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This question is about occupational therapist.
What degree do you need to be an occupational therapist?
You need a master's degree to be an occupational therapist. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, like biology or physiology, before advancing to a master's program, or they can apply for a combined bachelor's/master's program.
Master's degree programs combine theory and practice to give students a comprehensive knowledge of occupational therapy. Fieldwork is required and must be completed under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Master's degree programs in occupational therapy aim to prepare students to sit for the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam.
A passing score on the OTR exam is required to become a licensed occupational therapist. Like the COTA exam, the OTR is computer-based.
There are three clinical simulation problems and 170 multiple choice questions that are designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to make conclusions about client needs, get information about a client's occupational performance and the factors that play into it, choose appropriate therapies and manage and direct occupational therapy services.
Occupational therapists need to get licensed in the state in which they plan to practice. Licensure requirements vary between states, but they typically require an NBCOT score, academic transcripts, and a background check. To keep their licensure up to date, occupational therapists need to take continuing education units.
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