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Occupational Therapists conduct and direct specialized therapeutic programs to help individuals with physical, psychological, or developmental problems regain or improve physical or mental capacities, or adjust to physical or mental handicaps. The scope and objective of each treatment program varies according to individual patient needs and capabilities. Generally, Occupational Therapists start their careers in direct patient care, but eventually choose a treatment specialty such as pediatrics, gerontology, rehabilitation or psychiatry.

JOB DUTIES 

Occupational Therapists may: 

Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities

Select manual arts, crafts, homemaking, daily living skills, recreation, pre-vocational and neuro-developmental activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities

Plan individual therapy programs using selected activities

Consult with other members of the treatment team to confirm that the programs are suitable

Lead therapeutic groups

Teach skills and techniques needed to do the activities

Prepare materials for patient use

Design special equipment as well as making splints and adaptive devices to aid disabled patients

Evaluate patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior

Prepare patient progress reports

Instruct patients on how to adjust to home and work activities and the social environment

Consult with local, state, and federal governmental health agencies and associations

Lecture to various professionals, students, and community groups on occupational therapy

To learn more and to see Occupational Therapists at work click video1 and video2.

Media, tools, and equipment used may include: 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Occupational Therapists may specialize in these areas:

076.121-010 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS plan, direct, and coordinate specialized treatment programs to help people with physical, psychological, or developmental problems regain or improve physical or mental capacities, or adjust to physical or mental handicaps.

076.167-010 INDUSTRIAL THERAPISTS arrange paid employment in an actual work environment for mentally ill patients.

They also determine the work activities which will provide the greatest therapeutic value for a patient.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Occupational Therapists may function independently or work as part of a team under the supervision of the department director. They may supervise certified and non-certified assistants, aides, and voluntary personnel. In most cases, Occupational Therapists work as part of a team with physicians, nurses, physical and speech therapists, social workers, psychologists, vocational counselors, music and recreational therapists, teachers, and other specialists. Most work is usually performed indoors; although some may supervise outdoor recreational and rehabilitation activities such as games, gardening, and exercises.

 Most Occupational Therapists work in hospitals or clinics, in bright, well ventilated, and sanitary conditions. They may make visits to patients' homes or schools to give treatments or to determine the rate of progress and adjustment to planned treatments. Most work an 8-hour day, 40-hour week, including some evening or weekend work.

Occupational Therapists may join associations such as The American Occupational Therapy Association and its local affiliates. They may also join employee organizations where they work. Members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving direct personal contact to help people

• Activities of an abstract and creative nature

• Problem-solving activities

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic

• Communicate effectively, in speech and in writing

• Understand and sympathize with patients' problems

• Teach and instruct others

• Remain emotionally calm and stable

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Work agreeably with others

• Make decisions based on personal judgment

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve: 

The distance of the humerus is 26cm, the distance of the force of the mass on the humerus is 10cm, the angle between the force of the mass and the humerus is 15 degrees. What is the force of the mass supplied by the deltoid muscle so as to hold up the outstretched arm if the mass of the arm is 3.0kg?

 Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

 Must be able to read and comprehend therapeutic terminology.

For example: Olfactory stimulation may be done with relatively pure olfactory stimulants, such as musk ketone, exaltolide, linalyl acetate, and coumarin.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

Prepare a written evaluation indicating a patient's progress and developmental needs. 

 Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills in analyzing patient's developmental needs and decision making skills in determining treatment plans.

A college degree or certificate in occupational therapy from an accredited program is required for employment. After students successfully complete the 6- to 9-month supervised clinical practice period and graduate, they may take the national certification examination, which is administered by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board to become Registered Occupational Therapists (O.T.R.'s). The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Occupational Therapist for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

For employment as Occupational Therapist, 6 to 9 months of Clinical Experience is usually required for individuals with Bachelor's of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. An individual with a Bachelor's Degree in another field may complete 18 - 22 months of academic and clinical work or may earn a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 1900 HISTORY , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY     

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script. 

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

119 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Programs in Occupational Therapy provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide services to individuals whose abilities to cope with the tasks of daily life are threatened or impaired. Developmental handicaps, physical injury or illness, psychological and social problems, aging, and the effects of economics and cultural barriers are some of the factors affecting individuals who require the services of Occupational Therapists. 

Courses vary from school to school but may include: 

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***   

Please check Military web site at  http://www.myfuture.com.

PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Physical and occupational therapies are programs of treatment and exercise for patients disabled from illness or injury. Physical and occupational therapists plan and administer therapy to help patients adjust to disabilities, regain independence, and prepare to return to work.

What They Do

Physical and occupational therapists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Test and interview patients to diagnose the extent of their disabilities

• Plan and manage individual physical or occupational therapy programs

• Consult with doctors and other therapists to discuss appropriate therapy and evaluate patients' progress

• Administer exercise programs and heat and massage treatments

• Counsel patients and their families to help create a positive attitude for recovery

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in physical or occupation therapy and completion of a clinical program in occupational therapy are required to enter this occupation. Depending on specialty, eligibility for registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association may also be required.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Desire to help others

• Interest in developing detailed plans and treatments

• Patience to work with people whose injuries heal slowly

• Ability to communicate effectively

Physical Demands

Physical and occupational therapists may have to lift and support patients during therapeutic exercises and treatment.

Work Environment

Physical and occupational therapists work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian physical and occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community mental health centers. They perform duties similar to those performed by military occupational therapists. Civilian occupational therapists often specialize in treating a particular type of patient, such as children, the elderly, or those who have lost arms or legs (amputees).

Opportunities

The services need new Physical and Occupational Therapists each year. Positions for physical and occupational therapists in the Coast Guard are filled by U.S. Public Health Service Officers. Physical and occupational therapists have the opportunity to advance to senior management or command positions in medical administration.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY   

The military services offer opportunities for gaining experience in this field. Employment as an aide or volunteer in an occupational therapy department of a hospital may provide experience. Postsecondary programs in occupational therapy offer work or intern experience also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Occupational Therapist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Occupational Therapist employer

community service work with an agency

Occupational Therapists get their jobs through direct application to hospitals and other employers, service in the military, applying to governmental agencies, and consulting college placement offices. Openings may also be listed in professional publications, such as the weekly employment bulletin of the American Occupational Therapy Association, and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT   

Salaries of Occupational Therapists vary according to their education and experience; registration or certification; and the type, size, and location of the employer.

Nationally, the annual salaries (early 2009) of Occupational Therapists who were employed by hospitals and related institutions were:

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Occupational Therapists working for the federal government at Veterans Administration hospitals in 2009 earned between $42,290 and $50,411yearly. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

 In Michigan hospitals, the annual salaries (late 2008) of Occupational Therapists were: 

Occupational Therapists employed by the State of Michigan earned from $37,835 to $55,474 per year in mid 2009.

Some Occupational Therapists may also receive cost-of-living allowances.

Depending on the employer, most Occupational Therapists receive paid vacations and holidays, hospitalization insurance, retirement plans, and sick leave. Hospital employees may also have dental and optical insurance.  These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

A career ladder for Occupational Therapists may be: Occupational Therapist, supervising therapist, and researcher, consultant, director, or educator.  Advancement depends on experience, education, job responsibilities, and successful performance.  Therapists with knowledge of specialized techniques and training methods are more apt to become supervisors. Moving to large institutions may increase responsibility and income.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally (2006), approximately 99,000 Occupational Therapists were employed.  The employment of Therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016 .  About 7.6 % of all Occupational Therapists were self-employed.  The industry distribution for Occupational Therapists looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Hospitals and nursing homes will need more Therapists to meet the increased demand for rehabilitation services due to a growing and aging population and the rise in life expectancy.  As the baby boom generation begins to enter into middle age, the demand for cardiac rehabilitation programs is expected to increase. Expansion of home health care services will also increase demand as will special education funding and related services to handicapped preschoolers.

Approximately 3,500 Occupational Therapists are employed in Michigan.  Most work in urban areas. Most Occupational Therapists are employed in hospitals and health centers that specialized in treating the physically handicapped or persons with mental illnesses.

Employment of Occupational Therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 120 openings is expected during this period, with 70 openings due to growth and 50 to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth