Occupational Therapists
Overview
Occupational therapists help people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities regain their independence and improve their quality of life. They work with clients to develop personalized treatment plans, teach essential daily skills like dressing and cooking, and recommend adaptive equipment or technology to make tasks easier. These healthcare professionals collaborate with families and other medical team members, often working in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or even clients' homes. The field combines creativity, problem-solving, and compassion while using modern assessment tools and innovative therapeutic techniques.
Did you know?
Occupational therapists in the US must complete a master's degree from an accredited program and pass the national certification exam, followed by state-specific licensing requirements.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$95,328.63 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Complex Problem Solving
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- Conduct research in occupational therapy.
- Help clients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perceptual skills, using computer programs.
- Recommend changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.
- Complete and maintain necessary records.
- Provide training and supervision in therapy techniques and objectives for students or nurses and other medical staff.
- Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.
- Advise on health risks in the workplace or on health-related transition to retirement.
- Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- Provide patients with assistance in locating or holding jobs.
- Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
- Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
- Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
- Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
- Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
Career Considerations
Educational and Licensing Requirements
Occupational therapists in the US must complete a master's degree from an accredited program and pass the national certification exam, followed by state-specific licensing requirements.
Strong Job Market Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average job growth for occupational therapists due to America's aging population and increased demand for rehabilitation services.
Diverse Work Environment Options
American occupational therapists can work in various settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and private practices, each requiring different specializations and skills.