How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Jacksonville

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Learning how to become an occupational therapist in Jacksonville, Florida, places you in a growing market where your skills are in demand at hospitals as well as therapy clinics. You may choose to work with the elderly, children, and also athletes. Read on to find out what it takes to become a Jacksonville occupational therapist.

Things You'll Need

• National occupational therapy certification
• Florida occupational therapy license
• FLOTA membership (optional)

Instructions

1. Apply for acceptance at an occupational therapy training program. This program is usually offered through a major university, but there are also some distance education courses available. Ensure that the program is endorsed by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) “Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.” AOTA publishes a list of recognized institutions of higher learning and their courses.

2. Graduate from the occupational therapy program, and apply to take the national certification exam from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Pass the national certification exam.

3. Contact the Florida Department of Health, Board of Occupational Therapy Practice at 850-245-4373 or visit them online, and request the materials needed to obtain your state occupational therapy license. You must pass a criminal, educational and disciplinary background check in order to be granted a license.

4. Renew your license every two years with the Florida Department of Health. This requires proof of 26 continuing education credits during each renewal period.

5. Join the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) to network with employers, other occupational therapists, and also to stay up to date on changes in practice and the job market. FOTA maintains an extensive list of employers searching for occupational therapists in a variety of specialties and with varying degrees of experience.

Resources

• American Occupational Therapy Association’s accredited programs
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
• Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
• Florida Occupational Therapy Association
• FOTA job board