Occupational Therapist Career Guide

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Overview

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who play a critical role in helping individuals of all ages overcome physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that interfere with their ability to engage in meaningful activities or occupations. OTs work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, focusing on enhancing their independence and quality of life through therapeutic interventions.

Education

To become an Occupational Therapist, one must complete a Master's or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. These programs typically take two to three years to complete. Aspiring OTs must also pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to obtain licensure as an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

In addition to formal education and licensure, OTs should possess strong communication, problem-solving and empathy skills to work effectively with diverse patient populations. Experience in clinical settings through internships or volunteering can be advantageous in gaining practical knowledge and understanding different occupational therapy techniques.

Skills

Staff and Travel Occupational Therapists require a diverse skill set to succeed in their specialty. They must have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology and rehabilitation techniques. OTs also need strong assessment and evaluation skills to identify patients' functional limitations and develop appropriate treatment plans. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with patients, families and interdisciplinary teams are vital

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Responsibilities

The responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist encompass a wide range of tasks. They assess patients' physical and cognitive abilities, develop personalized treatment goal, and design intervention plans to improve daily living skills, mobility and overall function. OTs may use therapeutic exercises, adaptive devices and environmental modifications to enhance patients' independence. They also provide patient and caregiver education, monitor progress and

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Occupational Therapist
$1,595-2,488/week

The average salary for a Occupational Therapist is $2,048.54 per week.

Last updated on October 30, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming an Occupational Therapist offers several advantages. The profession provides immense job satisfaction by helping individuals regain independence and improve their overall well-being. OTs have the flexibility to work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and private practices. Additionally, the demand for Occupational Therapists is expected to grow, offering excellent job prospects.

However, there are challenges associated with

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Occupational Therapist Jobs


View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist

  • Cambridge, MA
  • Aureus Medical Group - Therapy
  • 5x8 hrs

$3,347/week

Posted 13 days ago
View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist

  • Grand Marais, MN
  • OneStaff Medical
  • 8x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$3,250/week

Posted 2 days ago
View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist

  • Plentywood, MT
  • Genie Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$3,246/week

Estimated pay package
View job details for Travel Occupational Therapist
Travel Contract

Travel Occupational Therapist

  • Guadalupe, CA
  • ALOIS Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$3,212/week

Estimated pay package
Posted Today

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