Spotlights
An “occupational therapist” is also referred to as an “assistive technology trainer,” “Rehabilitation supervisor,” or “Rehabilitation consultant.”
An occupational therapist works with patients who need help performing every day activities. These may be people with injuries, or individuals with developmental delays and disabilities. Sometimes, they are able to help a patient recover from an injury. Other times, they teach patients to make accommodations for permanent changes to their bodies.
Occupational Therapists work with the young, middle-aged, and elderly so they can lead independent lives as much as possible. They assess an individual’s needs and create independent plans for each person. While much of an Occupational Therapist’s work is physical, they also may work with people suffering mental health issues.
- Helping people live a fulfilling and independent life.
- Working with individuals to problem solve.
- Inspiring people who may be at their lowest point.
- There is a great need for the position.
An Occupational Therapist is a full-time position, typically for a hospital or health clinic. They will often work indoors at a clinic, but may travel for specific patient needs. It is possible to have a typical 9-5 schedule, but many therapists work nights and weekends to accommodate their patients’ lives.
Specific tasks with patients will depend on the Therapist’s specialty. They may spend their therapy time helping someone to walk, another person to write their name, or how to use a device such as a wheelchair.
Some therapists may teach individuals how to create a budget, manage their time, or perform house chores. Regardless of the specifics, they will work with the patient and their caretakers to develop an individualized plan.
In a typical day (or week), an Occupational Therapist will:
- Meet with a patient, their caregivers, and their physicians to develop an initial plan, and revise previous plans based on patient progress.
- Demonstrate exercises, teach a skill, or demonstrate equipment for a patient need.
- Assess a living situation and advise a family how best to accommodate an individual’s special needs.
- Meet with a patient family to help them understand their role in the patient’s therapy and new life.
- Work through evaluations, billing questions, and healthcare provider communication – including insurance questions.
- Occupational Therapy can involve a lot of hands-on therapy with patients. Therapists are often on their feet and moving quite a bit during a work day. It is a physically and emotionally demanding career.
Soft Skills
- Strong written and oral communication skills, especially active listening.
- Patience and willingness to inspire hope.
- Service-based outlook on life, actively looking for ways to help.
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Technical Skills
- Use of computers, including word processing, database entry, and spreadsheet software (Such as Microsoft Office)
- Use of site-specific billing and patient database software.
- Use of therapeutic and counselling principles and methods.
- Hospitals
- Therapy offices or clinics.
- Educational Organizations such as K-12 schools, colleges, or similar.
- Home healthcare services.
- Nursing or assisted living facilities.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist involves working through a Master’s degree. In order to be accepted into most programs, you will need to show volunteering time in occupational therapy programs, as well as having done well in your Bachelor’s program. While there are some programs that can combine the Bachelor’s and Masters programs, you can expect to be in school from Freshman year to the end of Graduate School for up to 7 years.
These programs involve at least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork during your master’s program. This can involve very long, flexible hours. Many occupational therapists will realize during this time if the field is a place they want to work.
As you are learning, you will meet people who are experiencing the hardest time of their lives, who will not be happy to work with you, and may not appreciate the good you are doing in their lives. This will be combined with your class load, and likely a job to make ends meet.
However, many Occupational Therapists believe the sacrifices of time to be worth it. They enter a very needed and well-compensated field.
- Increased emphasis on patient-led therapy, with the OT as a guide more than “boss” of the therapy.
- Moving therapy out of clinics and into the real-world settings a patient will need to use the skills.
- An increase in technological accommodations, with a need to determine if a tech-based solution is superior to a traditional physical therapy.
- Exercising, running, playing sports.
- Volunteering and helping others.
- Pretending to be a doctor or similar role.
- Associate’s Degree – Occupational Therapy Assistant
- National Test for Certification.
- Bachelor’s Degree – Biology, physiology.
- Master’s Degree – Occupational Therapy
- May be a combined program with Bachelor’s Degree.
- Require fieldwork under supervision
- Must take National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Exam.
- State licensure – State dependent.
- Doctorate – Occupational Therapy
- Optional; Occupational Therapists will typically maintain their certification at a Master’s Level.
- Biology and Anatomy Classes.
- Join volunteer organizations, such as National Honor Society, or volunteer on your own at local clinics or nursing homes.
- Psychology and behavioral science courses.
- Elementary Statistics
If you are considering an Occupational Therapy program, check with your specific grad school to make sure you have taken any prerequisite courses during undergrad.

- Because Occupational Therapy involves state licensure, as well as a national exam, you will have access to a variety of job-finding resources when you are done with school. The American Occupational Therapy Association has a job board to help you find open positions.
- During your time in school, you will do field work and meet dedicated Occupational Therapists. It is important to maintain positive contact with these individuals, as well as your course professors in college. Building a network will help you make connections and possible be referred to open positions.
- Due to the above average need for Occupational Therapists, you will likely be able to find a position if you demonstrate good skills and work ethic during your education. However, making sure to build a positive network will help you find a clinic or hospital where you will fit in well.
- There are a few ways to move forward as an Occupational Therapist. You can continue your education by earning a doctorate, or doing a fellowship with a school. You can also choose a specialization in a clinical area.
- In your clinic or hospital, you will also be able to seek out opportunities for administrative duties. In any work setting, be sure to do great work and market yourself when appropriate. There are not many upper level positions specific to Occupational Therapy, but you may be able to move into a Director role at a facility if you are ready.
- It is also possible to work more in administration if you earn a second Master’s in the field. Continuing to grow your education and market yourself will help you improve your standing and move up the ladder.
Websites
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of America
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Publications
- OT Practice Magazine
- The American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Take Action Now:
- OT Plan – OT Activity Ideas for pediatric occupational therapy. This can give you an idea of some activities you might lead as an Occupational Therapist. Note, please do not use for occupational therapy until you are licensed.
- Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant – This role requires a 2-year Associate’s Degree.
- State OT Associations – Use this resource to find programs or clinics in your state that you can volunteer with right now!
- Recruiter – finding the “right” OTs for specific concerns.
- Health Care Writing
- Teaching Courses at a College
- Consulting for accommodations in public or private spaces.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist will take self-discipline and attention to your studies for several years. It can be very stressful, and frustrating. OT professionals are taxed emotionally and physically in their work.
However, occupational therapists perform incredible service and help people work through debilitating injuries. It is through their work that people are able to achieve a sense of normalcy and independence. It is a profession many find very meaningful and rewarding, and well worth the time and effort.
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