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.
You can expect to learn all about how to help recover patients from a disability. There are a variety of occupational therapy careers that include working with the elderly, sports injury related, and in home care.
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.
Pre-occupational therapy is a group of classes that are taken at the university level before classes can begin for occupational therapy. A person taking classes in pre occupational therapy, can work as an occupational therapy assistant.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy was created in 1993.
American Occupational Therapy Association was created in 1917.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care was created in 1984.
Elizabeth Cara has written: 'Psychosocial occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Mentally ill, Rehabilitation 'Psychosocial occupational therapy in clinical practice' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Mentally ill, Rehabilitation
Marilyn B. Cole has written: 'Group dynamics in occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational Therapy, Methods, Occupational therapy, Group Psychotherapy, Group psychotherapy, Social groups 'Group dynamics in occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Group psychotherapy, Small groups, Social groups
There is no patron saint of occupational therapy.
Gary Kielhofner has written: 'Conceptual foundations of occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Occupational Therapy 'Health Through Occupation' 'A Model of Human Occupation' -- subject(s): Models, Psychological, Occupational therapy, Psychological Models
Kathlyn L. Reed has written: 'Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy' -- subject(s): Handbooks, Handbooks, manuals, Occupational therapy 'Models of practice in occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Models, Theoretical, Occupational therapy, Theoretical Models
A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into the field