Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are responsible for treating patients that have issues with performing tasks in their working environment and everyday life. Their patients come from individuals suffering from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling conditions. Occupational therapists not only use treatments to help improve motor functions like a physical therapist, but they also help with reasoning abilities and compensate for a patient’s permanent loss of function.

Occupational therapists make sure clients can use a computer, dress themselves, cook for themselves, and eat on their own. Physical exercise may be employed to increase strength and dexterity, and cognitive exercise may be used to improve visual acuity or the ability to discern patterns. An example of a task an occupational therapist may perform is showing list making to a patient with short-term memory loss.

While occupational therapists may perform some of the same functions as a physical therapist, these health care professions are considered different. Request information about programs in occupational therapy to learn more.

Occupational Therapy Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median wage of approximately $67,000 for graduates with occupational therapy degrees in 2008. The lower end earned approximately $43,000 and the upper end earned more than $98,000. Home health care services and nursing facilities generally paid more than elementary and secondary schools and hospitals.

Occupational Therapy Training and Qualifications

The minimum educational requirement for occupational therapy is a master’s degree. Occupational Therapy classes must have received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) to qualify for the national occupational therapy exam.

In 2009, 150 accredited occupational therapy programs were available, many combining occupational therapy masters degrees and bachelor degree programs; only 4 of them were doctoral programs. While most courses in occupational therapy are full-time, part-time and weekend accredited occupational therapy programs are cropping up to meet the increasing demand of the profession.

All States require licensure. Those who pass the national occupational therapy exam receive the title Occupational Therapist Registered, or OTR. Specific licensure requirements vary by State; many States may have their own additional examinations, especially for therapists working in schools or early intervention programs.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 26% job increase in graduates from programs in occupational therapy in the decade of 2008 to 2018. The majority of the growth for occupational therapists lies in those that treat elderly patients; this is due to the baby boomer generation drastically increasing the aging population. In addition, the advance of medicine allows patients that would otherwise have permanently disabling conditions to thrive in society. Occupational therapy degree program graduates facilitate these new advances.

Advancement

Occupational therapists may advance their career by taking on a managerial role in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. In addition, occupational therapists may supervise occupational and physical therapy assistants or aides.

Learn More

To learn more about accredited occupational therapy programs, fill out the form for information. Alternatively, check out physical therapy assistants.