Occupational Therapy Careers: Unlock Your Potential and Transform Lives
Do you want to find creative strategies to help individuals engage in meaningful activities and achieve optimal independence in their daily lives? Then an occupational therapy career may be right for you.
Occupational therapy is a distinct healthcare profession that uses evidence-based practices to address the challenges people face when carrying out activities of daily living.
In this article, we examine how earning an occupational therapy degree (OTD degree) prepares you for the occupational therapy field, the occupational therapy career outlook and the average occupational therapist salary.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
When you work in an occupational therapy career, you will play a significant role in the treatment of people with various illnesses and disabilities.
In an occupational therapy career, you can:
- Assess the physical, emotional and environmental factors influencing a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.
- Work with individuals of all ages who face challenges due to injury, illness, disability or developmental disorders and tailor interventions to address specific needs.
- Collaborate with clients to set personalized goals and develop therapeutic plans that may include exercises, adaptive strategies and assistive devices.
- Help decrease the length of hospitalization.
Whether guiding a patient through rehabilitative exercises, aiding a child with sensory integration challenges or supporting an elderly individual in adapting their home environment, occupational therapists are dedicated to enhancing overall well-being and promoting a high quality of life for those they serve.
Occupational Therapy Field: Education and Training
If you want an occupational therapy career, you must undergo rigorous academic and clinical training to develop the skills necessary for the role.
As you earn your occupational therapy degree, you will complete fieldwork to gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, such as hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centers.
Earning your Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD degree) gives you foundational knowledge and provides you with:
- Specialized coursework in areas such as advanced clinical practice, leadership, advocacy and evidence-based research
- The skills you need to navigate complex healthcare landscapes so you can work in leadership roles, policy development and innovation within the field
- Advanced clinical experiences and opportunities for specialized training, fostering a deeper level of expertise
As the healthcare industry evolves, having an OTD degree enhances your ability to contribute to research, education and the development of best practices.
Occupational Therapy Career Outlook and Opportunities
Earning an OTD degree sets you up for an occupational therapy career with a promising outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 12 percent growth through 2032, much faster than average.
An occupational therapy career may take you to:
- Clinical settings: Occupational therapists work in various clinical environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers. Here you will collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop customized treatment plans for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries or illnesses.
- Schools and educational institutions: Another avenue for occupational therapists is working in schools. In educational institutions, you play a vital role in supporting children with disabilities, addressing sensory needs, and facilitating interventions that enhance students' ability to participate in academic and social activities.
- Community-based services: Occupational therapists may choose to work in the community, providing services to individuals in their homes or community centers. This approach allows for a more personalized and client-focused approach to therapy.
Average Occupational Therapist Salary
The average occupational therapist salary is promising, reflecting the high demand in the occupational therapy field and the specialized skills occupational therapists bring to the healthcare and education sectors.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for occupational therapists in the United States was $93,180 as of May 2022. However, the average occupational therapist salary can vary based on factors such as experience, location and the specific setting in which an occupational therapist works. For example, in the state of Washington, the average salary is $87,680.
Occupational Field: Licensing and Certification
To work in the occupational therapy field, you must be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by location but usually involve passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Continuing education is often required to maintain licensure and stay abreast of advancements in the occupational therapy field.
Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Degree From Whitworth University
The Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree at Whitworth University provides you with the curriculum and training you need to pursue an advanced occupational therapy career.
Our innovative and holistic training fully prepares you to take the NBCOT exam so that you can enter the occupational therapy field.
