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An occupational therapist works with patients undergoing
rehabilitation, helping them recover from injury and helping
with natural healing of the body. The field of occupational
health covers a variety of disciplines including skin and wound
health, coordination, range of motion, functional postures, and
sensation. An occupational therapist is often involved with
treatment, diagnoses, and evaluation of various ailments and
conditions, and works with a team of occupational health
practitioners. Training at an occupational therapy college
enables students to learn the critical knowledge and skills
needed for a successful occupational career, and a variety of
course programs and career options are available in the field of
occupational medicine, rehabilitation, and physical development
after injury.
What is
Occupational Therapy?
Occupational
therapy takes place in a clinic or hospital setting where the occupational
therapist or occupational therapy assistant develops a treatment plan for each
patient. Patients are advised to undertake various muscle and bone strengthening
exercises, and an occupational therapist may be involved with showing patients
how to perform each exercise so that they can live as independently as possible.
An occupational
therapy assistant is often involved with helping patients perform various tasks
and exercises; these may include improving hand-eye coordination, restoring
balance, aligning posture, or simply re-learning how to move and walk.
Occupational therapy encourages patients to develop flexibility and range of
motion so that they can enjoy a variety of physical activities, restore their
strength, and enjoy natural movement.
An occupational
therapist or occupational therapy assistant are both required to obtain an
occupational license before practicing, and can complete an occupational health
and safety degree program as part of their training. Studying occupational
medicine with lifelong studies and professional development opens up
opportunities for career advancement in the field.
Attending
Occupational Therapy School
Occupational therapy schools can help students receive the training and
experience they need to enter the field, and formal training offers a
comprehensive education and program for a rewarding career in the health
industry. An entry level occupational therapist position may require an
associate's degree from an occupational therapy school, while a bachelor's or
master's degree can prepare students for advanced positions in their field.
An occupational therapy assistant is the first step towards a lifelong career in
the industry, and almost all occupational therapy programs require students to
complete an internship as part of their studies. Occupational medicine is a
subject available at many science institutions and college programs. During the
training and education stages, the occupational therapy school may also offer
occupational career information for direct placement after graduation, along
with a formal occupational health and safety degree program that allows students
to obtain an occupational license.
Occupational
Therapy Programs
Occupational therapy programs allow students to
explore many subjects and curriculum in the health industry, including in-depth
studies of the human body, patient psychology, and hospital procedures. An
occupational therapy education often begins with learning how to assist clients
with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. A fully-trained
occupational therapist will then be responsible for teaching life skills, making
use of adaptive equipment, and improving the clients' quality of life as they
become more independent.
An occupational therapy education lays the
foundation for a rewarding career in patient care and rehabilitation, and almost
all occupational therapy jobs work directly with patients and clients. As a
result, occupational therapy programs teach students how to:
- Identify and nurture both physical and
emotional development in patients
- Create a working treatment plan for each
patient
- Develop strong communication skills and create
a lasting relationship with each patient
- Learn how to develop muscle strength,
flexibility, and coordination in each patient
- Understand body movement and natural
functioning
- Learn how the body rehabilitates itself
naturally, and how occupational therapy can help with the process
Classes and
Curriculum in an Occupational Health and Safety Degree Program
Common courses and classes with an occupational health and safety degree program
include:
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Evaluation and Treatment of Pain
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Principles of Change and Pain Management
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Pain Management in Special Populations
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Complementary Medicine
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Health Behavior & Health Communication
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Neuroanatomy and Pharmacology of Pain
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Ethical and Sociocultural Aspects of Pain
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Theory and Management of Pain
An occupational license is required for hands-on training and working with
clients, and students must pass an examination in order to obtain licensure.
Occupational
Career Information
Occupational therapy jobs include:
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Occupational therapist aide
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Occupational therapist assistant
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Occupational therapist or staff supervisor
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Medical or health services manager
An occupational therapist aide and occupational therapist assistant are the
entry-level positions in the field, and often entail working alongside a
licensed occupational therapist. An occupational therapist aide may be involved
with:
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Teaching clients basic skills and activities
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Administrative work in the occupational therapy office or clinic
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Working with a variety of age groups
An occupational therapy assistant is commonly involved with:
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Teaching daily living skills and using adaptive equipment to take care of
themselves
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Improving flexibility with stretching exercises
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Keeping client records accurate and up to date
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Reporting the client's progress to the occupational therapist
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Working with a variety of people with developmental, emotional, and mental
disabilities
An occupational therapist is commonly involved with:
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Teaching fundamental life skills, developing motor skills, and helping improve
cognitive skills in the patient
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Developing games and activities so that clients can learn to use adaptive
equipment as they become stronger
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Teach living skills such as budgeting, home care, and shopping
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Administrative work such as keeping records accurate and developing sound
treatment plans
A medical or health services manager is involved with supervising an
occupational therapy team, and may be involved with:
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Education and professional development
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Managing budgets and supervising employees
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Creating and maintaining policies and procedures
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Evaluating employees and developing training programs
Occupational
Therapy School Accreditation
Many 4-year colleges and universities offer an occupational health and safety
degree program under their Division of Occupational Science. Associates degree
programs in occupational education may also be available at a technical college.
These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational
Therapy Education, the American Occupational Therapy Association, or the
regional association of colleges and schools.
Employment
Prospects After Occupational Therapy School
Job opportunities and are expected to grow faster
than average through 2014 as more people seek alternative healthcare and
rehabilitation services. Skilled professionals in the industry are needed to
help a variety of people with disabilities, mental health development, and learn
techniques and coping strategies to lead a better life. Salaries and earnings
vary depending on the type of position in an occupational therapy role. Median
annual earnings for an occupational therapist were $54,660 in 2004. Related
occupations include:
- Speech-language pathologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Counselors
- Recreational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Chiropractors
- Audiologists
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