Hello All,
I posted this query in OT in the UK thread but figured I'd ask again.
I'm a US citizen currently in a Masters Level Occupational Therapy program in the UK. I spoke with a representative at the NBCOT about eligibility to sit for the national exam when I graduate in 2 years and she said I shouldn't have a problem. However she did say guidelines could change by then and to check back about a year or 6 months before I graduate. In the meantime she advised that I review the current OTED handbook on eligibility requirements (I fall under category A but she said that will change so that ANY int'l trained OTs must submit the required materials indicated for category B) and to take a look at the 22 page Determination of Masters Comparability (DMC). I noticed there are some items on the DMC that may not be covered as part of my training in the UK such as supervision of COTAs since i dont think they have them here and use of thermal agents.
Does anyone know if you can be rejected for exam eligibility for not meeting one or two of the items on this form? If so how can you go about meeting the criteria?? Any advice would help as I can bring up these issues with my professors and maybe tailor my education a bit to include additional training that's not usually part of the program. I'd like to try to intercept any issues early on so the already lengthy OTED process doesn't take even longer when I apply after graduation. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!!
I strongly encourage you to direct this question to the NBCOT staff. They will give you very specific information and can advise you about this issue as it relates to your specific situation.
The processing time for OTED applications is often related to delays with receiving and compiling source materials. In addition to actual content of the materials and what constitutes 'comparability' you may want to review paperwork release procedures with your educational institution so you are aware of the timing of when they award degrees, release transcripts, and so on.
Best of luck,
Christopher J. Alterio, Dr.OT, OTR
Hi "mvsoto"
I'm also a US citizen studying in the UK. I finish July 2013, but we may have the same issue. Maybe we can get in touch with each other to study for the nbcot along with helping each other with the OTED process if we have to do it.