What can an occupational therapist specialize in?
- Gerontology (BCG)
- Mental Health (BCMH)
- Pediatrics (BCP)
- Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)
- Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or SCDCM-A)
- Environmental Modification (SCEM or SCEM-A)
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A)
Full Answer
What is an occupational therapist and what do they do?
Occupational therapists are health care professionals who work with people of all ages with various health issues. They work to adapt surroundings and tasks to help people live better with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They work in many different settings such as clinics, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
What are the duties and responsibilities of an occupational therapist?
The following responsibilities may also be essential to an OT role:
- Evaluating patients to establish a personalized therapy plan to achieve the most effective results
- Administering therapy approaches and instructing patients with therapy activities and tasks that promote rehabilitation of patient injuries and traumas
- Using technical or computer equipment to document and display patient medical information and reports
What does an occupational therapist do exactly?
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
What is it like to be an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapists work as part of an inspiring multi-disciplinary team to help all kinds of people overcome all kinds of challenges. This might include helping people recovering from accidents, living with disabilities, ageing or overcoming and learning to live with illnesses or mental health issues.
What does an OT specialize in?
Types of Occupational Therapy SpecialtiesAquatic Therapeutic Exercise. ... Assistive Technology. ... Autism. ... Brain Injuries. ... Diabetes. ... Driving and Community Mobility. ... Environmental Modification. ... Feeding, Eating and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A)More items...
What are the 9 occupations in OT?
The nine occupational therapy specialties available to OTs and OTAs include:Gerontology (BCG)Mental Health (BCMH)Pediatrics (BCP)Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or SCDCM-A)Environmental Modification (SCEM or SCEM-A)Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A)More items...•
What are the 8 areas of occupational therapy?
There are 8 areas of occupation that OTs are trained in:Activities of daily living (ADLs)Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)Sleep and rest.Work.Education.Play.Leisure.Social participation.
What is the highest paying occupational therapy specialty?
Overall Highest Paid Occupational Therapy Positions“Child Day Care Services” – $108,650.Management of Companies and Enterprises – $101,540.Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities – $93,870.Nursing and Skilled Nursing Facilities – $90,660.Home Health Services – $90,480.
Why is occupational therapy not well known?
Additionally, OT services are not widespread and not well-represented or integrated into many rehabilitation services. As a result, OT is not available at many clinical and rehabilitation institutions, which has led to both poor access and reduced, benefit from OT in many countries worldwide [7].
Are occupational therapist doctors?
An occupational therapist should not be called a doctor because the majority of the profession is comprised of those that do not hold doctorate degrees. However, OT will go to a doctorate degree by 2027.
What does ADL mean in occupational therapy?
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVINGACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLsActivities oriented toward taking care of one's own body (adapted from Rogers & Holm, 1994). ADLs also are referred to as basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and personal activities of daily living (PADLs).
How can an occupational therapist make 6 figures?
5 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Make Extra Money After OT SchoolWork Multiple PRN Jobs Instead of One Full-time Position. This has been the best choice I made after OT school. ... Rent Out a Room on Airbnb. A lot of people I know think this is a crazy idea. ... Babysit. ... Build Niche Websites. ... Find a Product to Sell an Amazon.
Can occupational therapists be rich?
The average occupational therapist salary is around $87,480 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But salaries within this field can vary depending on where you work. The highest paying industries for OTs include: Child day care services – $106,070.
Where do occupational therapists get paid the most?
NevadaThe states and districts that pay Occupational Therapists the highest mean salary are Nevada ($111,270), California ($101,080), Arizona ($99,950), New Jersey ($98,750), and District of Columbia ($96,330).
How many hours do you need to be a hand therapist?
Eligibility requirements are as follows: Occupational or physical therapist for three years. 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy practice experience (obtained in any country). Upcoming and projected hours are not accepted prior to the application deadline. Must pass the Certified Hand Therapist exam.
When will AOTA add exams to certification?
As of our most recent publishing of this article, AOTA’s certifications do not require an exam but they do state that they will begin adding examinations to certifications starting in mid-2021.
Who offers occupational therapy certification?
In these instances, the formal occupational therapy specialties and certifications are offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
How many occupational therapy specialties are there?
Did you know that there are nine very unique occupational therapy specialties? Depending on your passion, you can find an OT speciality certification that is right for you.
What is a school system specialty?
School Systems Specialty Certification is for occupational therapists who work with students in the school setting.
What is an OT in school?
An OT in this speciality performs interventions that are unique to school systems while integrating impact of varying client factors and contexts. Specifically, the OT assists students in the day-to-day functionality required for schooling.
What is vision expert?
Expertise enhancing vision through the use of optical devices and assistive technology.
Why is driving and community mobility a specialty practice?
There is a specialty practice of Driving and Community Mobility within the occupational therapy field because mobility truly is the cornerstone of an OT’s career.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
They work to adapt surroundings and tasks to help people live better with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They work in many different settings such as clinics, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
What certifications do occupational therapists need?
Some may have a board or specialty certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association, such as in pediatrics, gerontology, mental health, and physical rehabilitation.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?
Some may also have a doctorate. A Master's degree takes two to three years to finish, and a doctoral degree about 3.5 years.
What does "occupation" mean in a job?
While the word "occupation" usually means a job or profession, it can also refer to everyday activities that let us live independently and bring meaning to our lives. Taking part in meaningful activities can have a positive influence on your health and overall wellbeing.
What is the career path of occupational therapist?
Occupational therapy has a lot to offer as a potential career path: High salary, stable job outlook, great job satisfaction, the ability to help people live life to the fullest. It’s little wonder that so many people want to break into the field and become an occupational therapist.
What certifications are available for occupational therapists?
For example, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) offers the Assistive Technology Professional Certification (ATP) and the Seating and Mobility Specialist Certification (SMS). Similarly, the Brain Injury Association of America offers the Brain Injury Specialist Certification.
How many advanced certifications are there in occupational therapy?
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) currently supports nine different advanced certifications, split into two categories: Board certification and specialty certification. Below are some details about each of these widely recognized certifications.
What is an advanced occupational therapy certification?
If you’re considering a career in occupational therapy, advanced certifications—whether offered by the AOTA or another organization—can offer a major career boost, demonstrating to potential employers and clients that you have the expertise required to treat their unique needs. By identifying a potential area of focus early in your studies and career, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and experience required to achieve certification.
How many years of experience is required to become an occupational therapist?
Until December 2019, board certification requires: Five years of experience as an occupational therapist; 5,000 hours spent in the certification area, in any capacity, in the past five years; 500 hours spent delivering occupational therapy services in the certification area; a portfolio; an application; an application fee.
How long does it take to get a masters in occupational therapy?
Earn a master’s in occupational therapy in just 2.5 years. Our hands-on fieldwork and curriculum will prepare you for a fulfilling OT career.
Where do occupational therapists work?
The American Occupational Therapy Association 2019 Workforce and Salary Survey report found that nearly half of occupational therapists work in hospital or school settings. See the full setting breakdown below.
What are the key practice areas of occupational therapy?
The American Occupational Therapy Association has identified six key practice areas for the 21 st century. The occupational therapy practice course series within the DMU OTD curriculum focuses on each of these so that students are prepared to provide occupational therapy evaluation and intervention within these practice areas.
What Can You Specialize in as an Occupational Therapist?
Now that we’ve established the benefits, what are the options available for OTs? The short answer is: A whole heck of a lot! The AOTA offers a number of board and specialty certifications, but they aren’t the only certifying organization in town.
What is OT specialty?
This OT specialty focuses on mental health treatment and prevention services for those with severe and persistent mental illness, with a focus on function and independence.
Why Pursue a Specialty Certification?
When you’re fresh out of school, you may not be thinking about pursuing a certification right away . However, it’s definitely something worth having on your radar, says Jeremy Furniss, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, and current director of quality at the American Occupational Therapy Association.
What does Furniss encourage OTs to do?
Furniss encourages young OTs to look toward advanced certification as an organizing factor for continuing education, as well as “the other requirements that are needed to meet licensure anyway.”
What is the average salary of an OT?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for OTs is $85,350. The highest paid OTs work in management positions within companies and enterprises, with an average annual wage of $94,170. However, it’s important to note that your income as an OT varies depending on a wide range of factors, such as your location, experience, market saturation, etc.
How many board certifications are there in AOTA?
There are nine board certifications and specialties offered by the AOTA:
What is the most popular specialty for seniors?
1) Gerontology. With the number of senior citizens on the rise, gerontology is one of the most popular specialties and involves working with the aging population in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient settings, skilled nursing facilities, and in-home healthcare.
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist with a certification in feeding, eating and swallowing helps patients with physical disorders and disabilities regain motor function to feed themselves. Their patients usually include the elderly, but patients with an eating disorder may also see an occupational therapist. If you have a degree in occupational therapy and three years of experience, you can apply to the American Occupational Therapy Association for board certification. Your application also requires a portfolio of work that shows you have experience in working with patients who have eating disorders or disabilities.
Why do you want to specialize in occupational therapy?
Specialization in occupational therapy can increase your opportunities to earn a higher salary. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, there are only a few practitioners in each specialty for every state. This can enable you to leverage your certification achievements with employers to earn your desired salary and customize a benefits package.
What is occupational therapy certification?
Specialist certifications in occupational therapy provide advanced knowledge of how to treat and manage a variety of injuries, illnesses and disabilities. Earning a certification can increase your earnings and advance your career. Learning about your options may help choose a specialty. In this article, we provide a list of occupational therapy specialist certifications and the benefits of specializing with tips on how to choose a specialist certification.
What is assistive technology certification?
So you can apply to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive technology Society of North America (RESNA) to become certified with any degree of education and complete the training. This is a useful degree you can earn while pursuing a degree in occupational therapy.
How to become a certified hand therapist?
To become a hand therapist it's a requirement to pass an exam that covers anatomy and therapeutic exercises. Earning this certification requires you to apply to the American Occupational Therapy Association for board certification and at least three years of experience with 4,000 hours of practice in hand therapy.
What is neurodevelopmental therapy?
Neuro-developmental treatment focuses on helping patients with brain damage regain motor functions, build coordination and redevelop speech skills. To become certified in this specialty, an occupational therapist completes a course in stroke care and management and course in management and treatment of children with CP or other motor disabilities. Those who pursue certification also join the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association.
How long does it take to become a driving rehabilitation specialist?
Certification requires a degree in occupational therapy with three years of experience and practice in driving rehabilitation. For consideration of earning certification, you may submit an application with proof you meet the requirements to the American Occupational Therapy Association.
What degree do you need to become an occupational therapist?
Becoming an occupational therapist can take many years of education, including a master's degree, as well as fulfilling licensing requirements. For those interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy, planning ahead by choosing a relevant bachelor's degree major can be helpful. In this article, we explain what majors are most helpful for those planning to become occupational therapists, including kinesiology, biology, psychology and health science.
Why is sociology important for occupational therapy?
Because these things can impact how a person responds to trauma or other issues, occupational therapists may need to manage them and help patients overcome them in order to meet their therapeutic goals.
What is occupational science?
Occupational science is one of the majors offered by some universities as preparation for pursuing a master's in occupational therapy. It is a degree that can teach you many relevant concepts and skills for becoming an occupational therapist. At some schools, occupational science is offered as part of a combined bachelor's and master's degree program that takes approximately five years, while other schools offer it on its own. There are also associate's degrees in occupational science for those interested in starting with a two-year degree as they consider entering the field.
Is occupational therapy a major?
Occupational therapy is an obvious major for becoming an occupational therapist, however it is not a degree that is offered by all universities at the bachelor's level. There are combination programs that combine the bachelor's and master's degrees in five years and the bachelor's degree you earn is often in either occupational therapy or occupational science. There are universities that offer a bachelor's in occupational therapy outside of a combined program and these can be an excellent choice for those interested in becoming an occupational therapist, especially as they teach many relevant skills.
Is kinesiology a physical therapist?
Kinesiology degrees can be used in a variety of ways, including to become a personal trainer, an athletic coach, a physical therapist or an occupational therapist. Since kinesiology majors teach students about anatomy and movement and those are key parts of being an occupational therapist, it can be a good start on learning the skills you'll need.
