An occupational therapist works with individuals who need help with physical, emotional, social and developmental problems to lead productive lives. Their goal is to improve the patient’s independence and prevent permanent disability. Occupational therapists utilize many therapeutic techniques to aid people of all ages with disabilities who are limited within the spectrum of performing simple tasks such as dressing, eating, school activities or work.
Services Provided
Occupational therapists help people with rehabilitation and recovery from injury. They are focused on understanding how different occupational activities affect the individual and then providing the support necessary to help the individual adapt and regain the ability to perform daily functions. The services provided by an occupational therapist typically include:
- Personal evaluation to determine the patient’s goals and expectations
- Intervention and activities to reach the goals
- Modification of the treatment plan, if needed
- Outcome evaluation at the end of the therapy
Education
An occupational therapist is expected to have a background in social and biological sciences to become a productive member of a health team. Graduate programs mandate having a bachelor’s degree combined with physiology, biology and work experience in an appropriate setting related to occupational therapy. Master’s programs can be completed within 2-3 year period. Some educational institutions offer integrated courses where the participants can earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees within 5 years. All doctoral programs require 24 weeks of clinical work experience. Every therapist must be licensed, regardless of the state in which they practice, and must attend continuing education classes to maintain their certifications.
Work Opportunities
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings due to diversity of the job. Most commonly they are employed in hospitals, community health centers, school systems and prisons. Many enjoy working in more intimate settings such as privately owned medical practices and organizations where the patient load is lighter and the pay is higher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is forecasting an increase in demand for occupational therapists by 23 percent by the year 2016. The industry is expanding into other areas including violence prevention, ergonomics consulting and driver rehabilitation. Depending on the region and practice setting, the median salary in the US is $75,400.
Individuals with appropriate degrees can also enter similar occupations such as athletic training, physical therapy, recreational therapy and speech pathology.
- Athletic trainers – diagnose, prevent and treat muscular and skeletal injuries
- Physical therapists – treat chronic conditions helping people with movement and pain management
- Recreational therapists – help to improve and maintain patient’s physical and emotional status through the use of arts, music, sports and games as well as exercises focused on community reintegration
- Speech pathologists – use therapeutic measures to help individuals suffering from altered speech patterns and difficulty in swallowing due to brain injuries, strokes or oral afflictions such as cleft palate
Occupational therapy is a fascinating job full of challenges and intense interaction with people from all walks of life. The job requires creativity combined with the ability to solve problems and implement meaningful changes in people’s lives. If you have great communication skills and are dedicated to helping other people, occupational therapist may be the role for you.
Related Resource: What is a Physiologist?