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Spotlight on Top Careers of 2011: Occupational
Therapist
Most occupational therapists work at hospitals, but others find employment within
educational settings, evaluating students who may need assistance, and
recommending therapies or treatments best for them. Occupational therapists are
also found in nursing homes, helping elderly individuals become more productive
and independent. Therapists can also teach patients to function better in their daily
lives by showing them how to budget their time and money better. In the mental
health setting, occupational therapists can help those who are struggling with eating
disorders or depression, or those who have become addicted to alcohol or drugs.
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Duties
Occupational therapists have many duties, from teaching a toddler who is struggling
to develop normally to follow simple instructions or to helping a man suffering from
spinal cord damage to get dressed. These therapists strive to help individuals who
have become disabled either recover completely or develop certain life skills to
continue to function as independent people. The goal of the occupational therapist
is to assist and teach as much as necessary so that the patient can resume his life at
home and at work.
Outlook
Job employment is expected to increase at least 26 percent between 2008 and
2018, significantly faster than other job sectors. In 2008, occupational therapists
held roughly 105,000 positions in the United States. That number is expected to
continually increase, mainly because as baby boomers age and retire, there will be a
higher demand for therapists skilled with elderly patient care.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in 2009, an occupational therapist
salary averages $69,630. The lowest-paid 10 percent of occupational therapists
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made less than $45,340 while the highest-paid 10 percent received over $100,000 in
earnings.
Advancement
While there isn’t much room for growth, some occupational therapists take on
managerial responsibilities or open their own clinic. Occupational therapists can
advance by overseeing aides and completing administrative tasks. The best chance
an occupational therapist has to move up is to gain additional experience that is
concentrated on one area, for example, mental health or physical rehabilitation.
Activity and Stress
The activity level is high for the occupational therapist, mainly because they are on
their feet and moving around for the better part of the day. The attitude of the
clients can often affect the occupational therapist, especially if he finds that difficult
clients are becoming increasingly frustrating. Similarly, the stress level of the
occupational therapist can also be high, but this depends largely on the environment
and the client with whom the therapist is dealing. Some clients may take longer to
recover than others and may backtrack every so often, so patience is an important
quality to have in this field. The occupational therapist should also be able to
continually adjust and adapt his attitude and treatment method based on the needs
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of the client and the environment where he is working.
Education
At the very least, most occupational therapists are required to complete a formal
degree such as a master’s or higher. People interested in occupational therapy can
typically find full-time programs at local colleges or universities. Some schools also
offer part-time courses that take place on nights or weekends to adults who are
switching careers. Training is also mandatory and includes at least 24 weeks of
fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed therapist. Candidates must pass an
examination test after graduation in order to receive their license.
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