Occupational therapy is a field of health care that is devoted to assisting individuals who have acute and chronic injuries or disabilities that hinder them from performing their activities of daily living. The aim of occupational therapy is to seek ways for such individuals to increase their ability to do mundane daily tasks such as eating, bathing, writing and dressing. Additionally, occupational therapists may focus on large skills such as endurance and performance of job related activities. They work with the goal of helping their patients become as independent as possible, while coordinating closely with their patient’s needs and desires. Occupational therapists may assist patients in improving their visual acuity and increasing their strength and dexterity. At times, they assist patients in learning problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as abstract reasoning and coordination.
Before beginning treatment, an occupational therapist will evaluate and assess the needs of the client and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Occupational therapists often work closely with occupational therapy assistants, who work under the direction of the primary occupational therapist to implement treatment. The ideal outcome of occupational therapy is to facilitate patients gaining independence and a more productive life. Here are some considerations for those who want to learn how to become an occupational therapist.
- Personality and Interest. Individuals interested in becoming an occupational therapist should demonstrate a willingness to work closely with others, particularly those who are suffering from illness or disability. They should be able to display excellent communication skills as well as patience and empathy toward clients, and maintain professional relationships with fellow co-workers. It’s important to have an interest in science-based subjects such as anatomy, biology and physiology, as well as general physical health and well-being. Creativity is an important personality trait allowing interventions to be exciting and challenging. Similarly, sharp organizational skills are important to aid in completion of documentation.
- Work Environment. Occupational therapists can be employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, continuing care centers, schools and home care, as well as in the community. The focus of the occupational therapist’s treatment and goals for patients vary greatly depending on the type of setting in which treatment is being implemented and on the needs of the population being served. For instance, in the hospital setting, occupational therapists are working with the client on basic needs to allow them to return home safely and quickly. Treatment in this setting might involve making sure the individual can safely and efficiently bathe and dress. On the other hand, occupational therapists working in an early intervention setting will likely be facilitating preschoolers with fine motor skills such as coloring and building towers with blocks. The work hours of an occupational therapist are dependent on the type of setting in which they work as well as the needs of this facility.
- Education and Certification. If an individual wishes to join the ranks of occupational therapists they should first decide if they’d like to pursue an education online or through a traditional college. At present, there are no online programs that allow one to participate fully through distance learning, thus students choosing this route must be prepared for some time spent in the classroom. Students should be certain to choose a school that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Currently, there are two traditional occupational therapy programs available to students—those that allow students to graduate with a master’s degree or doctoral degree. The length of schooling depends on the degree received at graduation and on the individualized curriculum at each school, with the average hovering between five and seven years. Often, fieldwork is included in the schooling process and will have been completed prior to graduation. Once the student successfully completes their educational program, they are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Certification Examination, which, if passed, will allow the individual to become a certified occupational therapist. Each state has its own legislation regarding occupational therapy practice and guidelines are ever changing, thus individuals working toward becoming a certified occupational therapist should remain abreast of updates and changes regarding specific requirements within their chosen state of practice. - Job Outlook and Salary. Trends tell that there is an expected increase in demand for occupational therapists, mostly due to the increasing age of the baby boomer generation, and therefore an increase in occupational therapist jobs for the next decade. An occupational therapist salary ranges from $67,000 to $79,00 annually, depending on your area of practice, geographical location of practice and level of experience.
The career of an occupational therapist can be very rewarding because of the positive impact being made within the client’s life. In many instances, the individual receiving occupational therapy intervention will be able to return to a normal way of living and in some cases, return to their job, as well.