Job Descriptions for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists make a difference in people's lives. These professionals help people with physical handicaps, illnesses, learning disabilities and other conditions improve their day-to-day tasks in work and in life.
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Roles
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An occupational therapist creates customized plans for each patient. She may oversee a team of occupational therapist assistants or she may implement the plans herself. Plans may include helping a stroke survivor learn how to walk again or finding the right school equipment to accommodate a child's disability.
Salary
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2008 Employment and Wage data, the national median salary for an occupational therapist was $66,780. The median salary ranged from $42,820 to $98,310.
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Employment
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According to the BLS May 2008 data, general medical and surgical hospitals employed the most occupational therapists with an annual mean wage of $69,530. The home health care service industry offered the highest pay with an annual mean wage of $79,110.
Environment and Hours
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An occupational therapist may work in large rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools and community health centers with machines and tools necessary for a patient's rehabilitation. According to the BLS, an occupational therapist with one employer typically works 40 hours per week. If he has multiple employers, he is most likely to be part time.
Education
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According to the BLS, a master's degree or higher is the minimum requirement within this field. The academic program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education in order to take the national certifying exam.
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