Health Careers for BSU Students Community Guide: Athletic Trainers, Chiropractors, and O/P Therapists

What Occupational Therapists Do?

Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Education

Most occupational therapists enter the occupation with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. A small number of programs offer doctoral degrees in occupational therapy. Admission to occupational therapy programs generally requires a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework, including human biology, human anatomy, and human physiology, statistics, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology. However, course requirements vary by school. Many programs also require applicants to have volunteered or worked in an occupational therapy setting.

• Students interested in attending graduate school for Occupational Therapy should consider a major in Health Science with a concentration in Pre-Occupational Therapy.

Occupational Therapy Resources

BLS Occupational Therapy Outlook Handbook

Occupational Therapist - How to Become One

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)

What Physical Therapists Do?

Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as PTs, help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.
 

Education

Physical therapists are required to have a postgraduate professional degree. Physical therapy programs usually award a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, although a small number award a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree. Doctoral programs typically last 3 years; MPT programs require 2 to 3 years of study. Most programs, either DPT or MPT, require a bachelor’s degree for admission, and many require specific prerequisites, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.

• Students interested in attending graduate school for Physical Therapy should consider a major in Health Science with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy.

Physical Therapy Resources

Information for Prospective Students

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Physical Therapist - How to Become One

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

What Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat patients' ailments, such as back or neck pain.
 

Education

Becoming a chiropractor requires earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and getting a state license. Doctor of Chiropractic programs take 4 years to complete and require 3 years of previous undergraduate college education for admission. The undergraduate required courses include biology inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Although not required, many students earn a bachelor’s degree before going on to a chiropractic program.

Chiropractic Resources

Information for Prospective Students

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Chiropractors - How to Become One

American Chiropractic Association

Association of Chiropractic Colleges

Chiropractic College Application Service (ChiroCAS)