There are two schools that offer occupational therapy programs in South Carolina that are ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) recognized.
They offer Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina. Also, they offer entry-level masters or doctoral programs in occupational therapy.
Additionally, the state has 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools that are ACOTE certified and offer an associate degree. In order to work as an occupational therapist in South Carolina, one must have a license. After earning a recognized OT entry-level degree, one may sit for the licensing examination.
Statistically, occupational therapist employment has increased at a 14.3% annual pace, from 115,137 persons in 2018 to 131,637 people in 2022.
This article promises to show you all you need to know about Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina.
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Who is an Occupational Therapist?
Health care practitioners with specializations in occupational therapy and occupational science are known as occupational therapists (OTs).
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Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) support a person’s capacity to carry out their everyday tasks and roles. They do this by drawing on scientific principles and a holistic viewpoint.
Additionally, OTs have extensive instruction in the physiological, psychological, and social facets of human functioning. Thanks to a foundation in anatomical and physiological theories as well as psychological viewpoints during their schooling.
Also, by maximizing their capacity to engage in meaningful activities, they help people across their lifetimes (“occupations”). Activities of everyday living, work/vocation, recreation, education, leisure, rest and sleep, and social interaction are all considered occupations for people.
Pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, low vision therapy, and physical rehabilitation, are just a few of the specialties that OTs work with. They also work with: mental health, assistive technology, oncological rehabilitation, and geriatrics.
Furthermore, OTs work in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care institutions, home health agencies, outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and other healthcare facilities. In order to address employee workplace safety and productivity, OTs are frequently employed by school systems and by enterprises as consultants.
Also, many occupational therapists run their own private practices and are self-employed. In the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches of the military in the US, OTs are employed as commissioned officers. OTs are a member of the Army Medical Specialist Corps in the US Army.
Additionally, OTs are a part of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the country’s eight uniformed services.
Through compensatory or adaptive techniques, occupational therapy interventions try to lessen or remove limits or disabilities. And/or restore/improve functional capacities.
Occupational therapists assist individuals in maximizing their function and carrying out their occupational tasks. OTs assess and address both the individual’s capacities and his or her surroundings (physical and psycho-social).
Occupational Therapy in South Carolina
The state association for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and OT/OTA students is called SCOTA (South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association).
The SCOTA is a non-profit volunteer organization that offers its members a professional network. In South Carolina, the occupational therapy profession is represented by the SCOTA, a state-based professional association.
However, the association’s primary duties include advancing the occupational therapy profession and raising public awareness. Also, their duties include: supporting therapists in their pursuit of continuing education. And enhancing and maintaining the standard of occupational therapy practice in the state of South Carolina.
Also, The American Occupational Therapy Association is linked with the SCOTA, a state organization.
Occupational therapy License in South Carolina
The South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy issues licenses to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
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However, you must be qualified to take the Certification Examination of the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). And obtain a license offered by the SCOTA. To do this, you must satisfactorily complete the academic program and fieldwork.
Additionally, graduates can practice their profession in South Carolina after passing the licensing exam.
The following are the prerequisites for the license:
- OTD or a master’s degree as a starting point
- Certificate of passing the NBCOT exam.
- Fees for applications are $135 (OT) and $115. (OTA).
Temporary OT/OTA License
A temporary license to practice as an OT or as an occupational therapy assistant(OTA) may be given to individuals. Especially those who have met the educational and experience requirements for licensure and are awaiting the certification examination.
However, depending on the circumstances and with the board’s approval, temporary licenses may be renewed once.
Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina
Below is a list of the schools that offer Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina:
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Website: Visit here
Address: MSC, 171 Ashley Ave Suite 419, # 403, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
Phone: +1 843-792-2381
Overview
Entry-level occupational therapy doctorate degrees are available from the MUSC occupational therapy schools (OTD-entry level). The occupational therapy school upgraded its program to become an OTD and stopped offering a Master of Science in occupational therapy.
The Medical College of South Carolina, a for-profit organization affiliated with the South Carolina Medical Society, was incorporated in 1823. This marked the beginning of the College of Medicine.
However, with 30 students enrolled, seven Charleston physicians established the first faculty in 1824. On April 4, 1825, the inaugural graduation was place.
The institution has been in operation continuously since its founding. With the exception of the American Civil War, even when there were only two students enrolled in total.
Abraham Flexner had just started his investigation of the medical college. This was when Dr. Robert Wilson was named dean of the College of Medicine in 1908.
However, a defining feature of the program at the OT school is the inter-professional education. It incorporates relationships with different health professionals on and off campus.
Also, the school is well-known and holds the 17th-best national ranking according to U.S. News and World Report. Modern laboratories and facilities are available at the institution. It is one of the schools that offers Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina.
Additionally, at CARES(Community Aid Relief Education Support), students experience more learning. It’s a free clinic run by MUSC students called the Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy clinic.
Lenoir-Rhyne University (Columbia Campus, SC)
Website: Visit here
Address: 4201 N Main St, Columbia, SC 29203, United States
Phone: +1 803-786-5150
Overview
Lenoir-Rhyne University launched a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree through distance learning in South Carolina in 2016. While lab and specialized sessions are held separately at CGSC, lecture classes are delivered via live interactive video networking. Licensed occupational therapists work as full-time instructors at the CGSC location.
Also, it is one of the schools that offer Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in South Carolina
Here are the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in South Carolina:
Greenville Technical College, Benson Campus
Website: Visit here
Address: 2522 Locust Hill Rd, Taylors, SC 29687, United States
Phone: +1 864-250-8000
Piedmont Technical College – Newberry Campus
Website: Visit here
Address: 1922 Wilson Rd, Newberry, SC 29108, United States
Phone: +1 803-276-9000
South University-Columbia
Website: Visit here
Address: 9 Science Ct, Columbia, SC 29203, United States
Phone: +1 803-799-9082
Trident Technical College
Website: Visit here
Address: 7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406, United States
Phone: +1 843-574-6111
Occupational Therapy Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina has excellent employment prospects for occupational therapists. Occupational therapy is one of the professions with the quickest rate of growth, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. With registered occupational therapists are expected to have greater growth than the national average (21–36%).
Additionally, South Carolina is experiencing a scarcity of occupational therapists and OTAs, according to many health care recruitment companies.
In May 2017, there were approximately 1280 licensed and employed occupational therapists in South Carolina, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Additionally, the demand for licensed practitioners is rising. South Carolina offers a wealth of options for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
Occupational Therapy Salary in South Carolina
According to Indeed.com, the average annual wage for an occupational therapist in South Carolina was $77,800 in 2017.
The average hourly wage for occupational therapy practitioners in May 2017 was $37.79, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Conclusion on the Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina
You must fulfill a number of requirements in order to be accepted into Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina.
First, you must possess a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related subject like biology, kinesiology, or psychology. A number of course-specific requirements that change from program to program must also be met.
Additionally, earning an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assistant from a program that has been accredited by ACOTE will satisfy several of these requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for the answers to some of the most asked questions relating to the Occupational Therapy Programs in South Carolina;
- How many OT Schools are in SC?
The state of South Carolina has one school offering a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. One offering a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree. And four schools offer an Associate of Applied Science for Occupational Therapy of Assistants (OTA).
- How long is MUSC OTD program?
The three-year program culminates with an individualized capstone project.
- How long does it take to get an OT license in South Carolina?
It typically takes between 4 and 6 weeks to receive your occupational therapy license in South Carolina. This is average compared to other occupational therapy licenses across the US.
- What state has the highest salary for occupational therapists?
The states and districts that pay Occupational Therapists the highest mean salary is Nevada ($111,270). Others are: California ($101,080), Arizona ($99,950), New Jersey ($98,750), and District of Columbia ($96,330).
- Can I get into OT school with a low GPA?
You can absolutely get into OT school with a lower GPA. Focus on doing well on writing an awesome personal statement, doing a lot of observation hours, and getting good letters of recommendation.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.