<p>I am an OT, and have mentored many new therapists. The other posters are right on target with making sure she get the correct prerequisites for the schools that she will be applying to. Each school is most likely a bit different in their prerequisites. Psychology would be great, as this is an important skill for what we do, and is also an often overlooked area of occupational therapy. One of my friends provides occupational therapy at the state mental hospital here, and I did an internship working with people who had a dual/triple diagnosis of AIDs/substance abuse/mental illness, just as an example of some mental health OT. Taking extra science is great, but I don’t think exercise science is a must. I had a political science degree when I applied, with lots of extra prerequisites. (I would not recommend poly sci; it just took me awhile to realize being a lawyer in real life wasn’t like the show L.A. Law, so luckily I found OT). Most of the OT’s I know majored in psychology or kinesiology. GPA is very important; OT schools have a small enrollment, so it is extra competitive. Also, if she can find a part-time job or volunteer opportunity working as a rehab aide in an outpatient clinic, subacute rehabilitation facility, or rehab hospital, this would be great for her application. There are some required observation hours, but it usually isn’t too many, so anything to make the application meatier would be good.</p>
<p>There is endless opportunities in this field. I have worked in rehab hospitals, school systems, and sub acute rehabilitation facilities (this is mainly geriatrics). I have also done volunteer work for some of Mother Theresa’s homes for children with disabilities in Calcutta and Sri Lanka, worked in Cambodia with children who have been maimed, and have gone down to Cabo the last two spring breaks to share some of our knowledge of pediatric disability in their schools. Whatever your passion is, it will probably fit in some way with OT. Some OT’s provide therapy to their clients utilizing animals such as horses or dolphins. Others work with the visually-impaired, or specialize in something like autism, traumatic brain injury, community-based occupational therapy, or hand therapy. You most likely won’t become rich, but you will always have a job, it is mostly rewarding, and you can live anywhere in the country, and many parts of the world.</p>