Occupational Therapist

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

• Occupational Therapists plan and organize activities to help rehabilitate patients with physical disabilities or who are under psychiatric care.
• They direct educational, vocational, and recreational activities such as arts and crafts, group projects, a physical exercise program and outings into the community, designed to help patients develop skills, build self-esteem and self-motivation, and to become self-sufficient.
• They evaluate the abilities and skills of the patients, set goals, and plan therapy programs together with patients and other members of the medical staff.
• They must do daily and weekly documentation of treatment and progress and complete a discharge summary.

Salary and Employment Outlook:

EDD Labor Market Information

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Career Info Net

Typical Employers:

Almost half of all occupational therapists work for hospitals. Others are employed by community mental health centers, nursing homes, schools, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, day care centers, research centers, private health agencies, the Peace Corps (federal government), and the military.

Preparation:

Occupational Therapists must complete a program in Occupational Therapy. Programs are offered at the bachelor's and master's degree level. All Occupational Therapy programs require student to complete clinical fieldwork. Several schools offer the required bachelor's degree which prepares you for registration as an occupational therapist. Education and training may also be secured in the military.

Educational Program(s):

Rehabilitation Services

Web Resources:

EDD Labor Market Information

Occupational Outlook Handbook

ONet Online

Career Info Net

American Medical Association

Special Ed Careers

Career Center

The American Occupational Therapy Association