Arizona Occupational Therapy Degrees

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  March 7th, 2010

Education Requirements for Occupational Therapists in Arizona

As the aging population grows states with warmer climates will see increased demands to meet the needs of the elderly population. In 2008, Prescott, AZ was among the top five metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of occupational therapists (BLS).  The average hourly income of Occupational Therapists in Prescott is $71,360. Currently, Indeed.com estimates the average salary for Occupational Therapists in Arizona to be $ 76,000. In 2008, there were 1,630 Occupational Therapists practicing in Arizona (BLS). In Arizona, Occupational Therapists work in a variety of fields, but primarily in the healthcare industry.

Continuing Education for Occupational Therapists in Arizona

Occupational Therapists are required to complete continuing education requirements to maintain their certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  The State licensing board in Arizona does not have additional continuing education requirements. NBCOT uses the term professional development units (PDU) to refer to continuing education.  Individuals can only receive PDU’s in occupational therapy related activities that are recognized by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). One Continuing Education Unit is 10 hours of participation according to the IACET.  Thus, one contact hour in a continuing education hour activity = 1 PDU.  There is no shortage of opportunities to earn professional development units, for example individuals can attend professional conferences, publish an article, volunteer in the field, attend study groups, pass additional Arizona occupational therapy courses, etc.  One of the best ways to find continuing education opportunities in Arizona is to contact the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association.  The NBCOT requires 36 PDUs every three years to renew certification.