Occupational therapists can be found in a variety of settings helping patients who suffer from physical, developmental or emotional conditions. Although their specific duties may vary, occupational therapists share an ultimate objective: helping people learn to perform the tasks they need to live and work independently.
The profession calls for individuals with a high level of empathy and compassion, as well as an imaginative approach to helping patients solve problems. Patience is another valued characteristic.
Career Outlook for Occupational Therapists
Opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to grow substantially from 2010 to 2020, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a 33% increase nationally, more than twice the average rate for all occupations.
The projected growth stems from a particular trend: the aging of the baby boom generation. This has created a need for therapists who can assist seniors in maintaining their independence, such as working with them on exercises to ensure muscle strength and flexibility. Occupational therapists can also help treat many of the ailments that arise with old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and osteoarthritis.
Occupational Therapist Job Duties
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes and schools. Some also provide home healthcare services. Job responsibilities will vary according to the types of patients receiving therapy, although there are common duties across specialties, including:
- Observing patients doing tasks, asking them questions and reviewing their medical history as a basis for evaluating their condition and therapeutic needs, and formulating a specific treatment plan
- Helping people with various disabilities perform different tasks, such as leading an autistic child in play activities or demonstrating exercises for those with chronic conditions
- Evaluating a patient’s home or work environment to ensure suitability to his or her health needs, and educating families and employers on how patients can be best accommodated
- Recommending special equipment and demonstrating its use
- Keeping records for evaluation, billing and reporting purposes
In addition, occupational therapists help patients with permanent disabilities learn how to function independently by showing them how to use equipment such as braces and wheelchairs. Others provide therapy to infants and toddlers experiencing developmental delays.
Some therapists work in mental health facilities, teaching coping and life skills such as household and money management.
Salary Range for Occupational Therapists
According to the BLS, the nation’s approximately 106,000 occupational therapists earned a median annual wage of $75,400 in May 2012. Pay levels vary by employment setting, with therapists employed by home healthcare services earning an average of almost $87,000.
Potential salary ranges and employment opportunities are influenced by multiple factors, including an applicant’s work history and education, as well as by local market conditions.
Education and Training for Occupational Therapists
A master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program normally is the minimum requirement for employment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduate programs may call for students to have a bachelor’s degree, including coursework in physiology and biology, as well as practical experience in an occupational therapy setting.
Occupational therapists must get state licensing, which usually requires attaining a degree from an accredited educational program and passing the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists exam. Certification is optional and available through the national board.
