Best Careers 2009: Occupational Therapist

I LOVE BEING AN OT!

This is an amazing carreer. I work at a private pediatric clinic and I love going to work every day!! There are so many options with this degree...I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in peoples lives!

Jamie of CA @ Dec 12, 2008 19:54:34 PM

justine

how many years of schooling do you have to complete to become an Occupational Therapist?

Justine of NJ @ Dec 12, 2008 19:43:54 PM

Hooray for OTs

It is so nice to see that we are finally getting some recognition. Too many times people mistake us for being physical therapist. Little do people know what we do, but I make sure I educated all families and patients that I work with on what OTs do. We have to get out there and advocate our profession!

Joni Kamiya of HI @ Dec 12, 2008 19:35:02 PM

OT assistants

Don't forget about the COTAs. This is an Associates degree (two years). They are supervised by OTs with a Master's degree, but play a very important part in the field of occupational therapy. I am five months away from graduating with my occupational therapy assistant degree. I am very excited and plan to go into the school system.

of TX @ Dec 12, 2008 19:16:52 PM

OT

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