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Occupational Therapist Career

Occupational Therapists, or OTs,  work with individuals afflicted with permanent disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, the emotionally or mentally handicapped, as well as those suffering from alcoholism, eating disorders, or stress-related depression.  They teach or remind patients of basic skills such as computer use, cooking, eating, and dressing themselves.  They create personalized programs that aide in maintaining, developing, or regaining the ability to perform these tasks by combining various techniques and equipment.  They often work with strength, vision, and memory development.  Occupational Therapists may specialize in specific disabilities or age groups.  They must study patients and record progress with each activity. 

Occupational Therapists must be capable of lifting or moving patients and heavy equipment as well as have the ability to stand for extended periods of time.  The majority of these professionals work standard 40 hour weeks in community or healthcare settings, but approximately one-quarter of these therapists work part time hours.  Due to the amount of machines located in larger facilities, noise is often a burden that must be tolerated.  Some travel may be necessary for an OT in order to visit patients who are unable to travel.

Currently, candidates entering the Occupational Therapy field are required to obtain a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree before completing the national certification exam, but beginning in 2007, all candidates will be required to achieve at least a Master’s degree from an accredited program.  All Therapists must be licensed and become a registered therapist, or OTR, before the may practice.  Those wishing to work in schools or early intervention programs generally obtain a higher level of education, but specifics are regulated by each state.  Successful candidates will possess patience, excellent communication skills, and the desire to help others. 

Technology is expected to have a favorable affect on therapy careers.  As physicians are able to save more lives, therapists are increasingly needed to assist patients in regaining necessary skills for daily functions; therefore hospitals are expected to hire more OTs for in- and out-patient care.  Therapists commonly work with elderly patients, and although career availability has recently decreased, a favorable outlook is projected through 2014.   For more information on a career as an Occupational Therapist, please visit the following sites:

• Colorado State University Department of OT
• Iowa Occupational Therapy Association
• Maine Occupational Therapy Association
• American Occupational Therapy Foundation
• Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association

For a list of available Occupational Therapist positions as well as a database of OTs searching for a career, please visit iHireTherapy.