Occupational Therapy Careers in the US Military

Occupational therapy seems like a fascinating career. How does one become an occupational therapist in the US military? Are there specific programs or paths to follow straight out of high school?

Being an occupational therapist in the US Military is indeed a fulfilling career choice. To join the military as an occupational therapist, you typically need a master's degree in occupational therapy. This means you'll first need to earn a bachelor's degree, typically in a field related to health science. After that, you would apply to a master's program in occupational therapy. Many programs require you to have some hands-on experience, so it would be a good idea to volunteer or intern in a therapeutic setting during your undergraduate years.

After you've completed your master's program, you would then need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a licensed occupational therapist.

Once you're licensed, you can look into commissioning programs within each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard). Each branch does have its own programs for commissioning healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, directly into service. The process might include going to Officer Development School or another type of basic leadership training.

As for any specific path straight out of high school, you might want to consider joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program while in college. This could help lead to a commission after graduation and give you valuable leadership experience. Additionally, the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is an excellent path if you want the military to fund your education.

However, keep in mind that this career path does require a significant amount of higher education, so you won't be able to jump right into it straight out of high school. It's a rigorous path, but many find it to be very rewarding!