Occupational Therapist

Table of Contents History Employment Requirements Training Personal Characteristics Job Outlook Earnings Wages and Benefits Related Occupations Working Conditions Workplaces Tip of the Day Ethics

Occupational Therapists help people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They work with individual who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists not only help clients improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also compensate for permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

History Occupational Therapy began in the “age of enlightenment” in the 1700s. The idea did not reach the United States until the 1900s. Susan Tracy first began to apply this technique to the mentally ill, she helped form the backbone of modern occupational therapy.

Employment OT’s held about 78,000 jobs in The largest number of jobs was in hospitals Other major employers were offices, clinics, school systems, home health agencies, nursing homes, mental health centers, adult daycare programs, job training services and residential care facilities.

Requirements A bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program, and pass a national certification examinations.

Training OT coursework includes physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, and the application of occupational therapy theory and skills. Completion of 6 months of supervised fieldwork is required. Should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and the social sciences. College admissions also look favorably at paid or volunteer experience in the healthcare field.

Personal Characteristics OT’s need patience and strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and respect in their clients. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs are assets. Those working in home health care must be able to successfully adapt to a variety of settings.

Job Outlook Quick Facts: Occupational Therapists 2014 Median Pay $78,810 per year $37.89 per hour Typical Entry-Level EducationMaster's degree Work Experience in a Related Occupation None On-the-job TrainingNone Number of Jobs, ,600 Job Outlook, % (Much faster than average) Employment Change, ,400

Job Outlook Hospitals will continue to employ a large number of OT s to provide therapy services to acutely ill inpatients. Hospitals will also need OT s to staff their outpatient rehabilitation programs. Employment growth in schools will result from expansion of the school-age population and extended services for disabled students. Therapists will be needed to help children with disabilities prepare to enter special education programs

Working Conditions Usually work 40 hour weeks About 1/3 of OT ‘s work part time In large rehabilitation centers, therapists may work in spacious rooms equipped with machines, tools, and other devices generating noise. Job may be tiring because therapists spend lots of time on their feet

Working Conditions Those providing home health care may spend time driving from appointment to appointment Also face hazards such as back strain from lifting and moving clients and equipment Usually well-lighted, heated, clean rooms May have contact with sick or injured people

Workplaces Hospitals Schools Nursing Homes Offices

Code of Ethics Occupational Therapy personnel shall demonstrate a concern of well being for the recipients of their services. Occupational Therapy personnel shall take responsible precautions to avoid imposing or inflicting harm upon the recipient of services to his or her property. Occupational Therapy personnel shall respect the recipient and/or their surrogates as well as the recipients rights.

Code Of Ethics Occupational Therapy Personnel shall achieve and continually maintain high standards of competence. Occupational Therapy Personnel shall comply with laws and association policies guiding the profession of occupational therapy. Occupational Therapy Personnel shall provide accurate information about occupational therapy services.