Occupational Therapists: Helping People Live Life to the Fullest
Occupational therapy is a vital field in healthcare that focuses on promoting independence, productivity, and quality of life for people experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to help them achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people participate in the daily activities they need or want to do. Occupational therapists work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that affect their ability to do things like dressing themselves, holding a job, or participating in leisure activities. They help their clients develop skills and strategies to overcome these challenges and achieve their desired level of function and independence.
Examples of Occupational Therapy Jobs
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Mental health centers
- Rehabilitation centers
Some examples of occupational therapy jobs include:
- Helping a child with autism learn to communicate and play with others
- Teaching a stroke survivor how to dress and groom themselves independently
- Working with a person with a spinal cord injury to develop strength and mobility
- Helping a person with depression or anxiety learn coping strategies and stress management techniques
- Assisting a person with dementia in maintaining their cognitive function and independence in daily activities
Education and Training
To become an occupational therapist, you typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. Some programs also offer doctoral degrees in occupational therapy. Before enrolling in a master’s or doctoral program, you must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed certain prerequisites, such as courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics.
After completing your degree, you must pass a national certification exam to become a certified occupational therapist (OT). You may also need to obtain a state license to practice, depending on the state you plan to work in.
Progression in the Field
Occupational therapists can progress in the field by gaining experience and expertise in a particular area of practice, such as pediatrics, hand therapy, or mental health. Some occupational therapists may also choose to pursue advanced certifications or specialty training to further expand their knowledge and skills.
Getting Into the Field
If you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist, you can start by researching accredited occupational therapy programs in your area. Many colleges and universities offer graduate-level occupational therapy programs, and some even offer online or hybrid programs to accommodate students’ schedules.
You may also want to consider shadowing or volunteering with occupational therapists in different settings to get a sense of what the job entails and which area of practice you may be interested in pursuing.
In conclusion, occupational therapy is a rewarding and fulfilling field that offers opportunities to make a significant impact on people’s lives. Whether you’re working with children, adults, or seniors, occupational therapy can help individuals achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest.
| Occupation | Job Level | Union | Full-time/Part-time | Location | Salary (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational therapists | Level 07 | Nonunion | Full-time | US National Average | $83,428.80 |
| Occupational therapists | Level 09 | Nonunion | Full-time | US National Average | $96,241.60 |
| Occupational therapists | Level 10 | Nonunion | Full-time | US National Average | $89,960.00 |
| Occupational therapists | Not able to be leveled | Nonunion | Full-time | US National Average | $82,056.00 |
| Occupational therapists | All levels | Union | All | US National Average | $93,371.20 |
| Occupational therapists | All levels | Nonunion | All | US National Average | $92,622.40 |
| Occupational therapists | All levels | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $90,584.00 |
| Occupational therapists | Level 09 | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $90,854.40 |
| Occupational therapists | Level 10 | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $89,918.40 |
| Occupational therapists | Not able to be leveled | N/A | Full-time | US National Average | $81,702.40 |
| Occupational therapists | All levels | N/A | Part-time | US National Average | $98,404.80 |
| Occupational therapists | Level 09 | N/A | Part-time | US National Average | $106,184.00 |
| Occupational therapists | All levels | N/A | N/A | Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $122,865.60 |
| Occupational therapists | All levels | N/A | N/A | Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $73,257.60 |
Occupational therapists help individuals overcome physical and mental disabilities by developing, improving, and maintaining their daily living and working skills. As per the data table, the national average salary for occupational therapists is $84,593.07. The salary varies based on job levels, union affiliation, and work schedules.
According to the data table, occupational therapists who are part of a union have a higher average salary of $93,371.20 compared to $92,622.40 for non-union workers. Union affiliation may have a positive impact on these occupational therapists’ salaries as union-members often have a collective bargaining agreement that negotiates for higher wages.
The data table also shows that occupational therapists based in Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA, earned the highest average salary of $122,865.60, while occupational therapists in Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY, earned the least with an average salary of $73,257.60.
Overall, being an occupational therapist can be a lucrative profession, particularly for those with union affiliation and living in high-paying geographies.
