Quickfacts:
A Good Fit For:
Individuals who enjoy treating patients via therapy to help them with a variety of their daily tasks.
Median Annual Salary:
$81,520
Data last updated October 2021
Job Description
Evaluates task performance skills, plans and implements programs designed to restore the patient's abilities. Provides consultation to physicians and others regarding appropriateness of referral to occupational therapy, documents patient treatment and progress for third party payors, educates the patient and others regarding occupational therapy treatment procedures, supervises assistants, aides and volunteers and participates in various projects and committees. For home services, may travel to patient home to render services. Must be certified and registered by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Patient Contact
High – Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. About half of occupational therapists work in offices of occupational therapy or in hospitals. Others work in schools, nursing homes, and home health services.
Employment Outlook
Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb. The need for occupational therapists will also increase as the large baby-boom population ages and people remain active later in life.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education
Masters – 5+ Years
- MUSC
Source:
The American Occupational Therapy Association