by Kevin Stuckey, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
What Is an Occupational Therapist?
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who focuses on
helping individuals live self-sufficient lives. These therapists work with
people who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally,
or emotionally disabling-the focus is on important skills for daily
activities, including those that happen in the home and those for
recreation (Educational-Portal.com, n.d., ¶ 1). OTs also help people
develop, recover, or maintain other daily living and work skills.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do in a School Setting?
In schools, occupational therapists help students succeed in daily
routines including classroom, playground, lunchroom, and extracurricular
activities. They do this through the development of study skills,
self-care independence, problem-solving abilities, social skills, and
career interests. Occupational therapy services help children develop
positive habits and routines that support physical, intellectual, and
emotional health and growth. Occupational therapists have specialized
knowledge and skills in "social and emotional learning and regulation;
task analysis, including sensory, motor, cognitive, and social components;
assistive technology; and activity and environmental modifications"
(American Occupational Therapy Association, 2009, ¶ 4).
Occupational therapists address the sensory needs of students as well as
the aspects within the school environment that impact learning. They offer
direct services to individuals and small groups, as well as interventions
for whole classrooms. They also offer consultation and collaboration with
the entire school team, such as social workers, nurses, guidance
counselors, and speech-language pathologists, to support a student's
learning, daily living skills, play and leisure activities, and beginning
work skills (AOTA, 2009, ¶ 7).
What Are the Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist?
The minimum requirement for occupational therapy is earning a master's
degree from an accredited institution. Some OTs earn a doctoral degree.
Generally, the occupational therapy assistant will earn an associate
degree. Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a
variety of health care settings and pass a national examination. Most
states also regulate occupational therapy practice and require a license
to provide services (AOTA (1), n.d., ¶ 1-3).
Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?
One of the greatest advantages of a career in occupational therapy is the
wide variety of opportunities. Many occupational therapists work in
private and public schools with students who have learning disabilities
and/or behavioral problems. OTs may also work in nursing homes, community
centers, rehabilitation hospitals, or a client's home. In these settings,
OTs help clients who have had a traumatic injury, stroke, Alzheimer's
disease, or mental health problems learn to live productive lives through
the use of meaningful and functional activities.
Will I Have a Job?
Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase much faster
than the average for all occupations through 2031 Occupational Therapists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 6/5/2023 from
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/" target="_blank"
> https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/</a
>
occupational-therapists.htm—additionally, occupational therapy has been
listed as one of the nation's 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs (AOTA (2),
n.d., ¶ 4).You can find more information about a career in
occupational therapy at
www.aota.org .
Resources
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