OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

By: JOHN CASAS

What is Occupational Therapy?

A health profession that uses the daily living of therapydisabled children

elderly citizens

Injured patients

Education RequirementsBachelor’s and Master’s Degree - may combined for approx. 5 years

Can include following courses:

functional anatomy, medical and social conditions, assistive technology, patient care concepts, and more

Required 3.0 GPA: chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, statistics, psychology and other prerequisites

REQUIRED STATE LICENSE and a passing score on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam

SkillsExcellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Organization and Problem-Solving

Compassion and Huge patience

Strong writing skills (documentation of actions)

Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesObserving patientsAttempt task of daily activitiesCreate a treatment Plan based on specific activities and goalsRecommend aids ( specific equipments)Teach exercise to relieve pain and educate families for patients carePrepare reports for progress and update medical records

Working ConditionsHospitals : collaborating with doctors, nurses, or other part of health care team

Nursing Homes

Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists

Home Health Agencies

Service individuals or family homes

Annual IncomeMedian salary as of May 2015 is $80,150 per year

Approximate Hourly rate: $38.54Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)

$88,780Home healthcare services

87,960Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists

82,610Hospitals; state, local, and private

80,250Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private

69,460

Growth The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program predicted:

Projected growth of 27% from 2014 to 2024- Much faster than average for all occupations

2014 Employment is 114, 600 - Projected employment to be 145,100

Highest Employment Location State Employment Hourly Mean Wage Annual Mean Wage

Texas : 8,260 $45.37 $94,360

California : 10,210 $42.72 $88,850

Florida : 5,890 $41.12$85,520

New York : 8,680 $38.97$81,060

Pennsylvania : 6,480 $36.51$75,930

Pros

Variety of different fields to specialize in (geriatrics, pediatrics, hand therapy,

vision therapy)Huge demand of job opportunities High income rateHappiness and fulfillment one can feel after changing

someone’s life (JOB SATISFACTION)Flexibility of work settings

Cons

● Extensive time of education ● Risk of Infections ● Uncooperative or misbehaving patients● Long work hours ● Emotionally Challenging (for new OT)● Busy environment with a lot of pressure● Physicality of work

Sourceshttp://study.com/articles/Occupational_Therapist_How_Do_I_Become_an_Occupational_Therapy_Professional.html

http://work.chron.com/qualities-good-occupational-therapist-26306.html

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm#tab-5

http://www.topoccupationaltherapyschool.com/pros-cons-occupational-therapist/