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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat does an Occupational Therapist do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Occupational therapists provide treatment to sick, injured, or disabled individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They help their patients recover, improve, or manage their health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an occupational therapist, you will be responsible for helping your patients who are disabled and always require help performing day-to-day activities and developing skills required for performing daily activities independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will teach them how to use leg braces, eating aids, wheelchairs, and\/or any other equipment required to help them live more independent lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Occupational therapists also work in the educational sector with children who are disabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They assess the children’s disabilities, then make partial changes to the classroom equipment to meet the needs of the children, and help the children participate in school activities as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These occupational therapists who work with children also partner with parents to provide intervention therapy to children who already suffer from developmental delays or are at potential risk of suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some occupational therapists also work in mental health institutions, where they help mentally and emotionally sick patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also help individuals suffering from drug abuse, depression, alcohol misuse, and disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Occupational therapists are not doctors, but they may work in hospitals as a part of the healthcare team to assist patients in full recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are also responsible for overseeing the work of assistant occupational therapists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More: Geologist Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read also;<\/p>\n\n\n Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of occupational therapists commonly featured in an occupational therapist job description;<\/p>\n\n\n\n An occupational therapist must meet with patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During these meetings, they evaluate the medical history of patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also observe patients perform certain activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By so doing, they can evaluate the patient’s condition and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a successful meeting with a patient, they are also saddled with the responsibility of developing an effective treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment plans usually feature activities targeted at helping the patient achieve a specific goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the treatment process, whenever the occupational therapist sees the need to make adjustments to the treatment plan, he or she does that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Occupational therapists also must visit the homes and workplaces of their patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They do this to evaluate their environment and make necessary changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such changes could be identifying objects that could cause falls to children with developmental delays and advising the parent to remove or keep them out of their reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: General Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As treatment progresses and the patient’s health status changes, an occupational therapist is expected to update the patient’s medical records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important for future reference by them or another health care provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from patients, occupational therapists also meet with the family and friends of their patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During these meetings, they educate them on how to help the patient live a better life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other duties and responsibilities of an occupational therapist usually featured in the job description include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Occupational therapists require a master’s degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A master’s degree usually takes about 2 years to complete. But, some schools offer dual degree programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A student can obtain a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bachelor’s degree in biology, sociology, psychology, anatomy, physiology, and anthropology could serve as a prerequisite for getting accepted into a master’s degree program in occupational therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some occupational therapists also enter the occupation with a doctorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in occupational therapy, occupational therapists also need a license to practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This license is peculiar to different countries and states; therefore, the requirements may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To obtain a license to practice occupational therapy in the United States, you must successfully sit for and pass an examination by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To remain a certified occupational therapist, candidates must continue attending educational classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: Guidance Counselor Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read Also;<\/p>\n\n\n Employers also look out for certain skills and attributes in an occupational therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, these skills are also featured in an occupational therapist job description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the skills employers look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good occupational therapist should be capable of communicating instructions to patients and their caregivers as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should be able to communicate verbally and in writing too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication skills for an occupational therapist should not be limited to speaking only but to listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good occupational therapists should possess good listening abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These individuals are also expected to possess interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should be able to develop good working relationships with their patients and other caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The passion drives a good occupational therapist to help others\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are also sensitive to the emotional and mental needs of their patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: Housekeeper Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, it can be very difficult to deal with individuals injured or suffering from any mental, physical, or emotional challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, an occupational therapist has to be patient to give patients the care they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are usually various methods and techniques to deploy when caring for patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As such, an occupational therapist has to be able to think critically to make professional decisions on which technique will be best for each patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal individuals for this job are also determined, enthusiastic, and have good teamwork skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals who possess any of these skills but are sure they do not want to be doctors or nurses will certainly make good occupational therapists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the typical employers of occupational therapists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vacancy advertisements are usually placed online by recruitment agencies or in national newspapers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, occupational therapists in the United States make up to $84,950 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although their salary usually ranges from\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n $56,800 per annum to $121,490 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much an occupational therapist makes depends on the following factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More: Internal Auditor Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Occupational therapists regularly travel from one healthcare facility to another. Sometimes, they also work in offices, but they spend most of their working hours standing with patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, occupational therapist works based on shifts that suit the needs of their patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their working hours vary greatly. They may even work at night and on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the U.S bureau of labor statistics, job employment for occupational therapists is expected to increase by 24% from 2016 through 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This increase is way better than the estimated increase for most career paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthcare organizations will need occupational therapists to treat patients with chronic illnesses such as stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such patients will need the services of occupational therapists to help them live more independent lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, occupational therapists will always be relevant in the treatment of disorders and disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and even drug or substance abuse, to mention but a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, all of these will depend on patients’ ability to afford payments through insurance or directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When creating an occupational therapist resume, applicants may want to increase all necessary information to convince employers they are suitable for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During an interview, referring to your experience, qualification, and skills is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants should not hesitate to use this guide on the job description of an occupational therapist when creating a professional resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article can also be used as a recruiters’ occupational therapist job description template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An organization that decides to use it to create its occupational therapist job description should also feel free to make necessary adjustments to suit the organization’s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Meet with Patients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Develop a Treatment Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Recommend Relevant Environmental Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Updates Patient’s Records<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Inform the Patient’s Family on how to Care for them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Qualification do I need to become an Occupational Therapist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Skills should an Occupational Therapist have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Communication Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Interpersonal Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Compassion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Patients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Critical Thinking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where do Occupational Therapists Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How much do Occupational Therapists make?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Occupational Therapist Work Environment and Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Occupational Therapy Job Outlook?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Summary of the Job Description of an Occupational Therapist\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n