Accessed June 7, 2020. The BLS adds that occupational therapists with additional certifications or specialized knowledge in specific treatment areas will likely have better job prospects. "Summary Report for: 31-2011.00 - Occupational Therapy Assistants." "How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant or Aide." Working under an OT's supervision, they makes sure patients are correctly performing activities specified in their treatment plans and, depending on whether state law permits them to do so, helps the OT develop those plans., To become an OTA, you'll need an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program at a community college or technical school. To be an occupational therapist, you'll need a master's degree in occupational therapy from a program that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) has accredited. Hear from current students on why they choose occupational therapy. After evaluating a patient to determine their needs, the OT sets goals and develops a treatment plan. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers a list of OT associate's degree programs accredited by ACOTE on its website. Job Outlook 4. There is some office work involved but in general, they'll spend a lot of time standing with patients. Accessed June 7, 2020. "Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides: Pay." Occupational therapy has been consistently ranked in top-job and recession-proof job lists. "Occupational Therapists: How to Become an Occupational Therapist." American Occupational Therapy Association. Occupational therapy is a holistic career, striving to meet the needs of the “whole patient” rather than simply treating one symptom or injury. Occupational therapy practitioners come from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Start by looking at job sites that are especially for occupational therapists, such as JobsOT.com or OTJobLink. To build confidence and better prepare for interviews, take a look at some common interview questions for occupational therapists. Also, OT’s can work in a wide variety of settings, meaning there are always work opportunities. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. She is a former writer for The Balance Careers. An OT may also identify ways to improve a patient's environment. After graduation, you'll have to pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)., Projected Job Growth (2018-2028): 18% (much faster than the 5% average for all occupations). Some OTs have a doctorate. Accessed June 7, 2020. Accessed June 7, 2020. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry requirements vary depending on where you’d like to study. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this profession will grow 24% from 2016 through 2026—much higher than the 7-percent growth projected for all jobs during the same period. Accessed June 7, 2020. Accessed June 7, 2020. Vacancy details position purposeimportant company support for learners with disabilities in the classroom and workplace conduct accessibility audits for client s Occupational therapists with specialized knowledge in a treatment area also will have better job … The employment outlook for occupational therapists is much better than most occupations, including others in the health diagnosing and treatment field. Accessed June 7, 2020. Occupational therapists may work with specific populations such as children or the elderly, or they may work in specialized settings, including mental health institutions and skilled nursing facilities. Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Find out What Careers Options There Are in the Physical Therapy Field, Occupational Therapist Job Description: Salary, Skills & More, Here's the Fasting Growing Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree, Physical Therapist Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Job Outlook and Requirements of Degrees for High-Paying Careers, Necessary Skills for Success in a Physical Therapy Career. The job may also entail lifting patients and heavy equipment. Accessed June 7, 2020. This job generally requires the ability to do the following: Individual occupational therapy plans differ depending on patients' needs, but all strive to develop, increase, or maintain independence in performing tasks of daily living. Occupational therapists may frequently travel between healthcare facilities. To become an occupational therapist you’ll need to train and study at undergraduate degree level (through a full-time course or degree apprenticeship) or if you already have a relevant degree, at Masters level through a 2-year accelerated programme.