Question about master's degree! Help please!

[Syrup]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology next year and I'm planning on going to graduate school and eventually becoming an occupational therapist. Do I have to get a master's degree in specifically occupational therapy or can I get a more general master's degree and then just get an occupational therapy license? I would like to keep my options more open in case I change my mind.

 

[speedyy12]

In order to sit for the NBCOT exam, you need to have graduated from an accredited master's or doctorate program in Occupational therapy. You can't take another major/study and sit for the exam as there are requirements that need to be fulfilled as according to NBCOT and AOTA such as fieldwork hours and classes.

 

[jewel11786]

There is way too much to learn about OT that getting a master's degree in OT is essential and is a requirement to graduate from an ACOTE accredited OT program in order to sit for the NBCOT. Passing the NBCOT and having two level II fieldwork experiences is also a requirement to obtain a license. OT school is extremely challenging and competitive. Since you're still in school, if you really want to become an OT, I suggest you start taking the pre-reqs now. Start looking into some OT program and see what this field entails. Also look into taking Anatomy & Physiology I & II, abnormal psych, developmental psych, sociology, statistics, or any other courses required for admittance.