For example, they are concerned with helping the spinal cord patient adjust to the many difficulties related to the spinal injury and requisite paralysis that goes along with most spinal injuries. They work with psychiatric patients to help them develop their independence in community living skills or to learn how to negotiate the public transit systems. In short, the occupational therapist works hard to help individuals to be as independent as possible in work, in self-care, and in leisure activities. To be able to perform the therapy that we have discussed so far, we need to understand what it takes to become an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists need to complete an undergraduate degree in a field of study that would be consistent with continuing on with a master's degree in occupational therapy.
Most students complete degrees in human exercise science, psychology, or biology.
I have worked with students who have completed degrees in business or education and they have done very well as long as they have completed the prerequisite courses. Most programs require courses in human development, family studies, psychology, as well as kinesiology and anatomy. Competition is stiff and students interested in getting into an occupational therapy program should maintain as high an academic GPA as possible. Most professional programs in occupational therapy are at the master's degree level and last about two and one-half years in length. New programs are developing each year and prospective students should look closely at the program's accreditation status.