Occupational Therapy Jobs: Profile of a Profession

Occupational Therapist – by Sarah Mendivel

Occupational therapy is a therapeutic discipline that promotes physical, developmental, and cognitive health by employing treatments that improve a patient’s everyday activities, or, occupation. Occupational therapists concentrate largely on an individual’s sensory system [link] and use of fine motor skills, such as writing [link]. OT’s work in a multitude of environments and with all age groups, including infants to senior citizens.

To become an occupational therapist, a master’s degree is required Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists need to be licensed in the state they practice and may be certified through the National Board for Certifying Occupational Therapy. Course work for Occupational Therapists usually include research methods, evidence-based practices, assistive technology, and early intervention.

In 2010, the median salary for a licensed Occupational Therapist was $77,320 a year (www.bls.gov). Employment of occupational therapists in medical, rehabilitation, and early intervention settings is expected to increase 33 percent from 2010 to 2020.