To earn a master's, you will need to participate in supervised fieldwork in both traditional
and non-traditional settings, including general and psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, intermediate care facilities, nursing homes, individual’s homes, school systems,
community centers and agencies, and private practice. After you earn your degree,
you can take the national certification exam to become a licensed occupational therapist.
Mission
The mission of the occupational therapy program is to recognize that the program promotes
meaningful participation in all occupations and activities. Human populations are
diverse. Admissions are open and encourage cultural diversity for the student population
and to meet the needs of the community. Research and evidence-based practice are promoted
for knowledge acquisition and retention. The program will produce competent and critically
thinking therapists. The program values integrity, ethical behavior, respect for all
people and accountability.
Florida A&M University's occupational therapy program prepares future practitioners
for the dynamic field of occupational therapy. Rooted in a rich tradition of academic
rigor and innovation, our program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive
learning environment. Our evidence-based curriculum equips students with the knowledge
and skills necessary to address the evolving needs of clients across the lifespan.
With a focus on experiential learning, students engage in hands-on clinical experiences
that bridge theory and practice. Our dedicated faculty, comprised of seasoned professionals,
ensures that students receive mentorship and guidance throughout their academic journey.
The goal is to graduate compassionate and competent occupational therapists.
Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on helping individuals engage
in meaningful and purposeful activities, or occupations, to enhance their well-being
and quality of life.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on helping individuals engage
in meaningful and purposeful activities, or occupations, to enhance their well-being
and quality of life. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who may
be experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that affect their ability
to participate in daily activities. These professionals work in various settings,
including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community clinics, and private
practices. In these environments, occupational therapists collaborate with clients
to identify goals, develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to
improve independence and functional abilities. The ultimate aim is to help individuals
lead fulfilling lives and participate actively in their communities. The evidence-based
practices within occupational therapy are grounded in research to ensure effective
and meaningful interventions.
The evidence-based practices within occupational therapy are grounded in research
to ensure effective and meaningful interventions.
Occupational Therapy Careers
Graduates from our occupational therapy program have a wide range of career opportunities
available to them. They can pursue roles such as:
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Neurological Occupational Therapy
Geriatric Occupational Therapy
Mental Health Occupational Therapy
Physical Rehabilatation Occupational Therapy
These professionals work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, schools, community clinics, and private practices.
Occupational Therapy Salary Expectations
For occupational therapists, the compensation landscape varies based on factors such
as experience, location, and work setting. Here are some figures:
Hourly Rate: On average, occupational therapists earn around $44.08 per hour.
Annual Salary: The median salary for occupational therapists is $91,010 per year.
Top 25% Earnings: The top 25% of occupational therapists earn an average annual income of $106,060.
Bottom 25% Earnings: The bottom 25% of occupational therapists have an average annual income of $75,360.
These figures provide an overview of the financial aspects of the occupational therapy
profession, reflecting the range of earnings across different percentiles. Keep in
mind that these numbers are averages and can be influenced by factors like geographic
location, years of experience, and specific employment settings.
In these environments, occupational therapists collaborate with clients to identify
goals, develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to improve independence
and functional abilities.
Q. What is occupational therapy? A. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals of all ages
engage in meaningful activities, or occupations, to improve their well-being and quality
of life. It focuses on addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that
may hinder participation in daily activities.
Q. What does an occupational therapist do? A. Occupational therapists work with individuals to assess their abilities and challenges,
develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to improve independence
in daily activities. They may work in various settings such as hospitals, schools,
rehabilitation centers, and community clinics.
Q. In what settings do occupational therapists work? A. Occupational therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, schools, community clinics, and private practices. They collaborate with
clients to address specific goals related to daily life activities.
Q. What types of conditions do occupational therapists address? A. Occupational therapists work with individuals facing a range of conditions, including
physical injuries, developmental disorders, mental health issues, and neurological
conditions. They tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Q. How long does it take to become an occupational therapist? A. Becoming an occupational therapist typically involves completing a bachelor's degree,
followed by a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. The entire educational
path can take around 6 to 7 years.
General biology and lab 2. Human growth and development or lifespan class 3. College physics and lab or kinesiology 4. Anatomy and physiology I and II 5. Introduction to psychology 6. Abnormal psychology 7. Research
*Criminal Background Checks Mandatory Post Admission; Evidence of certain criminal
offenses and/or providing false information may result in inability to matriculate
through the program or sit for your national board exam.
The program is accredited until the next on-site evaluation in 2030. Graduates are
eligible to take the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists
administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Upon successful completion of this examination the individual is certified to use
the title, Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). A score of more than 70% is required
for passing. As of July, 2013, 80% of students must pass the examination within one
year of graduation. Most states require licensure to practice, however, state licenses are
usually based on results on the NBCOT Certification Examination.
ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929 301-652-6611 www.acoteonline.org
