Clinical Care Providers
Navy Occupational Therapist LT Maria Barefield (right) provides hand care for a family member in the Physical Therapy Department.
Occupational Therapy
Job Overview:
As a Navy Occupational Therapist, you’ll find cutting-edge work in the health services. Elite specialists at the top of their field. And a position of honor and respect waiting should you choose to join such ranks.
Pay:
Some jobs are more physically demanding than others. Few are as demanding as those in the Navy and Marines. Without proper guidance, care and treatment from occupational therapists, some servicemembers may risk injury and debilitation while defending our country and our freedom.
What will you do?
Provide skilled treatments that help Sailors, Marines and their families achieve physical independence. Improve conditioning, strength and cardiopulmonary and neuromusculoskeletal functions in your patients. Help uniformed heroes meet everyday demands with added mobility and a higher quality of life.
You could also:
- Evaluate and treat patients referred for diagnosis and requiring acute rehabilitation within the hospital (inpatient) setting
- Experience training opportunities in pediatric occupational therapy and neuromusculoskeletal evaluator assessment, as well as advanced degree (postgraduate) training
- In addition to hospital-based rehabilitation, orthopedic practice and school-based practice, assignments may include specialization in pediatrics or hand therapy or a teaching position in a dual-service OT assistant program
Requirements
- Baccalaureate or master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university. Beginning January 1, 2007, all new occupational therapy candidates will need a post-baccalaureate degree as a basic requirement. Credit toward rank and time in service is given, depending on the level of degree and work experience
- Certification of accredited-course completion in occupational therapy by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association
- Successful completion of the registration examination by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and, if applicable, a state license
Want to drill deeper? Learn more about other Health Care Opportunities in the Medical Service Corps.
For more information, to talk to a Navy representative or to request a free informative video about the Navy Medical Service Corps, please fill out an information request form. We look forward to hearing from you!
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