7 OT Specializations for Maximum Career Growth
- Hand Therapy Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist, or CHT, is a popular choice among both OTs and Physical Therapists (PTs). ...
- Pediatrics Occupational Therapy positions in pediatrics make up a huge portion of the profession’s workforce. ...
- Vision Vision rehabilitation is a growing field for OTs. ...
- Certified Neuro-related Specialists ...
- Ergonomics ...
- Home Modifications ...
- Assistive Technology and Wheelchair Seating ...
Full Answer
What is occupational therapy and what do OTS do?
Occupational therapy is a profession that’s personal and flexible, depending on the individual OT and the patient. There are opportunities for creativity, growth, and change. OTs use their broad background in science, rehabilitation, and psychology to empower the whole person.
What are the types of Occupational Therapy Specialties and certifications?
In these instances, the formal occupational therapy specialties and certifications are offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association. There are two types of specialties: Board Certification and Speciality Certification. 500 hours of delivering OT services as a OT in the certification area in the past 5 years
Is an OT speciality certification right for You?
Depending on your passion, you can find an OT speciality certification that is right for you. Occupational therapy is currently one of the allied careers in demand with the most growth. The profession is in high demand because of the variety of ways the skills are applied. Those working in the field enjoy many perks and rewarding salary potential.
What is a gerontology occupational therapist?
1. Gerontology (BCG) According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, Gerontology Occupational Therapists work with elderly “people in their homes, their workplaces, their communities, or in facilities.” There are a number of reasons the aging population is in need of OT services:
How to add a specialty to OT?
What is occupational therapy?
How many hours of continuing education do you need to be an OT?
What is BCPR in OT?
What is occupational therapy certification?
What are the different types of occupational therapy?
Is AOTA a portfolio assessment?
See 4 more
About this website
What specialties are there in occupational therapy?
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 is the highest paying field in occupational therapy?
According to the BLS, OTs who work in home healthcare get paid the most. The annual mean wage of home health care OTs was $102,640 in 2021. Home healthcare OTs typically work for private agencies in their clients' homes. The second highest-paying OT position was in nursing care facilities.
Where are OTs needed the most?
Where Occupational Therapists Work and Are Needed MostHome Health Care. ... Hospital Setting. ... Acute, Subacute, and Restorative Rehabilitation Centers. ... Skilled Nursing Facility. ... Outpatient Setting. ... Mental Health. ... School. ... Early Intervention.More items...•
Can OTs do play therapy?
Occupational therapy and play go hand in hand. There is a reason why you'll often see kids playing as part of their OT sessions: Play is the primary job of children!
Can OTS make 6 figures?
Yes, occupational therapists can make six figures. The second and third highest-paid industries are Management of Companies and Enterprises ($99,850) and Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly ($94,360).
Who makes more OT or PT?
Occupational Therapists focus on helping patients master the activities of daily living. Physical Therapists focus on helping patients recover range of motion and decrease pain after an injury or illness. The average salary for an OT is $83,200 per year. The average salary for a PT is $86,850 per year.
Is becoming an OT worth it?
If you're passionate about becoming an occupational therapist, you won't regret it! The job flexibility and variety of job options combined with knowing you are truly making a difference in peoples' lives makes it a great career choice as long as you're prepared and you know the potential drawbacks you might encounter.
What is the highest paying occupation?
Highest Paying OccupationsOCCUPATION2021 MEDIAN PAYGeneral internal medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per yearFamily medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per yearEmergency medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year17 more rows•Sep 8, 2022
What is the best state for occupational therapy?
We found that California is the best state in the nation for occupational therapists, and people in Monterey earn the most in the field....1. California.Total Occupational Therapist Jobs:4,120Average Annual Salary:$105,738Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$78,000Highest 10 Percent Earn:$142,0001 more row•Apr 6, 2021
What can an occupational therapist do for my child?
Occupational therapists are key. Providing advice and interventions to target each sense, helps the child's nervous system become more organised and regulated. This can reduce the child's anxiety and exhaustion, and improve their attention and performance.
Why is play important in OT?
Play is used by a therapist to gain attention and practice different skills like specific motor skills and functional skills. It is also used to promote sensory processing, cognitive language development, and perceptual abilities. Play is mainly helpful in developing cognitive skills in children with disabilities.
What is play occupational therapy?
Play-based therapy is a structured approach to therapy widely used by occupational therapists to engage children in improving functional growth and emotional well-being. While it may look like ordinary playtime, play therapy is much more than that.
Is becoming an OT worth it?
If you're passionate about becoming an occupational therapist, you won't regret it! The job flexibility and variety of job options combined with knowing you are truly making a difference in peoples' lives makes it a great career choice as long as you're prepared and you know the potential drawbacks you might encounter.
What is the highest paying occupation?
Highest Paying OccupationsOCCUPATION2021 MEDIAN PAYGeneral internal medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per yearFamily medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per yearEmergency medicine physiciansThis wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year17 more rows•Sep 8, 2022
Is OT a good career?
Summary: OT is a good career because it offers a flexible schedule, comfortable salary and the ability to choose where you work. While it's true you may have to deal with setbacks and manage tough situations, you'll also get to help people and make a difference.
What state pays therapists the most?
The Best States for Psychologists by SalaryStateSalaryCalifornia$130,920Hawaii$125,660Oregon$124,340Missouri$119,0301 more row
20 Occupational Therapy Specialist Certifications | Indeed.com
Discover 20 occupational therapy specialist certifications and the requirements to become certified with a list of benefits and tips to help choose a specialty.
What does OT do?
Being part of someone’s process and journey to develop, maintain or recover important activities is what Occupational Therapists (OT) get to do every day . Patients and their OTs work together to enhance their participation at work, at home, in school, in the community or in other parts of their daily life.
Why is mobility important for OTs?
Mobility is an essential part of what OTs help rehabilitate for their patients. Driving and community mobility occupational therapists help patients of all ages learn new forms of transportation in order to maintain their independence and connection with their community.
What is hand therapy?
OTs who specialize in hand therapy assess and treat problems related to hands through the entire upper extremity. Often, hand therapy occupational therapists begin working with patients right after an injury or surgery through a successful return to work or a productive lifestyle. Hand therapy OTs can work with patients facing congenital anomalies, fractures, arthritis, crush injuries, muscle strains or tears, nerve injuries or amputations.
How many years of experience do you need to become an OT?
Hand therapy OTs need to have at least three years of experience, whereas all others we see as top OT specialties of 2021 require at least five years of experience. You will need between 2,000 and 5,000 hours of experience in your desired specialty area. But there are still more ways to make your OT practice your own.
What is occupational therapy in mental health?
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), a mental health occupational therapist will focus on the effects of the interaction between lifespan issues and relevant conditions that impact occupational performance related to mental health. Your patients may find problem solving, organizing, planning, controlling emotions and decision making difficult.
What is an environmental modification occupational therapist?
Making modifications, adaptations and new routines in a patient’s home, work, school or community is what an environmental modification occupational therapist does. The AOTA describes this specialty as a practitioner who determines environmental needs and provides intervention strategies, devices or assistive technology that fit and address occupational performance to maximize participation, safety, accessibility and independence.
What is AOTA in the community?
The AOTA defines this specialty as the focus on enabling a client to be mobile in his or her community environment , whether that is driving, using public transportation, walking, etc.
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.
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.
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 is vision expert?
Expertise enhancing vision through the use of optical devices and assistive technology.
What is the AOTA certification for pediatric OT?
The association touts advanced certification as one of the “most recognized tools for showing you have the expanded capabilities to excel.” Obtaining this board specialization, which is also offered in the areas of gerontology, physical rehabilitation, and mental health, traditionally was completed via submission of a portfolio, but this year will now be received only through examination as well as demonstration of 3,000 hours of work in the field and 500 hours related specifically to OT intervention in pediatrics. As pediatric OTs treat many children with Autism, you may also assist with advancing your career by becoming an Certified Autism Specialist (CAS).
What is home modification for occupational therapy?
Home modification specialists help people make the changes necessary to remain in their homes. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers a Specialty Certification in Environmental Modifications (SCEM), although other programs also exist. The association provides a listing of all OTs in the United States who have obtained the certification and, as the list is quite small, this may be a needed area for more OTs to work in! Read this Non-Clinical PT interview with an OT currently working a home modification business as well as this article addressing the positive relationship between OTs and Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS).
What is a CHT?
Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist, or CHT, is a popular choice among both OTs and Physical Therapists (PTs). These therapists specialize in treating hand-related conditions and injuries, as well as providing post-surgical therapy services. Hand Therapists primarily work in hospital-based or private outpatient clinics. The certification process is rather difficult, but well worth it if this is an area you are interested in, as many hand therapy job openings require either a current CHT status or a clinician who is interested in or actively pursuing completion. Certification requires 4,000 hours of experience in hand or solely upper extremity rehabilitation as well as passing a certification exam.
Is occupational therapy competitive?
The occupational therapy field is more competitive than ever before and with more and more students graduating with OT degrees, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. One of the best ways you can stand out in amongst competing job candidates is to take the time to specialize in an area you feel passionate about. Whether you want to work with children, or try your hand at hand therapy, there’s never been a better time to specialize. Here seven of many OT specializations and certifications that may spark your interest.
Do OTs need certification?
Working in this area most likely will require the appropriate credentials. The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics offers certifications in ergonomics, human factors, and user experience. With ongoing growth of technology products, user experience design in particular is well-suited to match with traditional OT values of reaching daily living independence in accordance with an individual’s unique abilities.
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.
What are the requirements for ATP?
Eligibility requirements include: A variety of educational backgrounds are accepted, ranging from high school diploma to Master’s degree or higher. Total hours of assistive tech-related training will depend on the degree received (10, 20, or 30 hours)
What is AOTA in OT?
AOTA considers rehabilitation to be one of the core tenets of OT, as it addresses the needs of individuals with injuries or illnesses that may impact a person’s occupational performance in daily routines and activities. This key practice area aims to return individuals to satisfied levels of participation in the activities they need and want to perform.
What is occupational therapy for children?
Pediatric occupational therapists develop strategies to help physically strengthen their young patients and perform daily life skills in new ways through assistive technology.
When will AOTA turn 100?
In 2017, both the OT profession and AOTA will turn 100. This is why AOTA has been promoting its Centennial Vision, an initiative that celebrates decades of success and considers ways to advance the field of OT well into the 21 st Century.
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.
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.
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.
When will AOTA renew?
Renewal after five years. However, it’s essential to note that the AOTA recently announced that the traditional application process will be changed to an exam-based certification in late 2020. The current portfolio process will accept submissions through December 2019.
How many board certifications are there in AOTA?
There are nine board certifications and specialties offered by the AOTA:
Where do OTs work?
Typically, OTs work in clinical or school settings according to the medical model, with insurance reimbursement. However, there is currently a movement in the field toward working with marginalized people in community-based settings, such as homeless shelters, community mental health sites, and residential facilities. These emerging practice areas are exciting opportunities for OTs, though reimbursement can be challenging.
Whom Do Occupational Therapists Treat?
Occupational therapists work with individuals throughout their lives in a variety of settings, making sure to address not only the physical impairments associated with an individual’s condition, but also the psychological and cognitive aspects.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy involves hands-on work helping people improve their quality of life by engaging in activities that matter to them. “OTs learn about who you are and help you get back to doing the things that are important to you,” says Dr. Maureen Johnson, PhD, MS, OT/L, an assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS).
What certification do you need to be an occupational therapist?
Pass the NBCOT: You will need to pass the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice in your state.
How to become an occupational therapist?
In order to become an occupational therapist, you must complete the following three steps: 1 Complete a bachelor’s degree: The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution. While some graduate schools will accept only a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, most will accept an undergraduate degree in psychology, kinesiology, biology, health science, sociology, or even liberal arts, provided that prerequisite courses have been completed. 2 Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy: In order to become a licensed occupational therapist, you must earn at least a master’s degree, such as a Master of Occupational Therapy. Master’s programs typically take around two years to complete.* If you want to further your career opportunities, you can opt to earn your Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). In the additional study time to earn your doctorate, you will get training in research, advocacy, and leadership. 3 Pass the NBCOT: You will need to pass the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to practice in your state.
How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?
Occupational therapy works holistically with a person to address their physical, mental, and emotional conditions and help them engage better in their daily lives. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is mainly focused on physical movement and healing.
What kind of therapist do you see for a stroke?
A person recovering from a stroke would visit an occupational therapist to learn how to do daily tasks in adaptive ways, such as brushing their teeth and changing clothes.
What is AOTA specialty certification?
Specialty Certifications from AOTA demonstrate that you have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities beyond typical competence. Read “ Mapping the Path to Board and Specialty Certification ” for detailed steps of the process. Applications are accepted each year in June and December. AOTA Speciality Certifications are distinct from AOTA Board Certifications, which are currently not available to OTAs. AOTA Speciality Certifications are offered in the following areas:
What if my supervising therapist does not have the same certification?
This is a question that has popped up several times, and it’s a really good question. Unfortunately, there aren’t any good answers that offer much clarity on the issue. We encourage you to get in contact with your state licensing board for further guidance. And, if you have any insights, please share them in the comments section for us! Hopefully, we can crowdsource some answers!
What is an ATP certification?
If technology excites you, and you work with complex clients (especially those with congenital or progressive disabilities), the ATP certification is a great pick. Offered by RESNA, the ATP designates clinicians who specialize in using assistive technology to help clients participate in ADLs, employment, and education. An ATP might address augmentative and alternative communication, computer accessibility, environmental modifications, vehicle modifications, positioning, sensory aids, seating and mobility, and more.
What does an OT do?
The OT accepts and responds to referrals in compliance with state laws or other regulatory requirements. The OT initiates and directs the screening, evaluation, and re-evaluation process and analyzes and interprets the data in accordance with law, regulatory requirements, and AOTA documents. The OT directs the evaluation process.
What is the primary responsibility of an OT?
Evaluating the client is the primary responsibility of the OT, and that analyzing and interpreting all evaluation data must be carried out by the OT. However, if permitted by the relevant state practice act, the OTA may provide additional information on the client’s performance or administer some standardized assessments once service competency has been demonstrated. Service competency is defined as “the ability of the OTA to obtain the same or equivalent results as the supervising OT in evaluation and treatment”.
What is the role of an OT in an intervention plan?
The OTA is responsible for being knowledgeable about evaluation results and for providing input into the intervention plan, based on client needs and priorities. The OT has overall responsibility for implementing the intervention.
What is the process of occupational therapy?
The occupational therapy service delivery process involves evaluation, intervention planning, intervention implementation, intervention review, and outcome evaluation. Regardless of the setting in which occupational therapy services are delivered, the OT and the OTA assume the following generic responsibilities during evaluation, intervention, and outcomes evaluation.
What is the role of an OT in an evaluation?
The OT directs the evaluation process. The OT initiates and directs the evaluation, interprets the data, and develops the intervention plan. A screening is the process by which a person’s OT needs are assessed. Whether or not an OTA can complete a screening depends on the information required from the screening.
Can an OTA do an evaluation?
An OTA can state or write observations but cannot make an evaluation or determine a need for occupational therapy services. This must be determined by an OT.
Does OTA have to administer the Praxis Test?
In addition, OTA involvement in the evaluation process is limited when using assessments such as the Sensory Integration Praxis Test or the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, which require training to administer that is available only to OTs.
How to add a specialty to OT?
Typically, OTs add a specialty after they have earned their masters of occupational therapy degree and are already working in that specialized area of OT. Adding a specialty involves earning a certificate through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or other certificate-granting organization. In some cases, you must take classes or an exam; in others, proving your prior experience is all that is needed. Rather than being a prerequisite to working in that specialty, a certificate usually serves as proof of prior experience.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapists who earn their Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) help children of all ages with routine activities such as learning, playing, and socializing. They work with children who need help with general functioning, such as walking and feeding, as well as kids with physical and mental disabilities.
How many hours of continuing education do you need to be an OT?
Two years’ experience working in a field that focuses on individuals with autism. Must complete 14 hours of continuing education that directly relates to autism. Must pass IBCCES’s Autism Competency Exam.
What is BCPR in OT?
Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR) is a formal certification, available through the AOTA, that OTs can obtain after working in a variety of OT specialties. According to the AOTA, this specialization includes the ability to “design and implement physical rehabilitation interventions that are client-centered, contextually relevant, and evidence-based to facilitate optimal occupational engagement.”
What is occupational therapy certification?
Occupational therapists who earn a Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or CDCM-A) “are skilled at evaluating a person’s ability and potential to drive, providing education and adaptations to support driving, and providing comprehensive resources and training when driving is no longer safe and other forms of community mobility need to be explored,” according to the AOTA. Some responsibilities of OTs with this specialty include assessing driving readiness in adolescents, helping clients increase their comfort levels with new methods of transportation, and modifying vehicles with adaptive equipment.
What are the different types of occupational therapy?
Types of Occupational Therapy Specialties. 1. Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise. Occupational therapists who work with clients in the water to help them increase mobility, coordination, and muscle tone may earn an Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification (ATRIC).
Is AOTA a portfolio assessment?
The AOTA is currently in the process of changing its eligibility requirements from a portfolio assessment to an exam-based certification process. Check its website for updates.
Hand Therapy
Pediatrics
- Occupational Therapy positions in pediatrics make up a huge portion of the profession’s workforce. Demonstration of excellence within this clinical area is important, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers experienced OTs the opportunity to obtain advanced certification in pediatrics. The association touts advanced certification as one of the “…
Vision
- Vision rehabilitation is a growing field for OTs. Occupational Therapists specializing in low vision educate clients on adaptive techniques, recommend devices, and provide interventions seeking to improve the functional independence of individuals with visual impairments resulting from disease, congenital conditions, or other underlying conditions. Certification in low vision is obtai…
Certified Neuro-Related Specialists
- A challenging yet very rewarding specialty, working with individuals recovering from neurological events takes place within acute hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Clinicians who begin working in this arena often become strongly passionate about all things neuro-related. Two certifications exist that will demonstrate your knowledge an…
Ergonomics
- As corporations continue to seek improved workplace environments, reduced risk for injuries for their staff, and proper workplace positioning, OTs have the potential to advance their position in this field alongside physical therapists and chiropractors as ergonomic professionals. Working in this area most likely will require the appropriate credentials. The Board of Certification in Profes…
Home Modifications
- Occupational Therapists pride themselves on maintaining a holistic mindset and treating a “whole person” rather than just the condition or “affected part” (such as an arm). How better to do this than by addressing environmental factors within the home to help an individual maintain their independence and safety. Home modification specialists help people make the changes necess…
Assistive Technology and Wheelchair Seating
- Occupational Therapy and assistive technology seem like the perfect fit. Similar to OTs working in the home modification business, occupational therapists can be instrumental in identifying appropriate technology to increase an individual’s independence. This is best accomplished through extensive training and knowledge of available technology as well as completion of an A…