Occupational Therapist
General Information
Career Cluster: Health Science
Career Pathway: Therapeutic Services Pathway
Job Description: An occupational therapist works with people who have physical or cognitive disabilities and helps them with their daily lives.
Earnings at Entry Level in Wisconsin: $22.91 per hour, $47,660 per year
Earnings at Entry Level Nationally: $23.52 per hour, $48,920 per year
2010 and 2020 Employment Statistics: In 2010, 108,800 people were employed as an occupational therapist and in 2020 there is a predicted 145,200 people employed. The number of people from 2010 to 2020 go up 33% because occupational therapy is a very effective type of therapy and people from the baby boom are aging.
Related Occupations: Athletic Trainers and Recreational Therapists
Sources for more Information: American Occupational Therapy Association
Career Pathway: Therapeutic Services Pathway
Job Description: An occupational therapist works with people who have physical or cognitive disabilities and helps them with their daily lives.
Earnings at Entry Level in Wisconsin: $22.91 per hour, $47,660 per year
Earnings at Entry Level Nationally: $23.52 per hour, $48,920 per year
2010 and 2020 Employment Statistics: In 2010, 108,800 people were employed as an occupational therapist and in 2020 there is a predicted 145,200 people employed. The number of people from 2010 to 2020 go up 33% because occupational therapy is a very effective type of therapy and people from the baby boom are aging.
Related Occupations: Athletic Trainers and Recreational Therapists
Sources for more Information: American Occupational Therapy Association
Education and Training
High School Education:
Helpful Courses at D.C. Everest- AP Biology, Exploring Health Careers, Medical Terminology, and Physics
Post High School Education/Training:
Colleges and Universities in Wisconsin- Carthage College and Concordia University
Degree- Master's degree in occupational therapy
Special Requirements:
Licenses and Certifications- Pass the National Board for Certification of occupational therapists and take classes to maintain certification.
Characteristics and Abilities- Good communication skills, patience, and compassion
Beyond Education: You could talk to a therapist and see what they have to say about the job and what they do.
Opportunity for Advancement: The only way to advance is to get an advance degree.
Helpful Courses at D.C. Everest- AP Biology, Exploring Health Careers, Medical Terminology, and Physics
Post High School Education/Training:
Colleges and Universities in Wisconsin- Carthage College and Concordia University
Degree- Master's degree in occupational therapy
Special Requirements:
Licenses and Certifications- Pass the National Board for Certification of occupational therapists and take classes to maintain certification.
Characteristics and Abilities- Good communication skills, patience, and compassion
Beyond Education: You could talk to a therapist and see what they have to say about the job and what they do.
Opportunity for Advancement: The only way to advance is to get an advance degree.
Nature of Work
Everyday Work: An occupational therapist uses observations, answers, and medical history to evaluate a patient's conditions and needs. They also establish treatment plans for patients.
Working Conditions: An occupational therapist works about 40 hours a week. Something they may have to do while working is lift and move a patient.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Two advantages are that you get to work with people which I enjoy doing and you get to help others who need help. Two disadvantages are it could be a stressful job because of the amount of work and you have to be very patient.
Working Conditions: An occupational therapist works about 40 hours a week. Something they may have to do while working is lift and move a patient.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Two advantages are that you get to work with people which I enjoy doing and you get to help others who need help. Two disadvantages are it could be a stressful job because of the amount of work and you have to be very patient.
Opinion
I think this is a good possibility for me because I think it is nice to work with people and help them. I also think this job would be a challenge which would be nice because I like challenges, but it could also be stressful.