What does an Occupational Therapist do?
Published 4 min read
An occupational therapist helps people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social activities, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Occupational Therapist job duties include:
- Assess patients to determine their functional limitations and needs.
- Develop individualized treatment plans to help patients improve their function and independence.
- Implement therapy interventions using a variety of techniques, such as exercises, stretching, massage, and electrical stimulation.
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments as needed.
- Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, such as physicians, nurses, and physical therapists, to coordinate care.
- Educate patients and their families about their condition and how to manage it.
- Provide guidance on adaptive equipment and home modifications that can improve safety and function.
- Help patients return to work or school after an injury or illness.
- Advocate for patients' rights and access to services.
Occupational Therapist Job Requirements
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who helps people regain independence following an injury or illness. OTs work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, to help their patients improve their ability to perform everyday activities.
Most OTs have a master’s degree in occupational therapy. In addition, they must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Some states also require OTs to pass a national certification exam. Most OTs have at least two years of experience working in an occupational therapy setting before they begin practicing independently.
Occupational Therapist Skills
- Assessing patients
- Planning and carrying out treatment programmes
- Liaising with other health professionals
- Motivating patients
- Communicating effectively
- Organising workloads
- Writing reports
- Analysing data
- Keeping up to date with developments in the profession
- Supervising support workers
- Managing budgets
Related: Top Occupational Therapist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Occupational Therapist
There are many reasons why someone might want to become an occupational therapist. Maybe they have a passion for helping others, or they have seen the difference that occupational therapy can make in people’s lives. Whatever the reason, becoming an occupational therapist can be a rewarding and challenging career.
Here are some steps to take if you want to become an occupational therapist:
1. Get a degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university. In order to become a licensed occupational therapist, you must have at least a master’s degree from an accredited program.
2. Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. This exam is required for licensure in most states.
3. Apply for a state license. Once you have passed the NBCOT exam, you will need to apply for a state license in order to practice occupational therapy. Each state has different requirements, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing board.
4. Find a job! Once you have your license, you can start working as an occupational therapist in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practices.
Becoming an occupational therapist can be a rewarding way to help others while also having a stable and successful career. By following these steps, you can make your dream of becoming an occupational therapist a reality!
Related: Occupational Therapist Resume Example
Related: Occupational Therapist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)