| The forecast for occupational therapy jobs looks | | | | An additional reason for the growing increase of |
| to be on the rise. The future growth of this | | | | OTs is acutely ill inpatients. Hospitals continue to |
| career field is supposed to grow tremendously | | | | get many acutely ill inpatients and need |
| faster than the average occupation out there. | | | | occupational therapists to help these patients. |
| There are several reasons why this is true. | | | | Also, hospitals need OTs in the hospital outpatient |
| The elderly population continues to grow at a | | | | rehabilitation programs. Some of the more |
| rapid pace. The large class of Baby Boomers is | | | | specialized treatment areas are emerging as good |
| getting older causing a greater demand for | | | | job prospects. These include areas such as driver |
| occupational therapists. Occupational therapists | | | | rehabilitation and fall-prevention training for the |
| primarily deal with patients that need help | | | | elderly. |
| improving their ability to perform tasks in living | | | | Overall, job prospects will be good for the field of |
| and working environments. Therapists help | | | | occupational therapy for years to come. All types |
| patients compensate for permanent loss of | | | | of facility settings are in demand, particularly |
| function on top of helping them improve their | | | | acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic |
| basic motor skills. | | | | settings. This is primarily the case since this is |
| Another reason for the future increase of | | | | where the older population receives most of their |
| occupational therapists is the rise of individuals | | | | treatment. The job outlook for occupational |
| with disabilities or limited function. Occupational | | | | therapists is a bright one and we will continue to |
| therapists will be needed to assist these individuals | | | | need them for years to come. |
| to help them function as much as possible. | | | | |