Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help patients perform daily living and working tasks so they can lead independent, satisfying lives.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Occupational Therapist (OT), Registered Occupational Therapist, Staff Therapist, Assistive Technology Trainer, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant

Summary

Occupational therapists work in a number of diverse environments, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, small medical offices, and even clients' homes. They serve patients suffering from many different conditions, including mental, physical, emotional, and developmental issues. While the nature of the job might vary substantially, the factor that links all occupational therapists is their overriding goal: To help patients perform daily living and working tasks so they can lead independent, satisfying lives. They help patients with a wide range of activities that are essential to daily life, including eating, cooking, dressing, and operating a computer. Occupational therapists work with patients that range from toddlers to the elderly. Maintaining copious records and assessments of a patient’s progress is crucial to provide the best possible care.

Educational Requirements

The minimum level of education for occupational therapists is a master's degree in the field. In order to sit for the national certifying exam, occupational therapists must receive their degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Fortunately, students have many options. Most occupational therapy programs are a full-time commitment, but a growing number of schools are offering weekend and part-time programs. All accredited programs require a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork. After graduation, candidates must pass a national certification test before obtaining their license.

Salary Information 2022

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an Occupational Therapist in 2022 was $85,570.

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Find an Accredited School

The American Occupational Therapy Association

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Research & Internship Listings

Information retrieved from O*NET Online: Occupational Therapists, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Therapists and U.S. News Money: Occupational Therapist.