Occupational Therapist (OT)

What do Occupational Therapists do?

Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who work with individuals of all ages to help them achieve their goals in daily activities, or occupations. They use a holistic approach to address the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of their clients’ lives, considering their unique needs and goals.

Occupational therapists help people perform activities that are essential to their daily lives, such as self-care, work, and leisure. They evaluate their clients’ abilities and limitations and work with them to develop personalized treatment plans. These plans can involve:

• Exercises and activities to improve strength, endurance, and range of motion.

• Adaptive equipment, such as splints or specialized tools, to help clients perform daily activities.

• Modifications to the environment or workplace to make activities more accessible.

• Techniques to manage pain, stress, or anxiety.

• Strategies to improve cognitive function, such as memory or problem-solving skills.

• Training in social skills or communication to improve relationships and participation in social activities.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. They treat a range of conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, developmental disorders, and mental health issues.

Overall, occupational therapists help people overcome barriers and achieve their goals in daily life, promoting greater independence and quality of life.

What is the job outlook for Occupational Therapists?

The job outlook for occupational therapists is strong, with employment projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The increasing demand for occupational therapists is due to several factors, including:

The aging population: As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be a growing need for occupational therapy services to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.

Advances in medical technology: Advances in medical technology have enabled more people to survive serious injuries or illnesses, but many of these individuals require ongoing therapy to regain their abilities to perform daily activities.

Increased awareness of the benefits of occupational therapy: More people are becoming aware of the benefits of occupational therapy, which can help individuals with a wide range of conditions to improve their quality of life.

Overall, the job outlook for occupational therapists is positive, with strong demand for their services expected to continue in the coming years. This makes occupational therapy an attractive career option for individuals who are interested in helping people achieve greater independence and quality of life.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational therapists held about 133,900 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of occupational therapists were as follows:

Therapists may spend a lot of time on their feet while working with patients. They also may be required to lift and move patients or heavy equipment. Many occupational therapists work in multiple facilities and must travel from one job to another.

What are the salary expectations for Occupational Therapists?

The salary expectations for occupational therapists (OTs) can vary depending on various factors such as geographic location, experience level, and work setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $87,070 as of May 2020.

In terms of work setting, OTs working in nursing care facilities earned the highest median annual wage of $99,660, followed by home healthcare services with a median annual wage of $93,680. OTs working in outpatient care centers earned a median annual wage of $89,880, while those working in general medical and surgical hospitals earned a median annual wage of $87,130.

Experience can also affect an OT’s salary. Those with more experience and expertise in a particular area of occupational therapy may earn a higher salary than those who are just starting out in the field.

Overall, occupational therapists are well-compensated for their work as essential members of the healthcare team, helping patients improve their ability to perform daily activities and maintain their independence.

What are the education requirements for Occupational Therapists?

To become an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the United States, you typically need to earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or a related field. However, some OT programs may accept students with a bachelor’s degree in another field if they have completed certain prerequisite courses.

Here are the general education requirements to become an Occupational Therapist:

• Bachelor’s degree: You need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology, psychology, kinesiology, or health sciences. Some schools may accept students with a bachelor’s degree in another field if they complete certain prerequisite courses.

• Master’s degree: You need to earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom and clinical coursework.

• Clinical Fieldwork: During the master’s program, you will also need to complete supervised clinical fieldwork to gain hands-on experience working with patients.

• Licensure: After completing your education, you will need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become licensed to practice as an Occupational Therapist in your state.

Note that some states may have additional requirements beyond these general education requirements. It’s important to check the specific requirements for your state before pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy.

Go to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for more licensing requirements.

What areas can Occupational Therapists specialize in?

Occupational therapists (OTs) can specialize in various areas of occupational therapy based on their interests and the needs of their patients. Here are some areas of specialization for occupational therapists:

• Pediatrics: OTs who specialize in pediatrics work with infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental delays, congenital conditions, or injuries. They help children develop skills for daily living, such as self-care, play, and school-related activities.

• Geriatrics: OTs who specialize in geriatrics work with older adults who have age-related conditions such as dementia, arthritis, or mobility impairments. They help patients maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and prevent falls and other accidents.

• Mental health: OTs who specialize in mental health work with patients who have psychiatric or emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. They help patients develop coping skills, social skills, and leisure skills to improve their functioning and well-being.

• Hand therapy: OTs who specialize in hand therapy work with patients who have hand and upper extremity injuries or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or amputation. They help patients improve their hand function, dexterity, and strength through exercises, splinting, and other interventions.

• Neurorehabilitation: OTs who specialize in neurorehabilitation work with patients who have neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Parkinson’s disease. They help patients regain their functional abilities, such as walking, dressing, and using utensils.

• Assistive technology: OTs who specialize in assistive technology work with patients who have disabilities or impairments that affect their ability to use technology such as computers or communication devices. They help patients access and use assistive technology to improve their independence and participation in daily activities.

Overall, occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide patient care. They may also need to obtain additional certifications or licenses to specialize in certain areas of occupational therapy.

What setting can Occupational Therapists work in?

Occupational therapists can work in a wide variety of settings, depending on their area of specialization and interest. Some of the most common settings where occupational therapists work include:

• Hospitals: Occupational therapists may work in hospitals, where they provide services to patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. They may work with patients in the ICU, acute care, or rehabilitation units to help them regain their abilities to perform daily activities.

• Rehabilitation centers: Occupational therapists may work in rehabilitation centers, where they provide services to individuals who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other serious medical conditions. They help patients develop the skills needed to live as independently as possible.

• Schools: Occupational therapists may work in schools, where they help children with disabilities or developmental delays to participate in school activities. They may work with children who have physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments to improve their abilities to perform daily tasks.

• Mental health facilities: Occupational therapists may work in mental health facilities, where they provide services to individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. They help these individuals learn coping skills and strategies to improve their abilities to perform daily activities.

• Private practices: Occupational therapists may work in private practices, where they provide services to individuals with a wide range of conditions. They may specialize in working with specific populations or conditions, such as children with autism or individuals with chronic pain.

• Home health agencies: Occupational therapists may work for home health agencies, where they provide services to individuals who are homebound due to illness, injury, or disability. They help these individuals regain their abilities to perform daily tasks in their home environment.

• Telehealth: OTs can provide evaluations and treatments for patients in their homes using web enabled technologies.

Overall, occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings, depending on their interests and areas of expertise. This allows them to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with a wide range of conditions and disabilities.