Health Career: Occupational Therapist
Who are occupational therapists and what do they do?
Occupational therapists help patients adjust to and recover from physical illnesses and injuries such as spinal cord injuries or partial paralysis. They lead them through rehabilitative exercises and help them learn to be self-sufficient by showing them new ways to perform simple tasks such as getting dressed, cooking and eating. They also help people who have been injured at work find the care they need. Occupational therapists work closely with all types of patients, ranging from children with cerebral palsy to people who have lost a limb to elderly patients. Depending upon the patient's needs, they provide personalized rehabilitation plans and may teach them how to use equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.
How do occupational therapists typically spend their workday?
As an occupational therapist, you will generally work in a business, health clinic or hospital. You will work closely with patients, and almost every day will be different from the last. You may work at a steel factory and lead presentations for employees to educate them about how to avoid on-the-job injuries, or you may work with injured employees to help retrain them for new jobs better suited to their condition. In a health clinic, you may work with children who cannot walk because they were born with a spinal cord injury. You will show them how to get around on crutches and how to play games and sports using other parts of their bodies besides their legs.
What does it take to be a good occupational therapist?
Do you want to work closely with people and help them overcome challenges? Then occupational therapy may be the career for you. To be a good occupational therapist, you should be perceptive, creative and compassionate. It is also helpful to have a lot of energy and patience and be interested in learning about human anatomy and physiology.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of an occupational therapist?
Recreational therapist, art/dance/drama/music therapist, physical therapist, orthotist/prosthetist, medical social worker, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, chiropractor.
Related links and helpful information:
- The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
- OccupationalTherapist.com
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
