Occupational Therapist Education
Find out what occupational therapy training and jobs are really like.
Become an Occupational Therapist
In an occupational therapy job, you will help patients with various disabilities—from decreased motor skills to short term memory loss—learn how to work around their limitations. Whether they have developmental disabilities or are recovering from life-altering injuries, patients on the road to independent living and rehabilitation face many challenges. Occupational therapists devote their expertise to helping people reach their potential for living full, productive lives.
Occupational therapists see patients with a wide variety of challenges. Some patients need help with daily tasks such as getting dressed or cooking, while others need assistance improving less tangible skills such as decision-making and memory. An occupational therapy job provides wide exposure to different people, situations and issues that will tap into your compassion and creativity, making this a fulfilling career for those who are passionate about helping others.
Occupational Therapy Job Responsibilities
Your typical duties as an occupational therapist may include the following tasks:
- Developing rehabilitation plans for patients and providing ongoing evaluations of their activities and progress
- Assisting clients in a wide range of activities, from driving a car to daily living skills
- Training those with permanent disabilities to use adaptive equipment
- Work with architects and contractors on design and accessibility issues
- Lend your expertise in ergonomics to companies
Work Environment for Occupational Therapists
While most occupational therapists work in hospitals, occupational therapy jobs may also be found in these settings:
- Clinics
- Public and private educational services
- Nursing care facilities
- Home health agencies
- Outpatient care services
- Community care centers
- Government agencies
- Private practice
Characteristics of Successful OTs
Patience – Learning new skills in the face of physical, mental, emotional or developmental disabilities can be a time-consuming process. Occupational therapists need to have the patience to deal with slow progress and remain encouraging and positive with patients who experience setbacks and frustration.
Creativity – In order to develop ways for patients to overcome a wide array of challenges, you'll need to be able to assess each individual situation and come up with a strategy for helping build their skills. This might mean modifying or even designing adaptive equipment to help a patient accomplish necessary tasks.
Adaptability – Each patient, situation and work environment you encounter in your occupational therapy job is different, which means you'll need to adapt quickly to changes. You will need to adapt a patient's work, custom care and living environment to fit their unique needs.
Occupational Therapy Resources
Job Description
Learn what occupational therapy jobs are like.
Choosing a School
What to look for in an occupational therapy school.
Outlook for Occupational Therapy Jobs
Get occupational therapy industry information.
Licensing Info
Learn the requirements for licensure.
Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Job description, salary info and more.
Did You Know?
- 52.1 million Americans—nearly 18 percent of the U.S. population—have at least one disability.
- Twelve percent of the population, or 32.5 million people, have "severe" disabilities.
- Disabilities are more common in women than in men.