Help Others Regain Function with Occupational Therapy |
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March 27, 2005
by JJ Singh
jj.singh@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
If you enjoy helping people, and want a career with a lot of options, an occupational therapist job may be for you. As an occupational therapist, you have the opportunity to use interesting and dynamic activities to treat patients who have physical or emotional handicaps.
In an occupational therapist job you will help patients gain a sense of independence to lead fulfilling lives. Occupational therapists have a real impact on patient lives' - helping them to regain lost motor skills, perform daily activities, and organize and manage their time effectively. Not only would you address wide-ranging patient needs, but you would also be using interesting and unique problem solving methods such as:
- Physical Training
- Computer Games
- Hand-eye Coordination Activities
Occupational Therapist Schools
To get started as a therapist, you need the right training. While there are some occupational therapists now who have a bachelor's degree, starting in 2007, you must have at least a master's degree in occupational therapy to be eligible for licensing in your state. To be a registered occupational therapist (OTR), you'll need to graduate from an accredited graduate program and pass the national certification exam.
Getting into occupational therapist schools is competitive, so you should have a strong foundation in basic sciences such as biology, physics, and anatomy. These programs are generally 2.5 years long with intensive clinical work in the latter part of your training.
With increasing demand for occupational therapists, there are plenty of jobs out there waiting for your when you've finished your training. So the sooner you get your training the sooner you'll be off in this exciting and unique field.
About the Author
JJ Singh is a recently returned Peace Corps Volunteer in South America where he encountered and wrote about innumerable health issues. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics.
Sources
- http://www.bls.gov
- http://www.occupationaltherapist.com
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