With the demand for healthcare workers increasing, occupational therapists are in high demand. Hospitals and clinics across the country are hiring occupational therapists to provide care and services to patients, paying them competitive wages. But what is an occupational therapist? What are their duties? And what opportunities exist in this field? Let’s take a closer look at the world of occupational therapy.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?!
An occupational therapist works with patients to help them develop or recover daily living and work skills. They often work with children who have developmental delays as well as adults who have suffered injuries or illnesses that prevent them from performing everyday tasks. Occupational therapists teach patients how to use adaptive equipment and design treatments to help them improve their physical, cognitive, and motor skills. They also teach family members how to care for their loved ones by providing them with resources, support, and guidance.
Education Requirements
Occupational therapists must complete a master’s degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The program usually takes two years to complete and consists of coursework in anatomy, biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, psychology, public health law, ethics, patient education, medical terminology and more. Upon graduation students must pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) before they can obtain licensure in their state or territory.
Career Path
Occupational therapists typically work full-time in hospitals, nursing homes, schools or private practices where they observe patients’ progress over time and adjust treatment plans accordingly. There are also opportunities for those who want to work part-time or on a per-diem basis in home health agencies or outpatient centers. Additionally many occupational therapists choose to open their own practice where they can specialize in specific areas such as geriatrics or pediatrics depending on their interests and experience level.
Conclusion
Occupational therapy is an exciting field that offers healthcare workers plenty of options when it comes to career opportunities and advancement potential. If you’re interested in becoming an OT then start researching programs today so you can begin helping people achieve greater independence through better quality of life trendingbird.
