How To Become An Occupational Therapist

By Jennie Sandoval


There is an increasing demand for the services of occupational therapist newport beach. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, this is one of the fastest growing fields in the country with an expected increase of demand for about 33 percent between the year 2010 and 2020. This profession does not only tend to infants, but it also assists the elderly. This offers geriatric care that generally requires advanced degree.

There are different job opportunities awaiting the professional therapists. He can work in many different facilities, including a nursing home, community health center, rehabilitation center, school system and the hospitals. They can also work as a private therapist in their client's home. The hours of the therapists are flexible. One may work full-time, part-time or on an as-needed basis.

Depending on the setup, the therapists may be needed seven days a week, including the holidays. Health care facilities, hospitals and nursing homes have the most arduous demands. Those working in a school system or practicing privately may have more time to rest. During summer or after attending to your clients, you can take leisure time off.

When you aspire to become a licensed occupational therapist, you need to determine which practice to focus on. Consider your desire to help people in contrast with your capacity to decide the best career path for you. As a physical therapist, your responsibility is to help your clients recover from a traumatic injury or illness.

Look for a college or a university that offers the program for occupational therapy. The program includes anatomy, medical and general sciences in their curriculum. At minimum, one must complete a master's degree before he can practice. In order to save money, you can take all the general education classes at the community college. Then, move to a university for the completion of your degree program.

After graduation, your next challenge is to pass the state licensing exams. Needless to say, you must be duly accredited to legally practice. The employers apparently require your licenses before hiring your services. Since the requirements and processes may vary in every state, you must ask your local testing centers. Make sure that you complete all the prerequisites for the exam.

The salary a professional therapist make is quite lucrative. The median annual salary ranges from forty-five thousand dollars to approximately a hundred thousand dollars. About ten percent of the lowest earners receive a salary of forty thousand, while the highest earners more than a hundred thousand dollars.

The employment rate for therapists has a positive outlook, too. Occupational therapy is much needed not only for the adults but also for the children. Anyone suffering from mental, developmental or physical disabilities require the services of occupational therapists. This helps them perform daily activities, such as bathing, eating and dressing. The healthcare services, surgical hospitals and nursing care facilitate noted the highest demand for physical therapists.

As a final note, the job of a therapist newport beach is far from being easy. A winning personality that is willing to work with other people is much needed to succeed in this field. The therapists will meet with the patient for an evaluation. Based on the findings, a treatment plan is formulated. The professional may also use some adaptive equipment to help the patient recover speedily.




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