The job of the occupational therapist is to help people to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. OTs work with individuals who have conditions which disable them mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally. OTs work to help clients to improve basic motor and reasoning abilities, and compensate for permanent loss of some function. Their goal is to help individuals have independent productive lives. Occupational therapists help patients to perform daily tasks that are necessary at home and in the workplace, from getting dressed to typing on a computer.
Working Conditions
OTs working in hospitals and similar healthcare facilities work regular 40-hour weeks. More than a third of OTs work part-time. In large rehabilitation centers, therapists may work in large spaces with machines and tools for rehab. OTs working in clients' homes do a lot of driving from site to site. In either case, occupational therapists spend much time on their feet, and are susceptible to back injury from moving patients and equipment. In 2000, the median annual earnings of OTs were $49,450.
Training, Qualifications, and Advancement
The minimum requirement for entry into the field of occupational therapy is is a bachelor's degree in the subject. All States require licensure, based upon graduation from an accredited OT program and passing a national certification exam.
OTs need patients, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills. Ingenuity and creativity in adopting activities to a client's needs are vital. Occupational therapists wishing to work in home health care must be willing and able to adapt to a number of different settings.
Links for More Information
- American Occupational Therapy Association: http://www.aota.org.
Illinois Wesleyan Contact Person
For more information on occupational therapy, contact Warren Kistner, director of the IWU Career Center, wkistner@titan.iwu.edu, 556-3071.