Occupational therapists have very demanding jobs, helping to improve patients' abilities to perform normal tasks in living and working environments. Occupational therapists work with patients that suffer from developmentally, physically, mentally, and emotionally disabling conditions and disorders. Some patients have permanent disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy, and require special instruction to perform certain tasks. Occupational therapists will assist patients in performing activities like cooking, eating, and dressing. Occupational therapist jobs vary between many types of settings, such as schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private clinics or offices, home care, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Some therapists may work exclusively with particular age groups. Therapists that work with elderly patients help clients lead more independent lives through special exercises and treatments. Occupational therapist jobs in schools involves providing therapy to children, assist children with participation in activities, and promote skills for listening, play, dressing, grooming, and following directions.
For entry into the field of occupational therapy, one must obtain a master's degree or higher from an accredited occupational therapy program. Licensure is required and may be obtained upon passing a national certification exam after graduation. Occupational therapists are then titled "Occupational Therapist Registered." Some states have additional requirements for practice in that state.
Occupational therapist assistants work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Assistants assist the occupational therapist monitor a patient's activities, record progress, and assist with the billing of the patient's insurance provider. Occupational therapist assistants must obtain an associate degree or certificate from an accredited college or technical school in order to enter this field. Occupational Therapy addresses the needs and desires of individuals to participate in occupations and activities that are meaningful to their lives. The focus is to enable individuals and groups to participate in every day occupations that:
are meaningful to them
provide fulfillment
engage them in everyday life with others
Occupation forms the cornerstone of Occupational Therapy evaluation and intervention. Occupational therapists help their clients to develop or adapt their abilities to allow for meaningful participation in occupations and activities across all life settings including home, school, workplace, and community.
Occupational therapy is based on the premise that participation in everyday occupations:
Is vital for all human beings
Has a positive impact on health and well-being
Assists acquisition of skills and competencies throughout a lifetime
Allows for connection with others and the community
Gives meaning to our lives
(Clinical Training Unit, University of Washington)
Occupational Therapy addresses the needs and desires of individuals to participate in occupations and activities that are meaningful to their lives. The focus is to enable individuals and groups to participate in every day occupations that:
