Missouri Occupational Therapy Degrees

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: May, 21 2010

A career as an Occupational Therapist (OT) is a very desirable profession with a high level of job satisfaction and jobs that are plentiful with a lucrative salary and good opportunities for advancement.  US News and World Report named it as one of the 30 most sought-after jobs for 2009. 

The workplace situation in this profession is varied from a hospital or health facility and schools, to home and outpatient care.  There is a broad range in clientele from pre-school children to senior citizens with varying needs related to autism, recovery from bodily injury, stroke victims, returning war veterans and numerous other types of disabilities.  The Occupational Therapist works with clients on an individual basis to analyze their needs and design a treatment program that is most effective for developing the skills they need to allow them to function as well as possible in their particular situation.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and Occupational Therapy Aide are other positions that can be pursued in this field.  The COTA works under the direct supervision of an OT and is required to have completed Missouri occupational therapy courses at the associate’s degree level.  

An Occupational Therapy Aide is trained on the job by the OT and is not required to have completed a study program.  These are positions in a supportive role to an OT and, of course, have a lower salary scale.

Occupational Therapy Continuing Education Requirements/Licensure Renewal in Missouri

All Occupational Therapists in the state of Missouri are required to be licensed.  Application for licensing can be made only after passing the NBCOT exam.  The license will be in effect for two years.  During this two-year period the OT is required to complete 24 continuing competency credits (CCCs) for renewal.  CCCs are also important in seeking advancement in certification and for expanding into other levels in the profession.