Georgia Occupational Therapist School
Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist in Georgia
There are only a few accredited graduate programs offered at Georgia occupational therapy schools, so there is a lot of competition to be admitted. To qualify for admission, prospective professionals enroll in Pre-occupational Therapy courses at various colleges or universities and online schools.
The two-year pre-occupational therapy programs include the basic general education courses, along with additional science courses, such as physics, anatomy and psychology. The specific curriculum varies school by school, so students are encouraged to look closely at the requirements of the specific program desired, preferable with the assistance of a counselor.
In addition to the coursework, colleges require time working with a professional occupational therapist, either for pay or on a volunteer basis.
After completing the pre-occupational therapy program, students can apply for professional training to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. To be accepted, students must meet the required grade point average, provide references, and have an interview and show general knowledge of occupational therapy.
To continue and earn admittance into the sole graduate program in Georgia, BS holders must have completed 90-hours of prerequisite courses at an accredited school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and score at least 900 on the Graduate Record Examination. In addition, three letters of recommendation, which describe work-related skills and personal qualifications, are required. The program administrators will select candidates for an interview, which will determine acceptance into the graduate program.
Once accepted into the graduate program, students must maintain a C-average or can be suspended from the program. To graduate, students must complete all required classes, have 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork, pass the Regents Exam, pay all fees and pass the department’s exit exam.
Once education is completed and all required exams passed, occupational therapists in Georgia must be licensed by the Georgia Board of Occupational Therapy. This six-member board meets every other month to approve licenses and review rules and regulations regarding this profession.
To apply for a license from the Georgia Board of Occupational Therapy, an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant must complete an application form and pass a written exam.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Occupational Therapists in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah, Georgia may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Atlanta Medical Center, Grady Memorial Hospital, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, and DeKalb Medical at North Decatur.