Occupational Therapists
Additional Information
Duties
A typical occupational therapist's responsibilities include the following:
- Patients' medical histories are reviewed, and questions are asked and observed.
- Inquire about the health and requirements of a patient.
- In order to assist a patient, achieve his or her desired outcomes, it is necessary to devise a precise treatment plan.
- Involve yourself in the lives of people who have varied impairments, such as teaching a stroke sufferer how to put on his or her clothes on.
- People with chronic diseases can benefit from activities like extending joints to reduce arthritic pain, which you can demonstrate.
- To help an elderly person with memory loss, you can consider labeling the kitchen cabinets, so they are easier to find when they are at their own home or at work.
- Provide information to the patient's loved ones and employer on how to best accommodate and care for the individual.
- Instruct patients on how to utilize specific equipment, such as wheelchairs and feeding aids.
- Evaluate and record patient activity for patient assessments, billing, and reporting to medical professionals and other healthcare providers.
Patients with long-term difficulties, such as cerebral palsy, may require assistance with basic daily functions including bathing, dressing, and eating. Patients learn how to use adapted equipment including leg braces, wheelchairs, and feeding tubes from their therapists. Patients can execute a wide range of everyday chores with the aid of these gadgets, enabling them to operate more independently.
Occupational therapists who work with children in educational settings include those who specialize in pediatrics and special needs. Students with impairments are assessed, classrooms are modified to fit their needs, and they are supported in school activities. Infants and toddlers with or at risk of developmental delays might benefit from early intervention treatment provided by therapists.
Therapy for the elderly helps patients become more self-sufficient and engaged in their own lives. It's their job to look at the patient's abilities and surroundings and come up with ways to better their daily life. For example, therapists can detect and propose the elimination of possible fall risks in a patient's house.
Occupational therapists can assist patients in designing work settings that are both safe and effective. If necessary, they'll visit with the patient's employer to work together on modifying his or her working environment or schedule.
The employment of occupational therapists in mental health facilities can also include helping individuals with mental illness or emotional issues. In order to assist these patients, deal with and participate in everyday life activities, therapists teach them skills such as time management, budgeting, using public transit, and conducting domestic duties, among others. For those who suffer from substance addiction, alcoholism, depression, or other disorders, therapists may be able to help. Also, they may deal with persons who have experienced trauma, like as a vehicle accident, as a client.
It's not uncommon for occupational therapists to work as part of a multi-disciplinary healthcare team, including doctors and registered nurses. Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, may benefit from their services, as well as those who have just undergone hip replacement surgery. Occupational therapy assistants and aides are likewise overseen by occupational therapists.
Education
A master's degree in occupational therapy is required for the majority of aspiring occupational therapists. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education is part of the American Occupational Therapy Association and accredits occupational therapy programs.
A bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related discipline including courses in biology, physiology, and other sciences is often required for admission to occupational therapy graduate programs. Volunteering or working as an occupational therapist in a facility is often a requirement for admission to some programs. Candidate criteria should be confirmed with the program of choice by contacting the program directly.
A master's degree can be completed in two to three years, while a doctorate program can take three and a half years to finish. Dual degree programs are available at certain colleges, which allow students to receive both a bachelor's and a master's degree in the same time period. Students can take classes on nights and weekends as well as part-time options.
At least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork are required for both master's and doctorate degrees, in which occupational therapists receive clinical experience. In addition, a 16-week capstone experience is required for all PhD programs.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
Occupational therapists must be licensed in all states. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy administers the national test required for licensure; however, each state has its own standards (NBCOT). A recognized educational program and completion of all fieldwork requirements are prerequisites for a candidate to appear for the NBCOT examinations.
In order to use the term "Registered Occupational Therapist," one must pass the NBCOT test (OTR). To keep their certification, they must also attend continuing education programs.
Therapists seeking to show advanced or specialized expertise in practice areas including pediatrics, mental health, or poor vision can do so by earning one of the several board or specialty certifications offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Qualities that matter
Adaptability. When working with patients, occupational therapists need to be adaptable. Adaptive devices and treatment programs may need to be tailored to each patient's specific needs because not all therapies work for everyone.
Skills in verbal and non-verbal communication. To be effective, occupational therapists must pay close attention to what their patients have to say and be clear about what they want them to do. Therapists must be explicit in their communication with other members of the patient's medical team about the patient's treatment plan and any progress the patient has achieved.
Compassion. By helping people and making them more productive, occupational therapists often find their calling in their work. A patient's wants and concerns must be taken into account by therapists, especially when they are aiding the patient with personal tasks.
The ability to interact with others. Occupational therapists spend a lot of time educating patients and their families about their treatments, so they need to gain their confidence and respect.
Patience. Many people find it upsetting to deal with the consequences of their injuries, diseases, or impairments. For the benefit of their patients, occupational therapists must be patient.
Pay
The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $98,340 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $67,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,830.
Job Projections
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.