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Field Description
Occupational therapists work with individuals who have conditions
that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling.
Occupational therapists assist individuals to develop, recover,
or maintain daily living and work skills.
The word “occupation” comes from our belief that we
all have “occupational roles” that contribute to who
we are (i.e. mother, son, spouse, employee). The goal of an occupational
therapist is not only to help clients improve basic motor functions,
cognitive and emotional abilities to return to these roles, but
also to compensate for loss of function. Their goal is to help clients
have independent, productive and satisfying lives.
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More About Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals
achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational
therapy gives people the "skills for the job of living"
that are needed for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically
include:
- Customized treatment programs aimed at improving
abilities to carry out the activities of daily living
- Comprehensive evaluation of home and job environments
and recommendations on necessary adaptation
- Assessments and treatment for performance skills
- Recommendations and training in the use of adaptive
equipment
- Guidance to family members and caregivers
Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose
education includes the study of human growth and development with
specific emphasis on the social, emotional and physiological effects
of illness and injury.
The occupational therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters
or doctoral degree. The occupational therapy assistant generally
earns an associate degree. Practitioners must complete supervised
clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass
a national examination. Most states also regulate occupational therapy
practice.
Career Opportunities
Many occupational therapists work in hospitals, including rehabilitation
and psychiatric hospitals. Other major employers include offices
and clinics, school systems, home health agencies, nursing homes,
community mental health centers, adult daycare programs, job training
service programs and residential care facilities. Other occupational
therapists work in the community in more non-traditional settings
such as business ergonomics, life planning and accessible home design.
Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy
services may adversely affect the job market for occupational therapists
in the near term. However, the demand for occupational therapists
should continue to rise as a result of growth in the number of individuals
with disabilities or limited function who require therapy services.
The baby-boom generation's movement into middle age, a period when
the incidence of heart attack and stroke increases, will intensify
the demand for therapeutic services. The rapidly growing population
over age 75 also will require additional services, as medical advances
enable more patients with critical problems to survive. These patients
may need extensive therapy.
Hospitals will continue to employ a large number of occupational
therapists to provide therapy services to acutely ill inpatients
and to staff outpatient rehabilitation programs. Employment growth
in schools will result from expansion of the school-age population
and extended services for disabled students. Therapists will be
needed to help children with disabilities prepare to enter special
education programs.
Occupational therapists held about 78,000 jobs in 2000. The largest
number of jobs was in hospitals, including many in rehabilitation
and psychiatric hospitals.
Earning Potential
Median annual salary for occupational therapists was $49,450 in
2000. Salaries ranged from $32,040 and to more than $70,810. Median
annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers
of occupational therapists in 2000 were as follows:
| Nursing and personal care facilities |
$51,220 |
| Hospitals |
$50,430 |
| Offices of other health practitioners |
$49,520 |
| Elementary and secondary schools |
$45,340 |
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about occupational therapy:
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