Occupational therapy (OT) is a dynamic healthcare profession that helps people with physical, cognitive, emotional, or psychological problems achieve independence in their daily activities. This is done by problem-solving, adapting, practicing, and teaching skills. Most important, OT’s focus is on helping people with injuries or disabilities live productive, independent lives. OT encourages people to find purpose and meaning in the activities that “occupy” their day.
How do I become an occupational therapist?
To become an occupational therapist (OT) in the United States you earn a master’s or doctorate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university. This typically takes 2-3 years to complete. However, there are some OT programs that offer a 3+3 curriculum so students complete 3 years of prerequisites and then move on to the OT program. Prerequisites classes often include anatomy, psychology, physiology, medical terminology, human development, and biology.
Once accepted to a graduate program, coursework typically includes classes such as neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, abnormal psychology, and kinesiology. Coursework advances to classes specific to occupational therapy such as: activity analysis, OT theory, and OT evaluation and treatment. In addition to classwork, there are two 12 week fieldworks where you treat patients under the supervision of an OT. These fieldworks might focus on pediatric or adult care. And, be based in a hospital, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation center, or mental health facility.
Upon graduation, you take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam which is offered monthly. After passing the NBCOT exam, you become “Registered” nationally as an OT. Each state has licensing requirements, but this is typically a simple process.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists assess patients with a variety of disabilities and injuries and determine how they impact the patients’ daily lives. Next, they create plans for each patient to improve independence in daily activities. For example, an OT might help a person with a stroke learn to feed and dress themselves again. They might teach a patient how to use adaptive equipment to perform a task better. A person with Parkinson’s Disease might work with an OT to prepare a meal independently in their kitchen.
In addition, an OT might help a child with autism to participate in classroom activities, or assist a child with cerebral palsy to write and paint. A person with a broken hand might see an OT for a custom-built brace and learn to use their hand again. Additionally, an OT might teach a person with schizophrenia how to use the bus system successfully. OT’s are also trained to recommend home modifications for a client in a wheelchair.
Because of the unique skills OT’s have to offer, they are employed in hospitals, nursing facilities, rehab centers, clinics, mental health facilities, schools, home healthcare, and early intervention for children. As part of a rehabilitative team OT’s often collaborate with other health care professionals in these settings. It is common to coordinate care with surgeons, physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologist, and educators to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Becoming an OT is an amazing career choice for people seeking a profession where they can help people overcome obstacles every day. It is ideal for people who enjoy interacting with others, and find it satisfying to be mentally and physically active while at work. People who tend to do best as OT’s are creative problem-solvers while also detail-oriented.
What is an occupational therapist salary?
Occupational therapists are in high demand and salaries have skyrocketed over the last decade. This trend is going to continue as the need for OT’s only grows. The annual wage for an OT in the United States is $84,950. However, the amount of money an OT makes varies based on work setting, experience, location, and specialty.
For example, OT’s who work in nursing facilities have an annual wage of $90,830. Compare this to a yearly salary of $74,670 for OT’s that work in school districts. In addition, hospital-based OT’s can expect a yearly salary of $85,510. Similarly, home health OT’s check-in with a yearly wage of $89,220. The highest earning OT’s (top 10%) make over $121,490 a year. Often the highest earning OT’s specialize in one area of practice. Two examples of specialties in OT are Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and Lymphedema Specialist.
The location where an OT is employed also impacts salary. OT’s in Nevada, California, New Jersey, Arizona, and the District of Columbia typically have salaries between $94,430-$105,450. There are a number of states throughout the US where OT’s make over $88,000 a year, namely New York, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Alaska, Colorado, and Oregon.
What is the job outlook for occupational therapists?
The job outlook for OT is impressive! In the next 10 years OT is expected to grow by 16%, almost double the growth expected in other healthcare professions. This is fueled by aging baby boomers, more newborns identified with special needs, and better medical care that helps people live longer. As a result, the number of OT job openings is expected to be 22,700 over the next 10 years.