Occupational Therapist Jobs
Occupational therapists (OTs) work with a diversified clientele ranging from the elderly to small children encompassing physical and mental impairments or limitations. Occupational therapists work in hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes. The educational requirement for becoming an occupational therapist is a master’s degree in occupational therapy, and passing the national certification exam, six months of supervised work in the field and continuing education is required in most states to retain licensure.
Occupational therapists jobs with the patient, family members, various groups and the population in general promote well-being. Some clients need to increase strength and agility, while others need to improve visual clarity, memory, and/or perception skills. They often design and make special equipment for clients with severe disabilities. After this process is completed, the therapist teaches the client how to use their new equipment. The therapist wants to give back as much personal independence as possible to the patient. There are many employment opportunities available for Occupational Therapists.
Hospitals hire them to assist patients after an injury or surgical procedure prior to release and for outpatient rehabilitation programs. Nursing homes use them for their residents who have physical or mental conditions needing treatment. Schools hire occupational therapists for educational purposes and for the children in their care who have a disability. Community based practice can be found in several different locales from private practice, day care centers for the elderly, child development businesses, homeless shelters and prisons. Private practice clinics often do contract work for various health care facilities, homeless shelters, and home care for the elderly or infirmed. Many elderly patients receive their treatments in a specialized orthopedic clinic.
This clinic provides fall prevention training and utilizes various activities, such as arts and crafts, to help with mental health problems. The occupational therapist produces a meaningful activity to achieve a therapeutic goal. Cooking is a therapeutic activity used to address cognitive components such as problem solving. One goal the therapist has for the client is to become self sufficient and independent once again, this activity helps the client learn how to prepare healthy meals. The Occupational Therapist is also a supervisor with occupational therapist assistants and aides working under their guidance. Assistants help clients with rehabilitative exercises and various activities outlined in the treatment plan by the occupational therapist.
The assistant is responsible for recording the progress of the patient. If the progress is less than expected, the occupational therapist can alter the treatment program for better results. The occupational therapist aide is more limited in the tasks they can perform because they are not licensed. They are usually responsible for clerical tasks that are required such answering the telephone, or completing insurance forms and other paperwork. Aides help the assistant physically lift and/or support the client during their therapy sessions. As baby-boomers, reach middle age we will likely see, an increased number of heart attacks and/or stroke victims. This increase will bring about the need for more experienced occupational therapists to meet their medical needs.