Advice On Becoming A Occupational Therapist And Job Duties

If you have a strong interest in helping people, consider a career as an occupational therapist. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that this career will grow faster than average in every state with good job opportunities in the future. If the versatile and rewarding career of an occupational therapist sounds right for you, join the 27,000 new therapists who are expected to start working in this profession over the next ten years.

Overview of an Occupational Therapist

Basically, an occupational therapist will play a big role in helping patients to improve in the performance of tasks involved in everyday living and working environments. These patients may have mental, physical or developmental disabilities. Other patients may need an occupational therapist because of an injury, stroke, amputation or other condition. An occupational therapist will treat patients so that they can improve motor skills, physical and mental strength, and the ability to reason and function successfully if they have suffered permanent loss.

Job Skills and Duties

An occupational therapist will perform a wide variety of duties. They interview and assess patient condition and need and then develop therapeutic plans. Occupational therapy may include the use of physical exercise to increase a patient’s strength and dexterity. Other patients need mental stimulation and the occupational therapist may give the patient assignments to increase memory and use computer programs that help patients with reasoning, perception, memory and decision making. Occupational therapists also teach patients how to use equipment such as wheelchairs, orthopedic aids and special computer equipment.

Occupational therapists also assist people who have had a situation which led to work impairment. They might arrange employment, or work with a current employer to help plan the work space and activities so that the client is able to function in the work environment. In addition to enjoying working with other people, an occupational therapist should be prepared to stand on their feet for periods of time, avoid stressing the back, and protect their ears from the loud noise that machines and tools can generate in some rehabilitation centers.

Occupational Therapist Specialties

Some therapists work exclusively with people in a certain age group, such as children or the elderly. Others specialize in certain disabilities. There are some therapists that provide what is known as intervention therapy for infants or toddlers that may be at future risk of having delays in development. Some occupational therapists have specialized training in driving rehabilitation. These therapists assess the person’s ability to drive and recommend training, adaptive equipment or alternative transportation. Another specialty is the treatment of mentally ill, emotionally disturbed or people with other disorders such as drug abuse, depression or alcoholism. The therapist helps these individuals to cope with everyday activities such as managing time, shopping and using public transportation.

Salary of an Occupational Therapist

The salary that can be earned in this profession depends largely upon geographical location, experience and industry. On average, the salary range is between $50,000 to over $102,000 in the United States. Occupational therapists are needed in numerous industries. The industries that offer top earnings include employment services, physicians’ offices, home health care services and nursing care facilities.

Author Bio: I hope you enjoyed this write up. If you want more detailed information on what occupational therapist salary ranges you can expect or others jobs feel free to check out my website. I have information on what you can expect as a physical therapy assistant salary. I also have a general blog at http://medicaljobinformation.wordpress.com/.

Category: Career
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