Occupational Therapist
Description:
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. To assist patients, occupational therapists develop a treatment plans, identify specific goals and the types of activities that will be used to help the patient work toward those goals, and evaluate patients’ home or workplaces to identify potential improvements that would assist with treatment goals. Occupational therapists also supervise occupational therapy assistants and aides.
Requirements
- Must be of good moral character
- Must meet education and examination requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
Education Required:
New York State registered Occupational Therapy programs or an American Occupational Therapy Association accredited Occupational Therapy programs are either baccalaureate or entry-level master’s degree programs.
Fees:
The application fee is $294.
Average Pay:
$86,940 (approx. $41/hour)
Steps
- Enroll in and complete a New York State registered Occupational Therapy program or an American Occupational Therapy Association accredited Occupational Therapy program
- Click link for a list of approved programs
- Take the the NBCOT OTR examination with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
- Click link for more information
- Complete and submit application forms found here
Criminal History:
Generally, you cannot be denied an occupational license in New York based solely on your criminal record unless 1) there is a direct relationship between your past conviction(s) and the job you want; or 2) hiring you would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety of others. We recommend calling the licensing board at 518-474- 3817 and finding out how your specific offenses are viewed by the board.