How Fitness Enthusiasts Are Transitioning into Occupational Therapy Careers

One of the recent changes being witnessed is that of fitness enthusiasts who are switching careers into occupational therapy. They are choosing to leverage their knowledge in health and physical activities and academic qualifications to make the career change.

However, the transition involves studies and certification examinations, pursuing a doctoral or master’s degree in occupational therapy, and hands-on experience. Their fitness background makes it easier for these professionals to excel in rehabilitation and working with people with disabilities. Here are the steps fitness enthusiasts need to know if they want to transition to occupational therapy.

Undergraduate Certification

The journey to becoming a qualified occupational therapist requires one to obtain a relevant degree. Some people who hold occupational therapy positions today have a degree in biology, sociology, psychology, kinesiology, or health science. It is also advantageous to have a major in English, but it is not mandatory.

That said, occupational therapy enthusiasts have to fulfill all other prerequisites, which vary by the graduate program. This often includes statistics, sociology, human development, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and anatomy.

Before aspiring OTs move to the next step, they need to gain some experience in their area of therapy specialization to show their commitment to that field of study. This can be done by volunteering at a rehabilitation unit or taking part in extracurricular activities.

Graduate Program

The next step is choosing between a Master of Occupational Therapy and a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. It is possible to pursue the doctorate later on, but the master’s needs to be completed before the aspiring occupational therapist gets a license.

The good news is that the MOT takes two to three years to complete, while the doctorate is completed in three to four years. The program equips the fitness enthusiast with the knowledge and skills they need to work as occupational therapists.

Internships and Clinical Training

While getting a quality education is essential, an occupational therapist also needs to gain firsthand experience in their area of specialization. These professionals need clinical experience through an internship, which can take place in a clinic, hospital, or rehabilitation center. They might be expected to observe how other occupational therapists apply different therapies or shadow a specialist in a consultation to build their skills.

During the internship, the student learns to apply the knowledge and skills from school in treating patients. Generally, the internship duration varies depending on the state of residence and graduate program, and it can last up to six months.

Certification and License

Like other professionals in the medical field, occupational therapists need to be certified and licensed. The licensing requirements usually vary depending on the state. However, all candidates must successfully pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy test once they obtain the advanced degree and clinical training. This test covers various topics like analysis and interpretation, occupational therapy basic concepts, assessment methods and tools, legal and ethics considerations, and intervention strategy formulation.

Becoming an occupational therapist is not as difficult as many people think. The journey could be even more exciting for fitness enthusiasts. However, like other medical professionals, occupational therapists must continue studying to maintain their licensure. This can be done in various ways, including taking courses online. The good news is that becoming a licensed occupational therapist is rewarding and fulfilling.