What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapist Regulations

Occupational therapist regulations vary by state, and occupational therapists will need to be licensed in the state in which they wish to practice. To obtain a license, candidates must meet education requirements and pass a certification exam. Candidates will need to have graduated from an occupational therapy program accredited by the state in which they intend to practice. They must also have completed all fieldwork requirements; this usually involves the completion of six months of supervised occupational therapy experience. Once these requirements have been met, the candidate is required to pass a certification exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The examination is a four-hour written test, and scores of 450 or above are classified as passing. After passing the exam, occupational therapists will need to pay a fee and apply for a license in every state in which they intend to practice. In many states, temporary licenses or limited permits will be issued so occupational therapists can practice while they wait for the results of their certification exam. If candidates do not pass the certification exam the first time, they can retake it after thirty days.

Continue reading to learn about occupational therapy treatment approaches next.