The occupational therapy profession is actively seeking to expand the number of practitioners representing the many aspects of culturally diversity in our society. Beginning in 2007, new occupational therapists will need a postbaccalaureate degree. All occupational therapy education programs include a period of supervised fieldwork experience. To become an occupational therapy assistant, you must complete a two-year associate degree and a period of fieldwork. Schools typically require course work concentrating on the biological and behavioral sciences, including biology, psychology, and sociology.
Most programs also require volunteer or paid work experience with persons with disabilities.
However, a decision has been made to require master's entry as of 2007. Therefore, there will be no accredited baccalaureate programs after that date. On your first job, the difference in salary offered for a professional master's degree prepared therapist and a baccalaureate degree prepared therapist may be negligible, as both are considered entry-level. Over time, the individual with a master's degree may more readily be placed in higher level and higher paying positions. Accreditation of a program indicates that the program is in substantial compliance with the Standards.