Career: Occupational Therapists
It takes enormous patience to work with the physically handicapped, the mentally ill, or anyone struggling with the tasks of daily life. But as an occupational therapist (OT), you can find great satisfaction in helping them live more independently.
Whether you’re teaching a stroke survivor to use a walker, modifying school equipment for a disabled child, or helping the victim of a car accident to get behind the wheel again, one thing is certain: you’ll make a difference.
Occupational therapists help people who have learning disabilities, physical handicaps, illnesses, and other conditions master everyday tasks, from shopping for groceries to walking with crutches.
Did You Know?
- More and more OTs work in nontraditional settings outside the hospital. These include community health centers, schools, and rehabilitation workshops.
Are You Ready To...?
- Work with a wide range of people
- Discover each person’s special needs
- Tailor an individualized plan for each patient
- Be patient, even when progress is slow
- Keep records of each client’s activities and progress
- Come up with creative solutions to problems
It Helps to Be...
A creative, patient problem solver: progress can be painfully slow.
Make High School Count
- Challenge yourself in science with AP® courses in biology and chemistry.
- Sign up for psychology to learn about motivation, therapeutic techniques, and mental illnesses.
- Volunteer at a hospital or another health care facility: it may even help you to get into the college of your choice.
Did You Know?
- You can specialize and work only with children, substance abusers, older adults, or another group.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for OTs to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2014. In fact, occupational therapy is among the twenty fastest growing careers.
Thanks to medical advances, people who are born prematurely, who suffer from health problems, or who are seriously injured have a much better chance of surviving. These people often need therapy.
What's more, many people will reach middle age and old age in the next decade; people in these age groups are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and illnesses such as pneumonia. Therapists play an important part in helping them make the most of their lives as they recover.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that occupational therapists earned an average salary of $62,510 in 2006.
The highest pay goes to those who work in medical offices, nursing care facilities, and hospitals; OTs who work in schools earn less.
