| There is a bright career prospect for those | | | | they would need to adjust to a variety of home |
| considering occupational therapy. In 2006, | | | | settings. Considering such a profession entails that |
| occupational therapists held 92,000 jobs, most of | | | | one should be able to work with people of |
| them working in hospitals. Others worked is | | | | different ages, and in different settings. The duties |
| various nursing facilities and schools. One out of | | | | of an occupational therapist mainly include assisting |
| ten therapists had more than one job. | | | | patients in performing their tasks. They can range |
| Employment opportunities in the said field are | | | | from using the computer to managing basic daily |
| expected to rise beyond the average in 2014. | | | | needs such as eating, cooking and dressing. |
| There is an expansive growth in the number of | | | | Patients are facilitated on improving their decision |
| people suffering from disabilities. This may have | | | | making skills. An occupational therapist guides |
| been brought about by an increasingly becoming | | | | them on enhancing their memory and coordination. |
| stressful lifestyle. Such is why the demand for | | | | The same can be said with their perceptual skills. |
| occupational therapists is also increasing. Hospitals | | | | The main aim is to assist the patient in leading an |
| hire such individuals to handle in-care critical | | | | independent life. What exactly are the principles |
| patients. | | | | behind occupational therapy that therapists adhere |
| The same can be said with those who are in their | | | | to? Therapists are primarily concerned about |
| outpatient rehabilitation programs. How can one | | | | human occupations. An occupation plays a crucial |
| qualify as an occupational therapist? The minimum | | | | role in defining a person's sense of identity in the |
| requirement by far is a bachelor's degree, | | | | society. People have an inborn, inherent need to |
| although a master's degree might be considered in | | | | express themselves and be operative. Therapists |
| the future. Obtaining a license means that an | | | | may work with people who have disabilities, or |
| occupational therapist must have a degree from | | | | those from different age groups. |
| an established educational program, after which | | | | Employment for therapists in schools is increasing |
| they should pass the National Certification Exam. | | | | due to the rising rate of disabled students. As of |
| Certain courses should be accomplished for | | | | May 2004, the average income for an |
| applicants considering the profession. In high | | | | occupational therapist ranged from $54,000 to |
| school, they should have taken physics, chemistry | | | | $67,000. An occupational therapist is basically a |
| and health biology. As for undergraduate majors, | | | | skilled and able professional, and they are capable |
| the following courses are necessary: anatomy, | | | | of empowering people who are suffering from |
| biology, psychology, anthropology and sociology. | | | | the stress, anxiety and depression which go with |
| Certain characteristics are required of an | | | | living. As a therapist empowers, they themselves |
| occupational therapist as well. They should be | | | | are empowered as theirs is a profession with a |
| patient and have strong interpersonal skills. | | | | significant impact on the lives of others. In the |
| Patience is an essential requirement especially as | | | | long run, the effort of the profession is worth it, |
| some patients may not respond quickly. If the | | | | as lives can be changed, both for the therapist |
| therapist would deliver home health care services, | | | | and the patient. |