As an occupational therapist, you are an integral part of the school setting and you play an important role in the lives of the students you provide services to. Your role in supporting students with special needs to participate in daily school activities is critical to their long-term success. You help students in a variety of areas, including everything from social skills to behavior management to participation in after-school activities, and we want to help you find a rewarding and meaningful career.
If you’re looking for travel OT jobs where you can put your skills to use, you’re in the right place. Blazer Jobs can help you find travel OT in schools across the country.
Occupational Therapist Job Responsibilities
Occupational therapists in schools treat students who have physical, psychological, or developmental disabilities by helping them learn skills, perform daily activities, and lead more independent lives. The occupational therapist job description varies based on the unique needs of the students they work with but specific occupational therapist job responsibilities could include:
- Matching student abilities to tasks they need to complete at school
- Meeting with teachers to provide recommendations and assess progress
- Helping develop physical skills, like self-care and handwriting
- Adjusting the physical environment to support learning
- Making changes in the school settings for improving access and progress
- Reducing any barriers to participation
- Providing assistive technology when necessary
- Developing alternate education plans and interventions for students to help them improve their skills and regain independence
- Setting long-term goals to support post-school outcomes, including employment, higher education, and independent living
Occupational Therapist Job Requirements
To become an occupational therapist, you first need to complete an undergraduate degree in a related field, like health sciences, psychology, or biology. The next step is to earn a master’s degree or doctorate from an accredited university.
After completing an occupational therapy program, you must pass the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and then apply for state licensure. Specific requirements vary by state, and some require additional CEUs or school transcripts.
For travel OT jobs, you’ll have to get a license in every state you want to work. Every state will need a copy of your NBCOT scores, and most will need to verify your current and expired licenses in other states. That said, the American Occupational Therapy Association is working on creating a multi-state licensing compact that would allow occupational therapists to work across state lines in some areas and is hoping to have an agreement in place with some states by 2024.
Check out all of our school-based teletherapy and travel OT positions and apply today!