Online courses for occupational therapists are now being offered by many respected colleges and universities. There are courses offered for students and for professionals who want to continue learning.
Overview of Online Degrees and Courses
The majority of these classes offer doctorates that can be finished by students on the Internet. Other courses are for practicing therapists who want to advance in the field but don’t have the time to go back to school. These programs provide a personal instructor for the students, guiding them through the process step by step.
Schedule and Length
It depends on what school you signed up to. In some cases you can enroll any time, but others are season specific (i.e., at the start of the summer, fall etc). The length of the program ranges from 15 to 20 months.
Features
These sites cover a variety of topics including program evaluation, theory analysis, health promotion and wellness. The students are also taught how therapists develop new ways to do various tasks. The courses also teach participants how to break down a difficult task into workable and manageable components. Other subjects covered in online classes are home / job site assessments and adaption suggestions.
Job Prospects
Graduates can work in a variety of settings. They can work in pediatrics. Their skills will be required for developmental disorder services, autism, emotional and behavioral disturbances. Adaptive equipment recommendations equipment provisions are parts of their job.
The therapist also offers advice and guidance to caregivers and family members. They are also required to use media for different types of therapeutic activities. Other topics covered are working in acute care hospitals and patient rehabilitation.
Requirements
The needed credits differ per program; it may be 35 credits, 40 credits and so on. There are usually two courses every semester. It will take about two years to finish. Upon graduation, you can work as a physiotherapy assistant.
Most Internet courses allow the students to study at their own pace. However, they have to complete the course over a period of time. For example, you can make up a schedule any way you like but it must be completed X number of years after enrolling.
To be eligible for online courses for occupational therapists, you must have a bachelors degree. Also keep in mind that some sites require students to do on-campus work as well. If you are not sure, ask the class administrator.