According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for occupational therapists will increase much faster than average through 2014. As our population ages, more people will turn to occupational therapists for treatment.

Degrees and Training Programs in Occupational Therapy

Starting in 2007, occupational therapists must have their master's degrees. Before, they could practice with only their bachelor's degrees. Undergraduate training in anatomy, biology, psychology, sociology, and the liberal arts provides good preparation for an occupational therapy master's program. Typical training programs in occupational therapy include courses in statistics, sociology, anatomy and physiology, and developmental and abnormal psychology. Upon graduation, occupational therapists must pass a certification examination in order to earn their licenses.

Working as an Occupational Therapist

Most occupational therapists work in hospitals. Others find employment in the offices of other healthcare practitioners, at nursing homes, and in schools. Occupational therapists assist their clients to improve their abilities to function in their day-to-day lives. They help clients with permanent disabilities to learn how to use adaptive equipment. Some work with clients with mental health issues, aiding them in becoming self-sufficient and engaged in life. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment of occupational therapists should increase much faster than average. Occupational therapists' average salary is $54,660 per year.

An attractive aspect of occupational therapy is that many people are able to do it part-time. One-fourth of all occupational therapists work part-time. If you are looking for a great job that still allows you lots of family and recreation time, occupational therapy is an excellent option.

Online Degrees in Occupational Therapy

Boston University

Boston University, founded in 1839, the fourth largest independent university in the United States, is a hub of academic and scientific activity. With more than 3,400 faculty members and more than 30,000 students, it is one of the nation's leading research-based universities. Within the University, 17 Schools and Colleges offer a total of more than 250 degree programs. more

Occupational Therapy Degrees Offered:

MS for Occupational Therapy
The Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy allows practicing clinicians to advance their skills and opportunities for employment without altering their current work schedule. The mission of the program is to increase practitioners' ability to use current theory, research, and knowledge of health and social service systems to guide clinical practice, and thus to prepare them to develop innovative and effective intervention and service programs.

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A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences includes four universities that offer graduate-level degrees based on the principles of osteopathic medicine. While A.T. Still University's campus-based programs offer students a traditional learning environment, the flexibility of their online campus programs are most enticing to those already employed in the health care field. more

Occupational Therapy Degrees Offered:

Advanced Occupational Therapy Studies
The Advanced Occupational Therapy Studies degree is a 42 credit hour program designed to update U.S. licensed occupational therapists on current issues and procedures new to the field of occupational therapy. Throughout the course of the curriculum, students will touch on issues which cover topics including critical thinking in the workplace, the mental health of patients, legislation affecting the profession, and evidence-based practice.

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ChathamOnline

ChathamOnline is the web-based campus of Chatham College. Founded in 1869, Chatham College is dedicated to enabling its graduates to make an impact on the world around them. Graduates of Chatham College leave with a social consciousness, an awareness and understanding of the environment, an interest in public service, the ability to communicate effectively, and a strong grounding in liberal arts and science education. more

Occupational Therapy Degrees Offered:

Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
The Master Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy is an online post-professional degree for occupational therapy clinicians and/or academicians who want to advance in their career. In this 30-credit program, students study public policy, professional advocacy, and business management; gain additional theoretical knowledge and clinical competence; and practice concepts of educational theory and measurement as it relates to both clients and students.

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Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Occupational Therapy Degrees Offered:

Occupational Therapy Aide
Start a satisfying career as an Occupational Therapy Aide. Through this program, you can gain the skills you need quickly and conveniently. You’ll learn all about medical terminology, including anatomical positioning and therapeutic terms, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) therapy, adaptive equipment, and workplace health and safety.
Occupational Therapy Aide
Start a satisfying career as an Occupational Therapy Aide. Through this program, you can gain the skills you need quickly and conveniently. You’ll learn all about medical terminology, including anatomical positioning and therapeutic terms, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) therapy, adaptive equipment, and workplace health and safety.

Send me info about these online occupational therapy degrees