Exploring a career in occupational therapy

Occupational therapists are important allies for individuals with a chronic illness or those who are trying to live independently after an accident. According to The Balance: Careers, occupational therapy involves assisting people of various ages build or restore their ability to live daily life by modifying or changing daily activities that a person wants to do.

There are three main types of practitioners who work in the field of occupational therapy. These include occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy aides. Salaries, duties and educational and licensing requirements differ between the three roles.

Individuals who want to become occupational therapists must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree and a two- to three-year master’s degree. Individuals will then have to go through the local licensing process. Many people begin working in OT in positions of less responsibility to gain relevant experience once they have completed the associate’s level program, and then gain experience and build their resumes from there.

This person has the fewest

OT therapy aide:

educational requirements and will earn the lowest salary on an OT team. However, OT therapy aides are essential. The aide sets up treatment rooms and prepares equipment. He or she also may perform clerical duties.

OT assistant: This person falls between an occupational therapist and an OT aide on the spectrum of responsibility. This can be a good option for someone who is uncertain about an OT career, but wants to try it on for size. Assistants work under an OTÕs supervision and make sure patients are correctly performing exercises spelled out in treatment plans.

Occupation therapist:

OTs oversee the operations and have the most responsibility by setting goals and developing treatment plans. An OT will do a home or work assessment to analyze a patient’s environments and make accommodations. He or she also will suggest equipment to use in a workplace to help that patient do his or her job comfortably. To become an OT, one will need to go through a master’s program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

Occupational therapists have many ways to specialize their careers. ExploreHealthCareers. org says OTs may work with premature babies, assist children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, work in schools with students who have learning disabilities, or may work with older people in nursing homes or private residences. There are new specialties, too, such as training workers to use the correct ergonomics or helping people with low vision issues maintain their independence.

Occupational therapy is a great career for individuals who want to help others maintain their independence and live life to the fullest.