Great job summarizing the role of an occupational therapist working in acute care or physical rehabilitation, but don't forget that occupational therapists work with people across the lifespan! One day in the life of an occupational therapist looks very different if the individual works in pediatrics or a not-for profit organization.
Amy Rogge
of CO
@
Dec 12, 2008 19:09:00 PM
Been in the field 8 years
OT is great in nursing homes, too. It is more flexible than a hospital setting and you see a wide variety of patients. Plus, you get to go on home visits and help with community integration. PTs can walk you to your door, and OTs can help you stay and thrive in your home independently!
jbvjlv@yahoo.com
of MO
@
Dec 12, 2008 19:07:24 PM
OT's in the Workplace
Don't forget OT's in the workplace. I specialize in Industrial Rehabilitation. That includes assessing a workstation to discover hazards that may cause or aggravate a cumulative trauma disorder. Or, I may perform a Functional Capacity Evaluation to assess an injured worker's residual functional capacity. I consult as an expert witness in various cases including peer reviews of other therapist's work. Finally, my experience allows me to teach portions of classes at University OT programs or to teach various Industrial Rehab courses nationally. So, don't forget the many niche specialties in the OT field!
Vic Zuccarello
of MO
@
Dec 12, 2008 19:06:46 PM
Just finished my first year as an OT
OT is great! It is wonderful to see the improvements you can make in the lives of those you work with! In this past year I have helped a little girl who has Angelman's feed herself a spoonful of food -- for the first time ever! I have also helped a 32 year old woman, who had a stroke, relearn how to dress herself...an walk again!!!!! It is very rewarding! On a side note -- I have found that the payscale is slightly higher than this article states.
S J
of TN
@
Dec 12, 2008 18:54:34 PM
OT provides a great career with lots of flexibility, especially when trying to balance work and having a family!
KK
of CO
@
Dec 12, 2008 17:34:58 PM
OT student
I'm working towards my OTD at Creighton. I love OT, I can't wait to get out in the field.
Dave
of NE
@
Dec 12, 2008 17:14:37 PM
GO OT!!! WE'RE THE BEST!!!!
of
@
Dec 12, 2008 16:52:25 PM
OT
Being an Occupational therapist assistant is fun too!
Amy Rogge of CO @ Dec 12, 2008 19:09:00 PM
jbvjlv@yahoo.com of MO @ Dec 12, 2008 19:07:24 PM
Vic Zuccarello of MO @ Dec 12, 2008 19:06:46 PM
S J of TN @ Dec 12, 2008 18:54:34 PM
KK of CO @ Dec 12, 2008 17:34:58 PM
Dave of NE @ Dec 12, 2008 17:14:37 PM
of @ Dec 12, 2008 16:52:25 PM
bill retunes of RI @ Dec 12, 2008 16:37:02 PM
Back to article