Health Science Occupational Therapist
TEA Industry Cluster Health Science SOC Code 29-1122 Identified by Tech Prep Occupations Projected Growth (2018) 31% BISD Magnet School Available Yes Source: Demand Occupations by Cluster, updated June 27, 2012
Description What Occupational Therapists Do
Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Duties
Occupational therapists typically do the following:
Observe patients doing tasks, ask the patient questions, and review the patient's medical history Use the observations, answers, and medical history to evaluate the patient's condition and needs Establish a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific goals to be accomplished Help people with various disabilities with different tasks, such as helping an older person with poor memory use a computer, or leading an autistic child in play activities Demonstrate exercises that can help relieve pain for people with chronic conditions, such as joint stretches for arthritis sufferers Evaluate a patient’s home or workplace and identify how it can be better suited to the patient’s health needs Educate a patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate and care for the patient Recommend special equipment, such as wheelchairs and eating aids, and instruct patients how to use that equipment Assess and record patients’ activities and progress for evaluating clients, for billing, and for reporting to physicians and other healthcare providers
Patients with permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, often need help performing daily tasks. Therapists show patients how to use appropriate adaptive equipment, such as leg or knee braces, wheelchairs, and eating aids. Patients can function independently and control their living environment by using these devices.
Some occupational therapists work in educational settings with children one on one or in small groups. They evaluate disabled children’s abilities, modify classroom equipment to accommodate certain disabilities, and help children participate in school activities.
Some therapists provide early intervention therapy to infants and toddlers who have, or are at risk of having, developmental delays. Therapists who work with the elderly help their patients lead more independent and active lives. They assess the patient’s abilities and environment and make recommendations, such as using adaptive equipment or identifying and removing potential fall hazards in the home.
In some cases, occupational therapists help patients create functional work environments. They evaluate the work space, plan work activities, and meet with the patient’s employer to collaborate on changes to the patient’s work environment or schedule.
Occupational therapists also may work in mental health settings where they help patients who suffer from developmental disabilities, mental illness, or emotional problems. They help these patients cope with and engage in daily life by teaching skills such as time management, budgeting, using public transportation, and doing household chores. Additionally, therapists may work with individuals who have problems with drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, or suffer from other disorders.
Some occupational therapists—such as those employed in hospitals or physicians’ offices—work as part of a healthcare team, along with doctors, registered nurses, and other types of therapists. They also may oversee the work of occupational therapy assistants and aides. For more information, see the profile on occupational therapy assistants and aides.
Training Opportunities Linked to Those Jobs (Degree Types and Colleges/Universities) How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists need a master’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. Occupational therapists must also be licensed.
Education
Most occupational therapists enter the occupation with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. A small number of programs offer doctoral degrees in occupational therapy.
Admission to occupational therapy programs generally requires a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework, including biology and physiology. Many programs also require applicants to have volunteered or worked in an occupational therapy setting.
Master’s programs generally take 2 years to complete; doctoral programs take longer. Some schools offer a dual degree program in which the student earns a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 5 years. Part-time programs that offer courses on nights and weekends are also available. Both master’s and doctoral programs require several months of supervised fieldwork, in which prospective occupational therapists gain real-world experience.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Occupational therapists have to be able to explain clearly what they want their patients to do.
Compassion. Occupational therapists are usually drawn to the profession by a desire to help people and improve the daily lives of others. Interpersonal skills. Because occupational therapists spend their time teaching and explaining therapies to patients, they should inspire trust and respect from their clients.
Listening skills. Occupational therapists must be able to listen attentively to what their patients tell them.
Patience. Dealing with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities is frustrating for many people. Occupational therapists should be patient in order to provide quality care from the people they serve.
Writing skills. Occupational therapists must be able to explain clearly to others on the patient's medical team what they are doing and how it is going.
Licenses and Certification
Certification is voluntary, but many occupational therapists choose to become certified. They must pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) exam to become certified. Certification allows therapists to use the title of Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). They must also take continuing education classes to maintain certification.
All states require occupational therapists to be licensed. Licensure requires a degree from an accredited educational program and passing the NBCOT certification exam. Other requirements, such as continuing education and fees, vary by state.
Texas Southmost South Texas College Texas State Technical The University of Texas The University of Texas College College at Brownsville - Pan American
Occupational Therapy
(MS)
Local Employers
Employer City Employer City
A & M Home Health Harlingen Medical Associates-Brwnsvll Brownsville
A & M Nursing Svc Harlingen Medical Shield Academy Harlingen
A Better Choice Home Health Brownsville Mercy Home Health Brownsville
A N Senior Care Harlingen Mercy Home Health Harlingen
A One Health Svc Agency Brownsville Mes Harlingen
Career Options (Specific Job Types)
Sample of reported job titles:
Occupational Therapist (OT), Registered Occupational Therapist Staff Therapist Assistive Technology Trainer Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant
Salary Ranges
Wages for Occupational Therapists Pay 2011 Location Period 10% 25% Median 75% 90% Hourly $24.03 $29.58 $35.49 $42.69 $50.17 United States Yearly $50,000 $61,500 $73,800 $88,800 $104,400 Hourly $26.22 $31.77 $38.80 $45.51 $62.16 Texas Yearly $54,500 $66,100 $80,700 $94,700 $129,300 Hourly $27.69 $34.49 $41.19 $48.82 $56.69 Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA Yearly $57,600 $71,700 $85,700 $101,500 $117,900
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Hourly $31.34 $36.36 $41.71 $49.76 $59.67 MSA Yearly $65,200 $75,600 $86,800 $103,500 $124,100
Professional Associations Linked to the Careers For more information about occupational therapists, visit
American Occupational Therapy Association
For information regarding the requirements to practice as an occupational therapist in schools, contact the appropriate occupational therapy regulatory agency for your state.
Sources The information provided in this document was collected from the following sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/) O*NET OnLine (http://www.onetonline.org/) Texas CARES (http://www.texascaresonline.com/) CareerOneStop (http://www.careeronestop.org/) Local Employers (continued)
Employer City Employer City
A & M Home Health Harlingen Medical Associates-Brwnsvll Brownsville
A & M Nursing Svc Harlingen Medical Shield Academy Harlingen
A Better Choice Home Health Brownsville Mercy Home Health Brownsville
A N Senior Care Harlingen Mercy Home Health Harlingen
A One Health Svc Agency Brownsville Mes Harlingen
A Touch Home Health Care Inc Brownsville Mexico Vision Ctr Brownsville
A-Touch Home Health Care Harlingen Miller Jordan Middle School San Benito
Abc Pediatrics Brownsville Ministry Home Health Inc Brownsville
Abundant Life Home Health Inc Brownsville Montessori Academy Harlingen
Acclaim Health Svc Brownsville Morningside Elementary School Brownsville
Affectionate Home Health Inc Harlingen Mother of Perpetual Help Home Brownsville
Aiken Elementary School Brownsville Mtb Silverio Pediatric Ctr Brownsville
Alivio Home Care Brownsville National Nursing & Rehab Harlingen
All About Kids Home Health Harlingen Neighborhood Doctor LA Feria
All Home Care Inc Harlingen Neighborhood Home Health Svc Harlingen
All Texas Healthcare Harlingen New Beginnings Childrens Brownsville
Allergy Supplies of the Valley San Benito Nurse Placement Svc Inc Harlingen
Alpha Temporary Hosp Staffing Harlingen Nurses That Care Sitter Svc Harlingen
Amor Health Svc Brownsville Obesity Surgery Ctr-South TX Harlingen
Anesthesia Consultants Brownsville Odyssey Health Care Brownsville
Angeles Home Healthcare Inc Brownsville Office of Vincent F Honrubia Harlingen
Apc Home Health Svc Inc Harlingen Oliveira Middle School Brownsville
Apc Home Maker Svc Harlingen Ophthalmic Consultants of TX Brownsville
Apc Homemakers Harlingen Ophthalmic Consultants of TX Harlingen
Apc Homemakers Headquarters Harlingen Ortiz Elementary School Brownsville
Apria Healthcare Harlingen Palm Grove Elementary School Brownsville
Asthma Center Brownsville Palm Valley Emergency Phys Brownsville
Athc Provider Svc Harlingen Palmer-Laakso Elementary Schl Los Fresnos
Austin Elementary School Harlingen Paredes Elementary School Brownsville
Back To Action Inc Harlingen Pathology Laboratories Harlingen
Bay Brook Home Health Svc Harlingen Pediatric Heart Clinic Brownsville
Beacon Harbor Home Health Brownsville Pegasus Quest Harlingen
Bee First Primary Home Care Harlingen Perez Elementary School Brownsville
Ben Milam Elementary School Harlingen Perkins Middle School Brownsville
Benavides Elementary School Brownsville Plotkin & Assoc Brownsville
Berta Cabaza Middle School San Benito Point Isabel Independent Sch Port Isabel
Besteiro Middle School Brownsville Point Isabel School District Port Isabel
Bienestar Counseling Ctr Brownsville Port Isabel Health Clinic Port Isabel
Bonham Elementary School Harlingen Port Isabel High School Port Isabel
Borderland Christian Academy San Benito Port Isabel Jr High Port Isabel
Bowie Elementary School Harlingen Port Isabel Junior High School Port Isabel
Boyd Chiropractic Ctr Brownsville Positive Redirection Ctr San Benito Boys & Girls Pediatric Clinic Brownsville Praise the Lord Health Care Brownsville
Brownsville Academic Ctr Brownsville Primary Eye Care Brownsville
Brownsville Adult Education Brownsville Progreso Primary School Port Isabel
Brownsville Care Ctr Brownsville Putegnat Elementary School Brownsville
Brownsville Center-Obstetrics Brownsville Quality Home Health Care Brownsville
Brownsville Children's Clinic Brownsville R L Martin Elementary School Brownsville
Brownsville Family Medicine Brownsville Rainbow Medical Svc Harlingen
Brownsville Good Samaritan Ctr Brownsville Ramiro Munoz Facog Brownsville
Brownsville Ind School Dist Brownsville Rancho El Eden Brownsville
Brownsville Independent Sch Brownsville Rangerville Elementary School San Benito
Brownsville Independent School Brownsville Regional School For the Deaf Brownsville
Brownsville Medical Assoc Brownsville Rehab Center At Vly Regl Med Brownsville
Brownsville Neonatal Assoc Brownsville Renaissance Orthopaedics Brownsville
Brownsville Nursing & Rehab Brownsville Resaca Elementary School Brownsville
Brownsville Ob/Gyn Assoc Brownsville Resaca Middle School Los Fresnos
Brownsville Pediatric Assn Brownsville Retama Manor Nursing Ctr Harlingen
Brownsville Physical Therapy Brownsville Rgv Surgery Harlingen
Brownsville Podiatry & Wound Brownsville Rio Grande Home Health Agency Harlingen
Brownsville Pulmonary Ctr Brownsville Rio Grande Orthopedic Ctr Harlingen
Brownsville Reg Chemo Ctr Brownsville Rio Grande Valley Orthopedic Brownsville
Brownsville Surgical Hospital Brownsville Rio Grande Valley Pediatric Harlingen
Brownsville Urological Assoc Brownsville Rio Hondo Elementary School Rio Hondo
Brownsville Women's Health Ctr Brownsville Rio Hondo High School Rio Hondo
Browsville Kiddie Health Ctr Brownsville Rio Hondo Independent Sch Dist Rio Hondo
Burns Elementary School Brownsville Rio Hondo School Supt Rio Hondo
C E Vail Elementary LA Feria Rio Physical Medicine Ctr Harlingen
Calvary Christian School Harlingen Riomed 21 Brownsville
Canales Elementary Brownsville Rivera High School Brownsville
Cardiovascular Associates Harlingen Rodolfo Walss Ob-Gyn Med Group Brownsville
Caring For You Brownsville Rodriguez-Rodriguez Brownsville
Casa DE Amigos Harlingen Roosevelt Elementary LA Feria
Castaneda Elementary Brownsville Roy Vicki Home Health Svc Inc Harlingen
Center For Pain Management Brownsville Russell Elementary Brownsville
Central Middle School Brownsville Saint Luke Catholic School Brownsville
Champion Elementary Brownsville Sam Houston Elementary LA Feria
Children First Pediatric Rehab San Benito Sam Houston Elementary School LA Feria
Children's Clinic-Harlingen Harlingen San Benito Cons Independent San Benito
Citrus Gardens Learning Ctr Brownsville San Benito Cons Isd San Benito
Clark Orthopedics Harlingen San Benito Consolidated San Benito
Clinica Santa Maria Brownsville San Benito High School San Benito
Coakley Junior High Harlingen San Benito Independent School San Benito
Coastal Bend Physical Therapy Harlingen San Benito Ninth Grade Campus San Benito
Criterion Health Care Inc Brownsville San Benito Veterans Memorial San Benito
Crockett Elementary School Harlingen San Martin Hm Health Pediatric Brownsville
Cromack Elementary School Brownsville San Martin Home Health Inc Brownsville
Cummings Middle School Brownsville Sandi Jo Funk Hospice Harlingen Del Castillo Elementary School Brownsville Santa Cruz Health Svc Inc Brownsville
Del Mar Medical Clinic Brownsville Santa Maria High School Santa Maria
Derry Elementary Port Isabel Santa Maria Ind Junior High Santa Maria
Derry Elementary School Port Isabel Santa Maria Independent Sch Santa Maria
Derta Cabaza Middle School San Benito Santa Maria Isd Santa Maria
Destiny Christian Academy Harlingen Santa Rosa Business Office Santa Rosa
Diagnostic Chiropractic Ctr Brownsville Santa Rosa Elementary School Santa Rosa
Dishman Elementary Combes Santa Rosa High School Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Ind School District Santa Rosa
Doctor's Choice Home Health Brownsville Santa Rosa Independent Sch Santa Rosa
Dolly Vinsant Memorial Hosp San Benito Santa Rosa Middle School Santa Rosa
Dominguez Elementary School LA Feria Santa Rosa West Elementary Santa Rosa
Dr Cash Elementary School San Benito School For the Deaf Brownsville
Dr Garza Elementary School San Benito Secondary Educational Altrntv Harlingen
Dr Rafael DE LA Cruz Clinic Brownsville Sentry Technology Prep Charter Brownsville
Dreamland Sleep Lab Brownsville Sharp Elementary School Brownsville
Eagel Academy Brownsville Sima Health Care Brownsville
Ebony Lake Health Care Ctr Brownsville Skinner Elementary Brownsville
Ed Downs Elementary San Benito Sleep Center At Valley Baptist Harlingen
Eddie Lucio Middle School Brownsville South Texas Cancer Ctr Brownsville
Egly Elementary School Brownsville South Texas Cancer Ctr Harlingen
El Jardin Elementary School Brownsville South Texas Clinic For Pain Harlingen
Energy Spinal Ctr Harlingen South Texas Endocrine Clinic Harlingen
Episcopal Day School Brownsville South Texas Eye Ctr Brownsville
Family Medical Ctr Harlingen South Texas High School San Benito
Family Practice Residency Ctr Harlingen South Texas Hospital Harlingen
Faulk Middle School Brownsville South Texas Nursing Care Inc Harlingen
First Baptist School Brownsville South Texas Rehab Hosp Brownsville
First Choice Healthcare Harlingen South Texas Sleep Disorder Brownsville
First Home Health Harlingen South Texas Sleep Disorder Harlingen
First Rio Valley Medical Brownsville Southmost Elementary School Brownsville
Foot Doctor Brownsville Southwest Ear Nose & Throat Brownsville
Frank Roberts Elementary Schl San Benito Southwest Eye Care Clinic Harlingen
Fred Booth Elementary San Benito Southwest Facial Plastic Srgry Brownsville
Fruge Vision Clinic Harlingen St Anthony School Harlingen
Gallegos Elementary School Brownsville St Joseph Academy Brownsville
Garcia Cynthia A Harlingen St Mary's School Brownsville
Garcia Middle School Brownsville St Paul Lutheran School Harlingen
Garden Park Elementary School Brownsville Stat Agency Nurses San Benito
Garriga Elementary Sch Port Isabel Stat Nursing Home Health Care Brownsville
Garza Elementary Brownsville Stell Middle School Brownsville
Gay Memorial Junior High Schl Harlingen Stepping Stone Rehab Svc Brownsville
Gladys-Porter High School Brownsville Stillman Middle School Brownsville
Gonzalez Elementary Brownsville Stuart Elementary Harlingen
Guadalupe Educational Ctr Brownsville Sudarshan Associates Brownsville
Guiterrez Middle School Harlingen Sullivan Elementary School San Benito Gutierrez Middle School Harlingen Sunglo Home Health Svc Inc Brownsville
Hanna High School Brownsville Sunglo Home Health Svc Inc Harlingen
Harlingen Anesthesia Assoc Harlingen Sunrise Chiropractic Clinic Brownsville
Harlingen Bone & Joint Clinic Harlingen Surgical Assoc-Brownsville Brownsville
Harlingen Cons School District Harlingen Sylvan Learning Ctr Brownsville
Harlingen Eye Clinic Harlingen Tapangan Pediatrics San Benito
Harlingen Good Samaritan Ctr Harlingen Teen Learning Ctr Brownsville
Harlingen High School Harlingen Tejano Center Charter School Brownsville
Harlingen High School South Harlingen Texan Coast Eye Care & Surgery Brownsville
Harlingen Lung & Sleep Clinic Harlingen Texas State Optical Brownsville
Harlingen Medical Ctr Harlingen Texas Visiting Nurse Svc Harlingen
Harlingen Nursing & Rehab Harlingen Texas Visiting Nurse Svc Inc Brownsville
Harlingen Obstetrics & Gyn Harlingen Texas Visiting Nurse Svc Inc Harlingen
Harlingen Physical Therapy San Benito Therapy To Go Harlingen
Harlingen Podiatry Assoc Harlingen Thomas Jefferson Elementary Harlingen
Harlingen School District Harlingen Tony Gonzalez Elementary Sch Santa Maria
Headache & Pain Ctr Harlingen Total Rehabilitation Harlingen
Health Care Unlimited Inc Harlingen Total Rehabilitation Svc Inc Brownsville
Health Success Physical Thrpy Harlingen Travis Elementary School Harlingen
Health Success Rehab Ctr Brownsville Treasure Hills Elementary Harlingen
Heart Clinic Harlingen Trinity Home Care Primary Care Brownsville Rancho
Home Health Solutions Pllc Harlingen Trinity Home Health
Viejo
Homemakers Brownsville Trinity Homecare Inc Santa Rosa
House Calls Brownsville Tropical Home Health Brownsville
House Calls Homebase Health Brownsville Twinbrooke South San Benito
Houston Elementary School Harlingen Tyler Medical Plaza Harlingen
Hubert R Hudson Elementary Brownsville U S Oncology Harlingen
Hughston & Redmond Harlingen Ukoli Care Clinic Brownsville
Imaging Ctr Brownsville Unique Home Health Brownsville
Incarnate Word Academy Brownsville United Chiropractic Clinic Brownsville
Intensivo Nursing Svc Brownsville United Kids Harlingen
Interim Healthcare Brownsville Urologic Specialists Assoc Brownsville
Internal Medicine Assoc Harlingen Urology Associates of South TX Harlingen
Isla Physical Therapy Brownsville Valley Angels Home Health Brownsville
Isla Physical Therapy South Padre Island Valley Baptist Behavioral Hlth Harlingen
Izquierdo Family Health Harlingen Valley Baptist Health System Harlingen
J & J Home Health Agency Brownsville Valley Baptist Med Arts Pvln Harlingen
J C Kelly Elementary School Harlingen Valley Baptist Medical Ctr Brownsville
J Pace High School Brownsville Valley Baptist Medical Ctr Harlingen
Kenmont School Brownsville Valley Baptist Round Outpatnt Harlingen
Keys Academy Harlingen Valley Cardiac Care Ctr Brownsville
Kidney & Hypertension Spec Harlingen Valley Care Home Health Svc Brownsville
Kids Round Up Pediatric Rehab San Benito Valley Cataract Institute Brownsville
Kury Gloria Brownsville Valley Childrens Clinic Harlingen
LA Doctora DE Los Ninos Brownsville Valley Childrens Clinic Port Isabel LA Encantada San Benito Valley Christian High School Brownsville
LA Feria High School LA Feria Valley Diagnostic Clinic Harlingen
LA Feria School District LA Feria Valley Ear Nose & Throat Spec Harlingen
LA Hacienda Healthcare Harlingen Valley Ears Nose Throat Specs Brownsville
LA Paloma Elementary School San Benito Valley Elementary School Harlingen
Lagallina Head Start San Benito Valley Entertainment Ctr LA Feria
Laguna Madre Christian Academy Laguna Vista Valley Eye Clinic & Outpatient Harlingen
Lakeview Rehab Care Brownsville Valley Eye Ctr Harlingen
Lamar Elementary School Harlingen Valley Eye Ctr pa Brownsville
Landrum Elementary School San Benito Valley Family Life Harlingen
Las Yescas Elementary School San Benito Valley Grande Manor Inc Brownsville
Laser Vision Correction Instut Harlingen Valley Neurosurgeons Harlingen
Laureles Elmentary School San Benito Valley Orthopedic Clinic Harlingen
Lee Elementary School LA Feria Valley Primary Care Network Harlingen
Lincoln Park School Brownsville Valley Radiologists & Assoc Harlingen
Little Neighbors Health Care Harlingen Valley Regional Medical Ctr Brownsville
Lone Star Rehab Harlingen Valley Retina Institute Brownsville
Long Elementary Harlingen Valley Retina Institute Harlingen
Longoria Elementary School Brownsville Valleywide Home Care Brownsville
Lopez High School Brownsville Vela Middle School Brownsville
Lopez-Riggins Elementary Schl Los Fresnos Vermillion Road Elem School Brownsville
Los Cuates Middle School Los Fresnos Vernon Junior High Harlingen
Los Fresnos Cons Isd Los Fresnos Vicki Roy Home Health Care Inc Harlingen
Los Fresnos Elementary Los Fresnos Victoria Heights Elem School Brownsville
Los Fresnos High School Los Fresnos Villa Maria Language Institute Brownsville
Los Fresnos Special Education Los Fresnos Villa Nueva Elementary School Brownsville
M & M Pediatrics Brownsville Villareal Elementary School Olmito
Manna Hcs Brownsville Visent Dolly Memorial Hospital San Benito
Manrique Custom Vision Ctr Harlingen W B Green Middle School LA Feria
Maria's Montessori School Brownsville Whispering Palms Development Brownsville
Marine Military Academy Harlingen Whispering Palms Nursing Home Brownsville
Master Eye Assoc Brownsville Wilson Elementary School Harlingen
Mc Kenna Allergy & Asthma Harlingen Young Scholars Academy Brownsville
Mc Kenna Allergy & Asthma Clnc Harlingen Yturria Elementary Brownsville
Mch Svc Harlingen Zavala Elementary Harlingen
Zerenity Sleep Ctr Inc Harlingen
Occupational Therapist Course Overview: Focuses on careers in planning, managing, and providing therapeutic Career Goal (O*NET Code): (29-1122) - Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the Student Name:______services, diagnostic services, health therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and Grade: ______informatics, support services, and working. biotechnology research and development. School: ______SUGGESTED COURSEWORK EXTENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCES (Local districts may list high school credit courses here) Curricular Experiences: *** Extracurricular Experiences:*** HS Courses: Health Occupations Students of America Language Immersion Programs 8th School
Middle Middle National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine English I World Geography Fine Arts School Newspaper Courses*: Algebra I or Geometry Foreign Language I Student Council Biology Physical Education or Athletics UIL Academic Competitions 9th Yearbook Career-Related Principles of Health Science Electives: English II World History Elective Courses: Geometry or Algebra II Foreign Language II Career Learning Experiences: Service Learning Experiences: Chemistry Elective Career Preparation Boy/Girl Scouts 10th Career-Related Internship Campus Service Organizations Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology Job Shadowing Community Service Volunteer Electives: Clinical Rotations Medical Mission Trips United States History Elective English III Certifications Peer Mentoring / Peer Tutoring Foreign Language III ** Core Courses: Algebra II or Pre-Calculus Clinical Volunteer Work (local hospitals & medical facilities) Special Olympics Physics Professional Communications or Speech High School 11th Career-Related Health Science Electives: COLLEGE CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES -- High School English IV Government/Economics Students should take Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual credit, Advanced Technical Credit (ATC), or locally Core Courses: Pre-Calculus or Calculus Elective articulated courses (Tech Prep), if possible. List those courses that count for college credit on your campus. 4th Science Elective 12th Career-Related Practicum in Health Science Electives: How to Become an Occupational Therapist Professional Associations: Occupational therapists need a master’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. Occupational therapists must also be licensed. • American Occupational Therapy Association A small number of programs offer doctoral degrees in occupational therapy. Admission to occupational therapy programs generally requires a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework, including biology and physiology.
Texas Southmost College South Texas College Texas State Technical College
The University of Texas at The University of Texas - Pan Brownsville American Postsecondary Occupational Therapy (M) Career Options: • Industrial Rehabilitation • Occupational Therapist Consultant • Staff Therapist • Registered Occupational Therapist
* Students must meet local & state high school graduation requirements. ** Required course for the Distinguished Graduation Plan (in addition to other This plan of study serves as a guide, along with other career planning materials, for pursuing a career path and is based on the most recent information as of 2009. All measures). *** Based on campus availability. Students may select other elective courses for personal enrichment purposes. plans meet high school graduation requirements as well as college entrance requirements. Health Science: Therapeutic Services: Nurse - June, 2009