Occupational Therapists

Evaluate clients' needs, create individualized plans, and implement those plans to assist them regain vocational, domestic, and daily functioning abilities as well as their sense of autonomy.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST CAREERS

Being self-sufficient in everyday life fosters self-esteem and confidence. Occupational therapists help mentally or physically challenged people gain self-sufficiency by teaching them new skills or how to modify old ones to compensate for lost abilities. 

An 'O-T' teaches and motivates patients to build, recover, or maintain daily living and employment abilities. It is a vocation that involves strong analytical skills as well as creativity in order to produce creative and effective remedies for a wide range of problems. 

One of the most satisfying features of this profession is the opportunity to work with individuals and make a difference in their lives. 

To be successful in this career, you must be compassionate, supportive, and enthusiastic about working closely with people in need, as you will be involved in many aspects of your patients' lives, assisting them to get well, live well, and remain well. 

Occupational therapy can be emotionally and physically taxing, but assisting patients in improving their quality of life and achieving self-sufficiency can be a tremendously rewarding experience.

Employment Projections

Annual projected job openings Subscribe to see

Wages


Average Wages Subscribe to see

Characteristics

Critical decision making
Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Level of responsibilities
Leadership
Competition for this position
Dealing and handling conflicts

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Getting Information Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Thinking Creatively Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Biology Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Medicine and Dentistry Know More
Psychology Know More
Sociology and Anthropology Know More
Therapy and Counseling Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More