Educational prerequiste - Occupational Therapy

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arouncoumar

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I am a foreign-educated OT. I want to confirm whether a Masters degree is mandatory to practice my profession in US. The latest requirement come January 1, 2007 seems to mention its mandatory. Some associated links http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm http://www.usc.edu/schools/ihp/ot/programs/bs/overview Whereas I found this latest official NBCOT article http://www.nbcot.org/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=350&z=26 it mentions either Master's OR Bachelors + getting the credentials evaluated to an equivalent US Bachelor's. So, I am quite confused as to what is the minimum educational requirement to practice in US after January 1, 2007 ? Please let me know your opinion.

This is my educational and professional background. I have completed my Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy from Chennai, India. Graduated in 2000 and now have 6 yrs of clinical experience. Also, I have completed my M.Sc in Phsycology in 2002.
 
Hi arouncoumar,

I understand your confusion. The problem lies in the fact that not every country is on the "same page" as far as educational requirements go. I think only the United States and Canada will require a master's degree as of 2007. Many other countries do not even offer a master's in OT. Because of this, your bachelor's degree may be enough to qualify you for the NBCOT because it is the highest degree offered in your country. But I could be wrong about that.

I think you should contact the NBCOT to find out if you are eligible to sit for the exam. Your best bet is to go directly to the source. It could be that your school is considered equivalent to a U.S. institution but just has not been listed with the WFOT yet. In addition to passing the exam, you may be required to do fieldworks in the United States before you are certified/licensed.

I encourage you to contact the NBCOT immediately, because January is approaching fast...

I hope this helps.

~Christella
 
Christella, Thanks and appreciate your response. I was in touch with NBCOT last couple days and they say Bachelors is fine even in 2007 and after. Some e-mail excerpt exchanges

Per http://www.nbcot.org/webarticles/anm...asp?a=350&z=26,
The category B option provides individuals with a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy (from a WFOT approved school) or who have a post-baccalaureate degree but in a related field (with a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from a WFOT approved program) with the option to apply for exam eligibility.

All individuals applying through category B will need to submit an official final transcript confirming degree date and the date the degree was issued. Additionally, official academic course descriptions of all coursework must be submitted so that a course review may be conducted to determine educational equivalency to American occupational therapy education standards. That said, it is important to note that every category B applicant will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Confirmation of eligibility under category B can not be guaranteed; it will be determined on an individual basis.
Click to expand...

So, the only catch is getting your degree evaluated to be an equivalent US Bachelor's. I hope this is not an issue as its a WFOT school.

Also, I see that you are from SJSU. I am in Santa Clara myself. Can you give me your contact information? It will be useful. Mine is [email protected]

Arun
 
Hey Arun,

I'm glad you sorted it all out. I sent you a private message with my info. Take care, ttyl. =)

~Christella
 
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