Occupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational Therapist (OT) Job Description
The integral role of an occupational therapist has existed in the medical field for over 100 years. Currently, there are over 150 accredited college programs enabling a student a degree in the chosen field. The majority of students will obtain a post-baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy or educational equivalent. An aspiring individual who is contemplating a career in occupational therapy will take courses that concentrate on health, chemistry, art, biology, physics, anatomy, and social sciences.
Occupational Therapist (OT) Salary Statistics as of 2015
Average annual salary for a Occupational Therapist (OT) is $66931 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $90835. The lowest salary was $49379. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Details
The occupation of occupational therapy is state regulated. To receive a license after graduating from an accredited collegiate program, a candidate for the career of Occupational Therapist Registered, or OTR, must master the examination for national certification. Admissibility requirements to receive a state license will depend from state to state, so be sure to obtain information in advance of your State’s licensing board. Though certification is voluntary, anyone opting for professionalism will do so.
Specialties for occupational therapy may be obtained in mental health, pediatrics, gerontology and physical rehabilitation, which can lead to an individual’s expertise, creating a professional niche in clinical practice. This can lead to promising career advancement.
Requirements
Aside from healing therapies, an occupational therapist will necessitate excellent record keeping skills. Part of the job description entails assessing and recording a client’s activities and advancement. The accurate record keeping is a priority in a client’s case for reporting to other healthcare professionals on the team, as well as billing issues and client evaluation. In addition to accurate and detailed record keeping, occupational therapists will work with a variety of equipment. Adaptive equipment, such as devices like wheelchairs, orthopedic aids, dressing, cooking, bathing and eating adaptations are used in the rehabilitation of clients.
Job Outlook
The job market for an occupational therapist is wide open with promise, growing by 26% by the year 2018. The field of geriatric therapy has the most rapid growth. Employment can be obtained in several different areas including general medical and surgical hospitals, home health care, schools and nursing homes, among others.
Gender Statistics |
Related Jobs |
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18%
82%
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Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 18% of Occupational Therapist (OT)s were males while 82% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.
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Past Jobs Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) |
Future Jobs Licensed Registered Occupational Therapist |
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