter (unless you have some credits that will allow you to transfer into a bachelors program as a junior). If you are able to transfer as an upperclassmen into a typical program, then the journey may end up being about the same with either route. There aren't too many combo programs; you will have to do your research.