Occupational Therapist School Using Veterans Education Benefits

By Ashley Boyce, XYZ Media staff writer
Published: January 15th, 2010

Occupational therapists have the unique and noble responsibility of helping people with neuromuscular disorders regain the motor coordination necessary to perform daily tasks and gain independence over their own lives. In no other segment of American society is occupational therapy more important than to our US service men and women in the armed forces. The very nature of the work these young men and women perform carries with it certain inherent dangers that can lead to severe and debilitating injury. In these situations the unique expertise of occupational therapists is called upon to help these brave individuals regain mobility and re-integrate into civilian life. Although this is most true of combat veterans who have suffered traumatic brain injury, it also holds true for those individuals injured in the course of training exercises.

Occupational therapy training within the military is absolutely vital and indispensable. The selfless work performed by military occupational therapists provides the opportunity for these specialized military medical personnel to assist their fellow members of the armed forces with mobility rehabilitation so as to give back to those who have so selflessly served America and sacrificed for her independence. Military service men and women of any military profession can also attend occupational therapy schools through the post 911 GI Bill after completing their military service.

Military training to become an Occupational Therapist:

Those interested in knowing how to become an occupational therapist within the military will find it interesting to note that this field plays such an integral role in the military that a specialized branch of the Department of Medical Sciences, the Occupational Therapy Specialty Branch, has been established to support the unique specialized training needs of these medical professionals.

Dept of Medical Science Academy of Health Sciences
3151 Scott Road
Bldg 2841, Suite 1230
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6130
Ph (210) 221-5324 EXT 471
http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/dms/otbranch/default.htm

The comprehensive training course provided through the Occupational Therapy Specialty Branch has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), associated with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This means that this course is not only approved by and for the use of occupational therapists in the military serving active members of the armed forces, but it also meets the national certification requirements of the most highly respected occupational therapy professional association in the United States. In short, the training provided through the Occupational Therapy Specialty Branch will prepare graduates for both military-specific and civilian work, making it a well adapted course for active duty and reserve military men and women who are considering their civilian careers after military service. It is important to note that after completing military service, even if you worked in an unrelated specialty, you can attend occupational therapy schools with the post 911 GI Bill.

The credential for graduates of this program is Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). The Occupational Therapy Specialty identifier used by the military for graduates of this program is MOS 68W (ASI N3).