Occupational Therapists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Studies that were conducted were able to prove that if tasks and duties were assigned to mental patients, they will recover better and quicker. Some activities that patients are involved are sewing, weaving, agriculture and working with animals. Specialist who design and develop therapeutic activities for disabled patients are called occupational therapists. Before, they focused on functional skills and creativity of the patient and involve them in activities like clay modeling, jewelry making, weaving, leatherwork and other crafts. Now, they are focused in promoting skills that are needed in daily living like employment education, typing, operating computers and daily living.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
College degree is required for those who will practice the profession as occupational therapists. To prepare for this degree, they must be exposed to Science fields like Chemistry, Health and Biology. Better understanding of Art and Social Sciences will also help for future work. English and Comunication classes are also needed to enhance skills in communicating with different types of people. It is a requirement to complete the accredited program in occupational therapy which is granted by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). To be eligible for the accredited program, they need to have a Bachelor’s degree. Certification and licensing is needed for all states.
Skills and Abilities
People skill is very important in this job. Occupational therapist should have the ability to work with different types of people. They need to inspire and encourage their clients. Compassionate, patient and calm temperament is also needed in this field. They should be persistent because some clients may not respond to the therapy. They need to be creative and imaginative, to be able to think of other ways to help the client with their problem.
Duties
Occupational therapist needs to develop a therapeutic program to treat their clients.
They work as part of a team which includes, nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, speech therapists, physical therapists and rehabilitation counselors. They need to know the likes and dislikes of their patients as well as their abilities. It will be helpful if they will also know their recreational, educational and creative experiences. They need to help the patient establish their self-esteem in doing activities of daily living like ambulation, writing, eating and dressing even with their disability. It is their duty to research and study for new techniques and methods that can be used as a therapy for their patient.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Average salary of occupational therapist was $56,860 in 2005. The factor in determining their earning is geographic location. It is expected that there will be a great demand for occupational therapist in the future because of the increasing number of elderly and middleaged people who will request for therapeutic services. Those with mental illness and disabilities will also rely on occupational therapist for treatment.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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