Occupational Therapy Education and Jobs

While the largest number of occupational therapy job opportunities exist in hospitals, 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.
   
• 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.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2010 data, the middle 50 percent of occupational therapists earn between $60,000 and $86,930 per year. 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.