Occupational Therapy

1.What do they do?

Occupational therapists typically do the following:

• Evaluate clients’ conditions by reviewing their medical history, interviewing them, and observing them perform various tasks
• Develop and implement treatment plans that have specific activities to help clients work toward their goals
• Help clients relearn and perform daily living tasks, such as teaching a person who has had a stroke how to get dressed
• Demonstrate exercises—for example, stretching the joints for arthritis relief—to help relieve clients’ pain
• Evaluate a client’s home, school, or workplace to identify potential accessibility improvements, such as labeling kitchen cabinets for an older person with poor memory
• Educate a client’s family about how to accommodate and care for them
• Recommend special equipment, such as mobility aids and eating aids, and instruct clients and families on how to use it
• Assess and record clients’ activities and progress for client evaluations, billing, and other purposes

2. Why take this career?

There are several compelling reasons why individuals choose to pursue this  career

• Occupational therapists earn a competitive salary, with a median annual wage of $93,180 as of 2022. This income can provide financial stability and a comfortable standard of living.
• The job outlook for occupational therapists is excellent, with a projected 12% growth in employment from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This high demand for occupational therapists ensures job security and opportunities for career advancement.
• Occupational therapists make a significant impact on people’s lives. They help individuals with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The job is highly fulfilling as it involves making a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Occupational therapists have the flexibility to work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and more. This diversity allows for a range of experiences and the ability to choose a work environment that aligns with personal interests and career goals.
• Occupational therapists work with a diverse clientele, from children to older adults, and individuals with various conditions such as developmental disabilities, mental health issues, or physical injuries. This diversity offers a dynamic and engaging work environment.
• The field of occupational therapy is continually evolving, and therapists must stay updated with the latest research and treatment techniques. This provides opportunities for professional growth and ongoing learning.
• Occupational therapists need strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with their clients and provide effective care. This career allows individuals to develop and utilize these essential soft skills.
• Occupational therapists often report high levels of job satisfaction because they see tangible improvements in their clients’ lives. The feeling of making a positive impact can be personally fulfilling.
• While some occupational therapists may work evenings or weekends to accommodate clients’ schedules, many have the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• As the population ages and more people seek noninvasive outpatient treatments for various conditions, the demand for occupational therapists is likely to continue growing. This means that the field offers long-term career opportunities.

3.  What an average day at the job is like?

• Occupational therapists typically start their day by evaluating clients. This process involves reviewing the client’s medical history, interviewing them to understand their specific needs and goals, and observing them as they perform various tasks to assess their abilities and limitations.
• Based on the evaluation, occupational therapists develop and implement individualized treatment plans for their clients. These plans outline specific activities and interventions aimed at helping clients work toward their goals. The therapist may set short-term and long-term objectives.
• Occupational therapists work directly with their clients during scheduled therapy sessions. They may help clients relearn or improve daily living tasks, such as teaching stroke survivors how to get dressed, providing exercises for pain relief, or assisting clients with mobility and adaptive equipment usage.
• In some cases, occupational therapists may need to visit a client’s home, school, or workplace to assess the environment. This helps identify potential accessibility improvements and modifications that can enhance the client’s daily life or work experience. For instance, they may suggest home modifications for an older person with mobility issues.
• Occupational therapists may recommend and provide guidance on using special equipment, such as mobility aids or assistive devices, to help clients live more independently. They teach clients and their families how to use these tools effectively.
• Educating the client’s family is an essential part of the therapist’s role. They inform family members about how to accommodate and care for their loved ones and provide strategies to support the client’s progress.
• Occupational therapists maintain detailed records of their clients’ activities, progress, and treatment plans. This documentation is crucial for client evaluations, billing purposes, and tracking the effectiveness of therapy.
• Occupational therapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, and speech therapists. They work together as a team to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex conditions or medical needs.
• Occupational therapy is a field that requires continuous learning and staying up to date with the latest research and treatment techniques. Therapists may dedicate time to professional development and training.
• Occupational therapists may also have administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling client appointments, managing paperwork, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and insurance requirements.

4. Knowledge and skills needed to succeed?

• Adaptability. Occupational therapists must be accommodating when working with clients. They must be able to change treatment plans based on clients’ needs.
• Communication skills. Occupational therapists must listen closely to clients. They also must be able to explain treatment plans and goals to clients, clients’ families, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Compassion. Occupational therapists work with patients who may struggle with life’s daily activities. Because of this, they must be empathetic and sensitive to a client’s needs and concerns.
• Interpersonal skills. Occupational therapists spend much of their time interacting with clients and explaining treatment. They must be able to develop a rapport with clients.
• Patience. Occupational therapists work with clients who have problems with everyday activities. Therapists must remain calm in order to provide quality care.

5.  What can you earn

In May 2022, the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $93,180. The salary distribution ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $63,320, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $123,870.
Here is a breakdown of the median annual wages for occupational therapists in various industries in May 2022:

• Home healthcare services: Occupational therapists in this industry earned a median annual wage of $101,500.
• Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities): Occupational therapists working in nursing care facilities earned a median annual wage of $99,560.
• Hospitals (state, local, and private): Occupational therapists employed in hospitals earned a median annual wage of $97,400.
• Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists: Occupational therapists working in these offices had a median annual wage of $91,420.
• Elementary and secondary schools (state, local, and private): Occupational therapists in educational settings earned a median annual wage of $79,660.

6.  Courses you can do to take up the career.

To pursue a career as an occupational therapist, follow these steps:

• Bachelor’s Degree: While not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is advisable.
• Master’s Degree: Enroll in a master’s program accredited by ACOTE. Typical courses cover anatomy, assessment, psychosocial aspects, and clinical fieldwork.
• Clinical Fieldwork: Gain practical experience in clinical settings during your master’s program.
• National Certification: Pass the NBCOT exam to become certified.
• State Licensure: Obtain a state license by meeting your state’s requirements, often including passing the NBCOT exam.
• Continuing Education: Keep your license active by completing ongoing education requirements.
• Specializations (Optional): Consider specialized certifications to enhance your expertise in areas like pediatrics or gerontology.