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Major Related Resources Health Professions Resources Career Resource Library | Description of MajorOccupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy gives people the "skills for the job of living" that are needed for independent and satisfying lives. Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional and physiological effects of illness and injury. We recommend that Indiana University Bloomington students interested in occupational therapy complete an undergraduate (bachelors) degree prior to beginning either an entry level master of science in OT or a professional OT doctorate. Any undergraduate major is acceptable so long as students satisfy the prerequisites for the program(s) to which they plan to apply. Most post-baccalaureate OT programs require 2 1/2 to 3 years of professional training including clinical experience.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyCritical thinking, activity analysis, creativity; entry-level competence in the application of physical, behavioral, and medical sciences to the practice of occupational therapy. Graduates will qualify to sit for the national certification examination.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorIn addition to the undergraduate (pre-occupational therapy) major chosen, minors and courses in business, education, and child development could be beneficial. A minor in psychology is highly recommended.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeOccupational therapy is currently a graduate degree program. Pre-Occupational Therapy students complete a bachelors degree in any major while at the same time completing the prerequisites for the OT program(s)to which they plan to apply.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeIn addition to choosing an undergraduate major that will help prepare the student for admission to the graduate program in occupational therapy, alternate career options related to the "pre-occupational therapy" bachelor major may be considered.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeA graduate degree in occupational therapy is required to be qualified to work as a registered occupational therapist in physical dysfunction, psychiatry, geriatrics, pediatrics, acute care, chronic care, school systems, industry, home care, and private practice. Occupational therapists can choose to work in mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, physical disabilites, or other specialty areas.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookExcellent; OT is a growing profession especially in community-based practice as well as in industry.Salary InformationMedian earnings for 2002 ranged from $45,740 to $53,660 depending on the setting for a particular position.Potential Career GrowthExcellent. For the career field, as the population ages, employment for occupational therapists is expected to increase faster than the average through 2012. An entry level OT can expect to advance rapidly in her/his career as he/she gains experience in working with patients.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorAll graduates seeking positions have found employment in a reasonable period of time.High School PreparationIn addition to meeting basic admission requirements for Indiana University, students are encouraged to build a strong background in science, writing, and humanities. We also recommend that they volunteer/shadow in various OT environments, document their experiences and note where they volunteered/shadowed.Special OpportunitiesA master of science in occupational therapy is offered through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. Students who come to IU Bloomington for their undergraduate degree course work gain a strong foundation in the sciences, social sciences and the humanities at one of the country’s leading research universities.Noted AlumniThomas Fisher, PhD, OTR, FAOTADirector of Graduate OT Program School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Indiana University (Medical Center Campus) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
