Requirements For Occupational Therapy Continuation Courses Jacksonville FL

By Lisa Foster


If you want to change your career, there are many fields that you can select. For instance, you can decide to become a therapist. In such a case, you have to know all the requirements for taking up the occupational therapy continuation courses Jacksonville FL has. Also, you will need to understand what you are in for. For instance, you should know that you will be treating patients with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, etc. You will thus work with the patients to improve, develop and recover their skills. The following are the requirements you must meet for you to get started.

For you to start the sessions, you have to complete an associate degree or two years. After that, you will do some more advanced degrees. Therefore, make sure you are ready to meet the educational requirements for you to become an OT. Hence, you can pick an area that you like, for instance, biology, geriatrics, physiology, mental health, and complete the degree.

Then, you have to be ready to sit for the COTA national examination. This is a national examination that anyone who wants to become an OT has to sit for and pass. You can take this examination after completing a two-year associate degree. Normally, the examination is completed on the web, whereby the examinee has to tackle 200 multiple choice tests. After passing the test, you will be handed the NBCOT certification.

When you have sat for the COTA exam and excelled in it, you can look for OTA jobs so that you can gain experience in this filed. Even if it is not mandatory to work as an OTA before applying for the OT degree program, it is still essential. This is because you will gain experience and increase your chances of taking a masters degree.

Whether you have gained the experience or not, you need to continue with your education. Hence, you have to be ready to start your masters degree program. Everyone who wants to become a therapist must obtain an MD. Hence, make sure you have taken up the classes and ready yourself for another examination known as the OTR. Also, you can opt to combine both your undergraduate and MD and sit for the final examination.

You cannot be licensed if you do not sit for the OTR exam. Hence, you have to ensure that you sit for the exam and pass it. It is also online-based like the COTA exam. Once you pass the test, you will be given the official NBCOT certificate as well as a wallet card.

Before an OT is allowed to practice, he/she must obtain the state licensure. This license is usually given in the state that the OT intends to work. The requirement for the licensure varies in different states, but most municipalities require the NBCOT score, some transcripts, and a background check.

When you meet all the requirements listed above, you can freely practice in your state. Thus, make sure you know all the necessities of this field so that you can meet them one after the other. Additionally, you must be willing to work hard and assist people.




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