Job Description: Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Job Duties | Occupational Therapist Schools | Occupational Therapist Salary | Occupational Therapist Pros and Cons

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

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The primary role of an Occupational Therapist is to plan, assess, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs. Individuals in this profession work with physically, mentally, developmentally or emotionally challenged people. An occupational therapist focuses on helping individuals with disabilities or developmental delays, helping to restore or build, daily living skills, vocational skills, homemaking skills and general independence skills.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the anticipated growth rate for the occupational therapist profession is higher than average. Job opportunities in a variety of work environments such as hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and orthopedic clinics are presently available for licensed occupational therapists.

What Are The Job Duties Of An Occupational Therapist

· The principal role of an occupational therapist is to lead the process of implementation, development and coordination of occupational therapy programs.
· Screen and evaluate patients, provide education, transition and exit planning and therapeutic intervention
· Use clinical knowledge and professional judgment to develop programs for patients that are case specific for personal care
· Consult and collaborate with the rehabilitation team to select activity programs.
· Streamline occupational therapy procedures with other therapeutic activities.
· Plan, organize and implement occupational therapy programs in various settings including hospitals, institutions and community for the rehabilitation of individuals with impairments due to injury, illness or psychological development problems.
· Perform an evaluation of a patient’s progress.
· Prepare detailed reports on the progress made by each patient.
· Select appropriate activities for patients to learn work and life-management skills that will help them; the activities need to based on individual specific mental and physical capabilities.
· Make recommendations for changes in the living or work environment in line with patient capabilities and needs.
· Conduct tests to evaluate a patient’s mental and physical abilities.
· Analyze medical data to establish realistic goals for patient rehabilitation procedures.
· Conduct research into occupational therapy methods.
· Train care givers to provide patient care during and after occupational therapy.
· Develop and facilitate health promotion programs, group activities and discussions on promoting health, alleviating stress, facilitating social adjustment and preventing mental or physical disabilities.
· Design or requisition special equipments and supplies such as braces, splints or computer-aided adaptive equipment.
· Provide training for students, nurses and medical staff in therapy techniques and objectives.
· Assist clients to improve their skills in abstract reasoning, memory sequencing, decision making, perceptual skills and coordination skills through the use of computer programs.
· Plan programs and social activities, and implement them successfully to help patients in learning to adjust to handicaps.
· Train patients in work or school skills to assist their in daily living.
· Assist patients in locating and holding gainful employment.
· Prepare materials like puzzles, eating utensils, etc. for patients to use in therapy sessions.
· Clean tools and equipments used in therapy sessions and maintain a clean work area.
· Advise patients about the risks found in the workplace.

What Type of Degree is Needed To Be An Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist is trained in helping mentally or physically challenged persons to gain knowledge or relearn skills necessary for everyday activities including dressing, grooming, cooking and eating. Occupational therapist training programs are offered at the graduate level.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the minimum requirement for entry into the field is a master’s degree or higher education in occupational therapy. The profession is regulated in all 50 states in the U.S.; students interested in pursuing a career as an occupational therapist need to earn a post-baccalaureate degree from a college or university that is accredited.

Apart from obtaining an accredited degree, the individual is required to attend an accredited academic program offered by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Occupational therapy training programs cover coursework in physical, biological, behavioral sciences and application of occupational therapy theory and skills. Accredited programs also require a minimum of 24 weeks supervised fieldwork, which forms part of the academic curriculum. Projects and self-directed work form a major part of the training program.

Students planning a career as an occupational therapist need to take courses in chemistry, physics, biology, social sciences, health and art for their high school diploma. Paid or volunteer experience in the healthcare industry is a plus when signing up for an occupational therapist training program. Undergraduate majors in biology, psychology, liberal arts, anatomy, sociology and anthropology are relevant to the field.

A bachelor of science (Hons) in occupational therapy will provide training based on two-thirds occupational therapy theory and one-third fieldwork practice. During fieldwork placements, students are expected to gain hands-on experience in the main branches of occupational therapy including learning disabilities, mental health services and physical rehabilitation. Students learn to assess and treat patients under the guidance of a registered occupational therapist. By the end of the placement, the aim is for students to manage their own limited caseload under professional supervision.

Degree award is achieved based on coursework assessment, fieldwork practice assessment and examinations. Training programs generally last three years if completed full time; part time courses span four years courses. Relevant degree holders have the option to choose an accelerated course.

Occupational Therapist Licensure

Aall states in America require occupational therapists to be licensed because the practice of the profession is state regulated. Specific requirements vary between states and state licensing board can provide information. Generally all applicants need to graduate from an accredited training program and pass the national certification exam. Students who successfully pass the exam are awarded the title of ‘occupational therapist registered’. Some states require compliance with additional requirements for therapists who work in schools or early intervention programs such as education practice certificate, education related classes or an early intervention certification.

Occupational therapists can specialize in clinical areas including mental health, physical rehabilitation, gerontology and pediatrics.

What Is The Salary Of An Occupational Therapist

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition that employment prospects for occupational therapists are very positive. The growth projected in this field of occupation is 26 percent for the period 2008 to 2018. The projection is that of a much faster than average growth rate when compared with other occupations.

The high growth projection is based on a number of factors including an increasing elderly population; increasing number of individuals with disabilities; increasing incidence of stroke and heart attacks; high demand for occupational therapy services.

Occupational Therapist Wages

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages - 2010-11 reports (May 2008) that the median annual wage for occupational therapists was $66,780; the middle 50 percent earnings range between $55,090 and $81,290. The highest 10 percent earnings were above $98,310 and the lowest 10 percent was below $42,820.

Employment of occupational therapists by largest numbers, by industry include: home healthcare services, offices of other healthcare practitioners, Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals, nursing care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals. These industries have the highest concentration of surgical technicians.

Estimates for employment and mean wages for occupational therapists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the figure of 104,500 people employed in this role in 2008 will increase by approximately 26 percent by the year 2018 to reach 131,300.

National annualized data showing pay scales for occupational therapists: the average hourly rate ranges between $24.50 and $45; the hourly overtime rate ranges between $24.50 and $61.50; the bonus ranges between $50.50 and $5,094 approximately. Overall annual pay scales range between $46,472 and $88,237 for an occupational therapist.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics findings reported in the Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010 - 29-1122 Occupational Therapists; the median annual wages paid by the largest employers of occupational therapists by industry: employment services - $84,540; home healthcare services - $83,920; Management of Companies and Enterprises - $79,690; offices of physicians - $79,500; nursing care facilities - $77,700.

California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania have the highest employment numbers of occupational therapists. Pay scales for occupational therapists will vary based on geographic location, experience, certification and size of employer institution.

(Figures are approximate and have been rounded off to the nearest full number)

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Being An Occupational Therapist

In every job there are advantages and disadvantages; the same holds good for occupational therapists. The advantages of being an occupational therapist include:

· The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected faster than normal growth rate of 26 percent between the years 2008 and 2018 for occupational therapists.
· There are various factors influencing the demand for increased employment opportunities for occupational therapists including the increasing elderly population that drives the demand for occupation therapy services; elderly persons are at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes; medical advancements are enabling people with critical health problems to survive, but still require occupational therapy.
· Hospitals and schools continue to employ large numbers of occupational therapists.
· Emerging areas requiring occupational therapy services include driver rehabilitation and training elderly patients.
· Occupational therapists seeking employment in schools benefit from good pay scales and respect for the profession.
· Pay scales on average are very good for occupational therapists.

The downside to becoming an occupational therapist may be attributed to the following negative aspects:

· The profession requires extensive study and certification since all states in the country have regulated occupational therapy.
· The role can be stressful due to the fact that occupational therapists have to deal constantly with mentally and physically challenged persons.
· Federal legislation has imposed limits on the reimbursement amounts for occupational therapy services.