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Become an occupational therapy practitioner
Your journey into the fulfilling world of occupational therapy starts here.
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About the profession
Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.
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Obtain the education
The first step in your journey requires a degree from an ACOTE®-accredited occupational therapy (OT) program or occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program.
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Pass the exam
In order to practice in the United States, you must pass the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) examination. State licensing requirements vary, so make sure to consult your state’s occupational therapy regulatory agency.
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Get licensed
Occupational therapy is regulated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The major purpose of regulation is to protect consumers in a state or jurisdiction from unqualified or unscrupulous practitioners.