{"id":13406,"date":"2021-02-28T10:27:22","date_gmt":"2021-02-28T10:27:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.picmonic.com\/pages\/?p=13406"},"modified":"2024-10-07T15:40:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T15:40:11","slug":"occupational-therapy-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.picmonic.com\/pages\/occupational-therapy-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"Thinking About a Career in Occupational Therapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"OT
Do you dream about a career where you can truly help someone? A job where what you do will allow someone to return to an occupation they love, or regain their quality of life? If you can see yourself being happy in a patient-centered medical field, then Occupational Therapy (OT) may be a perfect career for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OT is an<\/span> allied health profession<\/span><\/a>, meaning they are a highly-trained health professional with specialized training and expertise that compliments a physician. A successful OT will treat each patient with an individual approach. There are no shortcuts for patients and their therapists in this field. Having that level of energy, knowledge, focus and creativity will allow someone to thrive as an OT. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What sets an OT apart from other members of a patient\u2019s healthcare team is how they work with patients. OTs focus on both physical rehabilitation as well as cognitive connections to help their patients regain function and quality of life. An OT sees a patient as a whole person and provides a holistic approach.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being part of your patient\u2019s rehabilitation journey can be one of the most rewarding careers, so let\u2019s dive into what your future could look like and what it takes to get there.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life as an Occupational Therapist<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s talk about the demand for, and stability of a career as an OT. This is a growing field. The<\/span> Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this field to grow 18 percent<\/span><\/a> between 2018 and 2028, much faster than the average job growth rate. You can be an OT in practically any community throughout the country as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If flexibility is a career priority for you, being an OT may be a good fit. Work schedules can vary based on full-time or part-time options, or the type of setting where you work. Hospitals may offer flex schedules, or on-call\/as-needed options, whereas schools or nursing facilities may have more traditional hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, let\u2019s address the cost of becoming an OT. This field requires at least a master\u2019s degree, and education comes with a cost. As much as possible, try to plan accordingly. That may mean you will need student loans or to apply for scholarships and grants. Realize upfront that this is a financial investment in your future.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the good news is that in<\/span> 2019 the median income for OTs was $84,950<\/span><\/a>.  The best-paid 25 percent made $101,590 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $69,710.  <\/span>Weighing factors like location, experience, specialization, etc., being an OT can provide a stable income in a high-demand field.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, let\u2019s consider personal and professional fulfillment and job satisfaction. As an OT, you can spend months or years working with patients allowing you to build relationships and become an important part of patient\u2019s lives. Many OTs feel a great sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in this field.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skills of an OT<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being an OT means you will likely excel in a cross-section of skills. Focusing on people and being relationship-centered with patients is a critical part of this work. OTs also must be able to recall extensive medical training and experience with a rational approach. This blend of social-emotional and analytical skills can help you do well in school and in your future career.<\/span> <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s talk school and studying<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is why you\u2019re really here, isn\u2019t it? You want to know all about the degree programs, classes, fieldwork, studying during OT school and how to make the most of your skills. Relax, you\u2019re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of students have turned to Picmonic to help them through their postgraduate program.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s cut to the chase. You will need a bachelor\u2019s degree followed by a Master\u2019s of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (DOT).\u00a0 Starting in 2027, however, the<\/span> Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) will mandate that the entry-level degree requirement will move to DOT.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your graduate program, whether a MOT or DOT, you are likely looking at two phases of fieldwork. Level I fieldwork is typically of short duration, whereas Level II fieldwork can be several months. The hands-on experience and exposure you will receive during fieldworks in a variety of settings, including pediatric outpatient or rehab hospital, is one of the most exciting parts of the program.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every MOT or DOT program will have the same requirements when it comes to undergrad GPA, GRE scores (if required), volunteer hours, shadowing and undergrad courses. Earning your bachelor\u2019s degree in a related field isn\u2019t always necessary, but it may help. Most MOT or DOT programs will require some or all of the following courses:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n