how to become a travel occupational therapist

Travel Occupational TherapistSource: bing.com

If you have a passion for helping people and love to travel, becoming a travel occupational therapist might be the perfect career for you. As a travel occupational therapist, you will work with patients who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to help them achieve their daily living skills and independence. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to become a travel occupational therapist.

Educational Requirements

Occupational Therapy DegreeSource: bing.com

The first step to becoming a travel occupational therapist is to obtain a degree in occupational therapy. To be eligible for an occupational therapy program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent degree. You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or any relevant field, but a master’s degree in occupational therapy is preferred. Most occupational therapy programs take two to three years to complete.

Certification and Licensing

Occupational Therapy LicenseSource: bing.com

After completing your degree, the next step is to get certified and licensed. You need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become certified. Once you receive your certification, you can apply for a state license to practice as a travel occupational therapist. Each state has different requirements for licensing, so make sure to check your state’s licensing requirements.

Work Experience

Work ExperienceSource: bing.com

To become a travel occupational therapist, you need to have work experience in the field. Most employers prefer candidates with at least one or two years of experience. You can gain work experience by working in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or any healthcare facility. You can also gain experience by volunteering or interning in occupational therapy settings.

Travel Occupational Therapy Agencies

Travel Occupational Therapy AgenciesSource: bing.com

Once you have gained the necessary education, certification, licensing, and work experience, the next step is to apply to travel occupational therapy agencies. These agencies offer temporary assignments to occupational therapists to work in different locations across the country. Some of the popular travel occupational therapy agencies include Advanced Travel Therapy, Aureus Medical Group, and Centra Healthcare Solutions. You can apply to one or multiple agencies and choose the assignments that best suit your preferences.

Salary and Benefits

Salary And BenefitsSource: bing.com

Travel occupational therapists enjoy competitive salaries and benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2020 was $86,280. Travel occupational therapists can earn more than the average salary due to travel bonuses, housing stipends, and other benefits. Some travel occupational therapy agencies also offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

FAQs

1. What is a travel occupational therapist? A travel occupational therapist is a licensed occupational therapist who works on a temporary basis in different locations across the country.
2. What are the educational requirements for a travel occupational therapist? To become a travel occupational therapist, you need to have a degree in occupational therapy and be certified and licensed.
3. What is the salary range for travel occupational therapists? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2020 was $86,280. However, travel occupational therapists can earn more due to travel bonuses, housing stipends, and other benefits.
4. What are some popular travel occupational therapy agencies? Some popular travel occupational therapy agencies include Advanced Travel Therapy, Aureus Medical Group, and Centra Healthcare Solutions.
5. What is the work experience requirement for a travel occupational therapist? Most employers prefer candidates with at least one or two years of experience in occupational therapy.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel occupational therapist requires dedication, education, and experience. Once you have met the requirements, you can apply to travel occupational therapy agencies and work in different locations across the country while enjoying competitive salaries and benefits. If you are passionate about helping people and love to travel, becoming a travel occupational therapist might be the perfect career for you.