Firstly, to become a therapist what is required is a bachelors degree in psychology, which is the foundation for the career in general. There are several types of therapists so not all of them have the same educational path, so an internship would be required for an occupational therapist (how to become an occupational therapist here), but it isn’t required for becoming a physical therapist.
Discuss with an academic counselor about your interests about which path you’d like to take at the school you plan to take. Some classes like sociology and health science are needed for undergraduates. The person wanting to become a therapist first must decide what/who he would like to work with. Physical therapists, for example, work with people who are disabled physically.
If you are interested in helping people with substance abuse such as alcohol, consider becoming a mental health counselor (education requirements to get the license varies from state to state), these are the therapists that help to rehabilitate their clients. The amount of time to take schooling varies between each therapy path, getting a doctorate can take several years while getting a master’s in counseling requires 60 credits, which entirely depends when you complete all of it while going about your daily schedule in your life.
How to become a therapist – Exams and Licensing
There are exams you must take to be licensed as a therapist, taking tests to prove you are still capable of treating people for their issues is an important reality on becoming a therapist. While not all states require a license for occupational therapists, most states do and they must continually satisfy the education requirements to practice their profession. Speech-Language Therapists have to complete a national exam, and to continue practicing their job they must complete the educational requirements. The education requirements are specific for some, like being a Speech-Language therapist, you have to have a master’s in Speech-Language pathology.
After you figured out what you need to take in school on how to become a therapist, you’re on your way on becoming one, your chosen career path for therapy varies widely and the degree you study for can open up many options in therapy for you to choose from. Remember the requirements some therapy careers need (such as annual testing) after you are licensed by the state, and you’re ready to help your clients.