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Occupational therapy, named one of US News & World Report's "Best Careers 2009," provides a wide array of exciting job opportunities for individuals with the skills and desire to help people. This recent recognition marks this as a great time to consider getting the training you'll need to qualify for occupational therapy jobs. Recently, federal legislation limiting reimbursement for therapy services sparked a period of little or no employment growth in the industry; however, occupational therapy is now on the rebound. Occupational therapy jobs are growing at a faster than average rate according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects to see 23 percent growth in the field between 2006 and 2016.  Expanding Occupational Therapy Job Opportunities While the largest number of occupational therapist job opportunities exist in hospitals, professionals in this field also find work in nursing homes, physicians' offices, home health care services, schools, government agencies and other settings. Occupational therapy opportunities are expanding, both in the tried-and-true areas of practice and in new territory. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) identifies six areas of practice that are on the rise: Children and Youth – As schools expand their programs for children with special needs, more occupational therapist jobs are available for those who want to work with children. Around 30 percent of occupational therapists find work in schools. Community Health and Wellness – Advances in health care have resulted in more people with chronic illnesses who are not only surviving, but living productive lives. Occupational therapists work with stroke patients and the chronically ill to help them function at higher levels in their daily lives. Driver Assessment and Training – Occupational therapy jobs are available for individuals interested in making sure that elderly patients are driving safely on the roads. Occupational therapists may be involved in several aspects of this process, from conducting driver screenings and evaluations to staging interventions. Elderly Care – Occupational therapists often help patients learn to deal with the affects of aging. A growing elderly population has only increased the need for occupational therapists with specializations in or familiarity with gerontology and aging. Ergonomics Consulting – Preventing workplace injuries and supporting the needs of older workers are major concerns for many companies these days. Occupational therapists will have opportunities to work with businesses to improve the safety of the work environment. Technology Development and Consulting – Occupational therapists often develop new ways to help patients work around a disability, and some of these involve technology and assistive-devices. As the demand grows for such products, occupational therapists will find new opportunities to help companies design, build and market these products and services. Occupational Therapist Job Salaries According to Salary.com, the middle 50 percent of occupational therapists earn between $60,054 and $73,158 per year. The top 10 percent earn an annual salary of $79,796 or more. While your individual earning potential will depend on a number of factors, including education level, geographic location, experience and the kind of company you work for, this data should give you a general idea of what kind of compensation to expect from your occupational therapy job. Getting the Occupational Therapy Job You Want The first step to entering this growing industry is finding an occupational therapy school and program that will help you meet your career goals. Browse our directory of occupational therapy schools, and request more information about programs that interest you. |
