How To Choose From The Occupational Therapy Schools in California
If you dream of becoming an occupational therapist, or an occupational therapy assistant, you will need to attend college classes, and obtain a degree. That is because, to work as an occupational therapist, you will need a masters degree. To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will need an associate’s degree. Choosing the right occupational therapist school can have a big impact on your career prospects, but luckily, there are a few options available.
Traditional Occupational Therapy Schools In California
Traditional colleges in California offer courses that will allow you to train to become an occupational therapist or assistant. When looking for an occupational therapy school, decide on the area that you want to attend classes in, and then find colleges in that area. Ask for their prospectus, and narrow your search to the occupational therapist school that offers the best possible education, and for which you meet the entrance criteria. Then it’s simply a matter of applying, and making sure you have the finance to attend the school.
Occupational Therapist Salary 2015/2016
Dedicated Medical Schools In California
Aside from traditional colleges, several dedicated medical schools also have an occupational therapist school. Medical Schools at USC & Loma Vista both have Occupational Therapy programs affiliated with them. If you’d like to attend a specialized learning institution, search for medical schools in your chosen areas. The internet is an invaluable tool to find this type of institution, and often, you can make your applications online too. Both traditional Occupational Therapy schools in California and medical schools will have student accommodation, financial aid programs and scholarships, so make sure you read the full prospectus, and find out what your options are.
Distance and Online Education
Several of the top occupational therapy schools in the country offer distance or online education options too. While this does take a lot of discipline, and while you will have to find an institution in your area willing to provide you with practical training in most cases, it does make occupational therapy school available to anyone who meets the entrance requirements, anywhere in the country. These programs are typically for current Occupational Therapists who are planning on pursuing a Doctorate degree.
Finding the Right Fit For Occupational Therapy Schools In California
Of course, your choice of occupational therapy school in California is ultimately up to you. It will depend on which schools will accept your application, and whether you have the financial means to study there. If you are already working in a related field, or even a different field, the schools in California will allow you to pursue a Masters Degree, as long as your undergraduate degree is in a medical or allied health field. The program itself is intensive, and many students find it difficult to go to school, and still work full time.
Whichever option you do choose when it comes to Occupational Therapy Schools in California: make sure that the course you will be taking is accredited. You can contact AOTA, the American Occupational Therapists Association, if you are in doubt. Also remember that even if you can’t afford the very best school, it’s your results that will really speak to potential employers make a decision to hire you or not. So make sure that wherever you study, you give your very best, and obtain the best possible results for your studies. Occupational therapy is a fulfilling and worthwhile career choice, and one with some of the best job prospects out there, so whichever occupational therapy school in California you attend, make sure you make the most of it!