1. Speech-Language Pathologist: I am interested in this career because I am passionate about helping others communicate effectively and overcome speech and language disorders. I find the idea of working with people of all ages, from children to adults, to improve their communication skills extremely rewarding.

2. Social Worker: I am drawn to the field of social work because I have a strong desire to advocate for and support individuals and families in need. I believe that being a social worker would allow me to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable populations, such as children in foster care or individuals struggling with mental health issues.

3. Occupational Therapist: I am intrigued by the field of occupational therapy because it focuses on helping individuals develop the skills needed to participate in meaningful daily activities. I am passionate about promoting independence and improving the quality of life for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, and I believe that becoming an occupational therapist would allow me to do just that.

Think about all the careers (example: teacher) you have learned about in this unit. List three careers and identify what the educational requirements are for each career. In addition, provide what high school subjects could help you prepare for these careers.

1 answer

Here are three careers along with their educational requirements and relevant high school subjects that could help prepare you for each career:

1. Speech-Language Pathologist

Educational Requirements:

  • A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required.
  • Completion of a clinical fellowship (a supervised professional practice).
  • Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which includes passing the Praxis exam.

High School Subjects to Prepare:

  • Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology, particularly the anatomy of the speech mechanism.
  • Psychology: Gaining insights into human behavior and cognitive development.
  • Communication Studies: Enhancing skills in effective communication and understanding language.

2. Social Worker

Educational Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is typically the minimum requirement; some positions may require a master’s degree in social work (MSW).
  • Depending on the state, licensure may be required after completing the degree and gaining supervised clinical experience.

High School Subjects to Prepare:

  • Psychology: Learning about human behavior, emotions, and social systems.
  • Sociology: Understanding societal structures, relationships, and community dynamics.
  • Health Education: Gaining knowledge about mental health issues and wellness.

3. Occupational Therapist

Educational Requirements:

  • A master’s degree in occupational therapy (MOT) or a doctoral degree (OTD) is generally required.
  • Completion of fieldwork experience and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to obtain licensure.

High School Subjects to Prepare:

  • Biology: Understanding the human body, including anatomy and physiology.
  • Health Sciences: Learning about various health-related topics and basic medical knowledge.
  • Psychology: Gaining insight into the cognitive and emotional aspects of rehabilitation and daily functioning.

These educational paths and high school subjects can help set the foundation for success in these fields.