| Occupational therapists assist their patients in | | | | Applicants considering this profession should take |
| performing all types of tasks, ranging from using | | | | high school courses in chemistry, health biology |
| a computer to handling their basic daily needs | | | | and physics. Undergraduate majors should include |
| such as cooking, dressing and eating. Sometimes, | | | | psychology, biology, sociology, anthropology and |
| they use computer programs to help the patients | | | | anatomy. They need to have a lot of patience |
| to improve their decision-making skills, problem | | | | and strong interpersonal skills. They need patience |
| solving and perceptual skills, as well as their | | | | because some patients do not respond quickly. |
| memory and coordination skills. The main aim of | | | | Those working in home health care services need |
| them is to help the client lead a normal | | | | to be able to adjust to a variety of home |
| independent life. | | | | settings. Applicants who look forward to making |
| Occupational therapists are basically concerned | | | | this a career choice must be able to work in |
| about human occupations, as they believe that | | | | multiple settings and with people of different age |
| people have an inborn drive to be operative and | | | | groups. |
| express themselves. They believe that having an | | | | Job Prospects |
| occupation highlights a person's sense of identity in | | | | In 2006, they held about 92,000 jobs and most |
| a society. Therapists may work exclusively with | | | | of them worked in hospitals. Other therapists |
| individuals from different age groups or people | | | | worked in schools and nursing care facilities. One in |
| suffering from disabilities. | | | | ten therapists held more than one job. By 2014, |
| They generally work 40-hours a week in hospitals | | | | employment opportunities are expected to |
| and other health care centers. Some supervisory | | | | increase way beyond the average. In the long run, |
| roles are taken over by the occupational | | | | the demand for therapists is going to increase |
| therapists. Because of high rising health costs, the | | | | rapidly, as there is growth in the number of |
| third party payers are beginning to appoint | | | | individuals suffering from disability caused due to a |
| themto take on more responsibilities. | | | | stressful lifestyle. Hospitals now employ therapists |
| Qualifications | | | | to handle their critical in-patients and also their |
| Currently, a bachelor's degree is the minimum | | | | outpatient rehabilitation programs. |
| qualification required for becoming an occupational | | | | Employment in schools may also increase due to |
| therapist, but in the near future a master's | | | | the increase in disabled students. In May 2004, the |
| degree may be required. To obtain a license, the | | | | average earning of an occupational therapist was |
| applicant must posses a degree from an | | | | $54,000-&67,010. These are skilled |
| established educational program and pass the | | | | professionals who are capable of empowering |
| National Certification Exam. Some states have | | | | individuals who are suffering from depression, |
| additional requirements. | | | | stress and anxiety with life. |