Occupational Therapist
Career Description
Occupational therapists help disabled people of all ages learn or
regain the skills needed to live
independent, productive and satisfying lives. Specifically, an occupational
therapist may lead
patients in physical exercise and assist patients in operating rehabilitative
equipment and computer
programs. They also may work in the classroom to assimilate disabled
children into school settings or
teach fi nance, time management and social survival skills to the
mentally handicapped.
Academic Requirements
Although the minimal educational requirement for entering the occupational therapy field is a bachelor’s degree, many hospitals prefer a master’s degree. To obtain the title of registered occupational therapist requires completing an accredited graduate level program and passing an examination of the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board.
Schools
Maryville University
800/627-9855
Saint Louis University
800/SLU-FORU
Washington University
314/286-1600
Professional Associations
National
American Occupational Therapy Association
State
Missouri Occupational Therapist Association
Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy
