Tennessee Occupational Therapy Degrees

By Kathy Foust, allied health world contributing writer
Published: March, 19 2010

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Tennessee has a growing need for those in the field of occupational therapy. There is such a wide variety of ways to excel in this area that the potential is virtually unlimited. Occupational therapists in Tennessee are able to choose the types of age groups they wish to work with as well as specific disabilities. To be proficient in the area of occupational therapy, one must realize that they will likely be working with clients who may be frustrated and ill tempered due to their situation of limited abilities. A talented occupational therapist will be able to practice patience and encouragement throughout this process.

Those who do not enjoy working with people who have limits will likely not enjoy this position. There are however administrative positions available in this field as well as actual client association positions. One suggestion is to work in the area of occupational therapy in an entry-level position to try to get a feel for what is expected of an actual occupational therapist.

Tennessee Occupational Therapist Education

Those who wish to be a licensed occupational therapist in Tennessee will be required to complete a graduate program at any institution that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. This includes Tennessee occupational therapy courses offered by any university or online program that is accredited by said agency.

Occupational therapists in Tennessee are also required to earn 24 credit hours by completing various tasks that demonstrate the ongoing learning ability of the individual applying to be licensed. There are a variety of tasks that can be completed in order to account for the 24 credit hours. Some tasks offer more hour credits than the actual real time hours completed. This is an ongoing process that must be done in order to retain the active status of the Tennessee Occupational Therapy License.
Information provided by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy.