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Occupational therapists help those with physical and/or mental handicaps overcome these handicaps to function well in their environments daily, in work and in life. Occupational therapists used a variety of techniques, drawn from proven medical and psychological science, to help patients work around their disabilities and function. For instance, on the physical side, an occupational therapist may prescribe exercises to strengthen and stabilize a damaged joint, or teach a person who has lost the function of one hand how to complete their daily activities using only the remaining hand. On the mental side, an occupational therapist may teach a person with memory lost issues to create daily checklists to help them make sure they complete all daily tasks, or use simulation of work environments to help a person with anxiety problems learn to cope with crowds and noise.
Occupational therapists must be licensed. Generally to receive a license to practice occupational therapy, one must receive a Master's degree in one of the many occupational therapy programs offered by institutes of higher learning around the country. These programs will cover such topics as physiology, anatomy, psychology, and exercise. To best prepare for the degree, an undergraduate program in the sciences is also best, but one in the social sciences or liberal arts will also do. One's Master's program for obtaining a license in occupational therapy must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Education, or ACOTE. The final step is to become certified, by passing the exam from the National Board For Certifying Occupational Therapy, or NBCOT. Eligibility requirements are a degree from an NBCOT approved occupational therapy program, and submitting an exam application. The certification test can be found on the internet and includes simulations of the practical clinical problems.
Occupational Therapists are compensated very well compared to both the average salary and jobs requiring similar levels of education in the medical profession. Nation wide, the average salary range for occupational therapists is approximately $53,000 to $75,000 per year, or about $25 to $38 per hour.
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Can occupational therapy help me to choose a new career?
Yes, occupational therapy can help you to choose a new career. They will assess your strengths and interest to help you select a suitable career.
What has the author Frances L Shuff written?
Frances L. Shuff has written: 'Your future in an occupational therapy career' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Vocational guidance
How to Find Physical Therapy Programs for Occupational Therapists?
Becoming an occupational therapist can lead to a very rewarding and lucrative career that will allow you to help your fellow citizens while earning a very respectable income. However, it is important to find physical therapy programs that will give the skill set and the academic program necessary for becoming an occupational therapist. The fact of the matter is that there are a wide range of physical therapy programs out there for today’s students, and most of the physical therapy programs that are offered by average universities are not designed for occupational therapists. Due to the fact that occupational therapists are required to help patients with a very different set of problems and challenges that most physical therapists, it is necessary to enroll in physical therapy programs that are designed specifically for the next generation of occupational therapists. Regardless of what particular type of occupational therapy you plan on getting involved in once you have completed your academic training, there are a few basic topics that you want to keep an eye out for when you are researching physical therapy programs in your area. One of the most important skills that occupational therapists need to be able to offer their patients is forms of therapy that help workers cope with the type of short term memory loss that is caused by old age and serious injuries. Therapy students also need to be well familiar with how to help patients who are experiencing temporary or permanent loss of motors skills prepare to return to work. Some of the most challenging and rewarding physical therapy programs for occupational therapists are designed to equip students with everything that they will need to know in order to help mentally disabled patients. An occupational therapist that specializes in treating mentally disabled patients dedicates his or her career to helping people with various disabilities find meaningful and rewarding forms of employment. Physical therapy programs for these types of occupational therapists are focused on education the different limitation and abilities that people with different forms of mental disabilities have, as well as the most effective types of therapy that can equip students with the most valuable types of job skills that most of these patients are able to perform.
What careers are there in therapy?
A person can have a great career in the therapy field. Some jobs that a person can get in this field are, a physical therapist, occupational therapist, massage therapist, or a counselor.
What is afsc 4j0x2?
it is a physical medicine technician...it consists of both physical therapy and occupational therapy. the 2 career fields merged over 5 years ago.
Where can I go for occupational therapy?
Depending upon whether you need occupational therapy for physical or mental health or for guiding you in community, you can choose occupational therapy centers that are found in many clinics and hospitals and centers; some near my city are:A few of them near my city are: Metropolitan Therapy,Inc.(motwc.com); NRH Regional Rehab (nrhhealthtown.com ); National Rehabilitation Hospital(nrhrehab.org );Inova Alexandria Hospital(); If you are planning a career in occupational therapy, there are a number of institutions and centers that offer you programs in every neighborhood in the USA.
Do you have to have a Bachelors degree to obtain Occupational Therapy career?
I do not know about having a Bachelor's degree, but you do need an OT (Occupational Therapist) license in order to work at a place that offers Occupational Therapy or if you were to start your own OT Clinic. The reason being this is because an OT is a medical position that requires, by law for the person practicing it, to have a license.
Are there schools in California that have courses in occupational therapy?
There are 2-year, 4-year and PhD programs in Occupational Therapy. The program you choose depends on your career goals. In California, there are several schools. This site lists them, along with contact information: http://www.bot.ca.gov/applicants/ot_schools.shtml
What motivated you to choose a career in massage therapy?
To help other people get healthier, and myself as well in the process of helping others.
Occupational Therapy Careers?
Therapy involves helping the physically and mentally injured with the management and recovery from their conditions. There are several types of therapy, but the most prominent include physical and occupational therapy. Occupational therapists concentrate on helping patients with day to day skills such as eating, dressing, and using a computer. They also assist patients with skills necessary for obtaining and keeping a paying job. As the baby boom generation continues to age, more and more occupational therapists will be needed, meaning that this will be a good career track to enter for the next decade.Working ConditionsMost occupational therapists work in hospitals, clinics or nursing homes, although several therapists work with patients in their own homes. Although there are many full time jobs available in occupation therapy, one in three occupational therapists work part time. With the availability of part time jobs, many occupational therapists are able to split their time between raising a family and pursuing career goals. Job responsibilities vary depending on where the therapist works and the condition of his or her patients, but in general, occupational therapists must help patients perform a variety of daily activities and teach them to complete these activities independently, use physical and educational activities to improve physical and mental skills, and teach patients to use special equipment to help them make the most of each day.Education and TrainingOccupational therapists must have a thorough knowledge of the medical field and the practices most effective in aiding patients in their day to day lives. In almost every case, this means earning a post baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy. Additionally, occupational therapists must hold a certificate in occupational therapy in order to gain employment.Salary and Job OutlookJob outlook for occupational therapy is much better than that of most fields. The aging of the baby boom generation and an increasing life expectancy will inevitably bring more patients to nursing homes and hospitals. With a greater demand for occupational therapists, earning potential is also expected to increase. The average salary for occupational therapists ranges from $60,000 to $80,000, although many earn over $90,000.
What is a career that takes as long as an associate's degree?
There are many. Some include, a registered nurse, physical therapy assistant, mechanical engineering technology, occupational therapy assistant, computers, interpreters for the deaf, accounting, business management, etc.
Are there any occupational therapy courses that can completed online in your spare time?
Occupational therapy courses are available online for you to complete in your spare time. Penn Foster School is one such school which offers this course. You can learn at home, in your spare time, at your own pace and earn your career diploma in as six months. All required textbooks, learning aids, and software are included. Complete student support is available by phone, mail, and e-mail. The following link gives you the site for requesting information about this school : http://www.elearners.com/course/36489/Occupational-Therapy-Aide/Penn-Foster-Career-School/
