Occupational Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$98K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

11.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Occupational Therapist?

An Occupational Therapist is a healthcare professional who helps individuals of all ages to develop, recover, improve, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with physical, mental, or developmental conditions. They use various therapeutic techniques to improve their clients' ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Occupational Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Occupational Therapist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$67K per year	$80K per year	$98K per year	$110K per year	$130K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $49K above the national average.

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What does an Occupational Therapist do?

Work environment

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. They may also provide in-home therapy services. The job often requires moving around and can be physically demanding, as it involves assisting patients with exercises and activities.

Quick task list

Assesses patients' needs and creates treatment plans.
Implements therapy programs to improve clients' abilities.
Educates patients and family members about strategies for coping and adapting.
Recommends home and workplace environmental adaptations.
Keeps records of patients' progress and adjusts treatments as necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatrics: Working with children to support developmental needs.
Geriatrics: Focusing on the elderly to improve mobility and independence.
Physical Rehabilitation: Assisting patients with recovery from physical injuries.
Mental Health: Providing therapy to support mental and emotional wellbeing.
Hand Therapy: Specializing in rehabilitation of the hand and upper limb.

Description

Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome challenges in their daily lives due to physical, mental, or developmental issues. They assess the patient's needs, create customized treatment plans, and use a variety of therapeutic techniques. This can include exercises, activities, and the use of assistive devices to enhance patients' abilities to perform tasks.

The role requires a strong understanding of medical conditions, therapy techniques, and the physical and psychological needs of different age groups. OTs must be creative in adapting activities to each patient's needs and resourceful in recommending modifications to their environments.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as OTs work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They must be empathetic and patient, with an ability to motivate and inspire confidence in their clients. Continuous learning is important to stay updated with the latest therapy techniques and technologies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in the quality of life of patients.
Variety in daily work and patient cases.
Opportunities for creativity in therapy planning and implementation.
The joy of seeing patients achieve their goals and gain independence.

You might make a good Occupational Therapist if you are...

Passionate about helping people lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Creative in problem-solving and adapting activities for different needs.
Patient and empathetic in your approach to client care.
Interested in human anatomy, psychology, and rehabilitation.
Good at communicating and collaborating with others.

Pros:

Rewarding work with a direct impact on clients' lives.
Opportunities to work with diverse populations and settings.
Growing demand in the healthcare field.

Cons:

The educational path can be lengthy and costly.
Physical demands of the job, including lifting and assisting patients.
Emotional challenges of working with individuals with significant challenges.

How to become an Occupational Therapist

Typical education

Becoming an Occupational Therapist typically requires a master's degree in occupational therapy, which is about 2-3 years of post-bachelor's education. Some may opt for a doctoral degree. Additionally, licensure is required to practice, involving passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Psychology to understand human development and behavior.
Health Education to gain basic knowledge about health and wellness.
Art or Design for developing creativity and problem-solving skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities, nursing homes, or community centers.
Participating in clubs like the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).
Shadowing an Occupational Therapist to gain first-hand experience.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field like psychology, biology, or health sciences.
Enroll in a master's or doctoral program in occupational therapy.
Complete required fieldwork and internships.
Pass the NBCOT exam for licensure.

More resources

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - Provides resources and information for OT professionals.
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) - Offers certification information and resources.
Occupational Therapy.com - Online continuing education and career resources for OTs.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - Offers a global perspective on occupational therapy.
OT Potential - A blog and podcast offering insights and resources for occupational therapy practitioners.

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