Occupational Therapists: Higher Demand Means Higher Educations
By Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@careerschooldirectory.com
Career School Directory Columnist
Aging baby boomers have triggered a need for more occupational therapists. Occupational therapists assist those with physical, developmental, and emotional disabilities. Insurance companies encourage these professionals to take supervisory and administrative roles, requiring a higher level of education. As of 2007, all occupational therapists will be required to earn master's degrees before being licensed. Job opportunities are expected to be plentiful through 2014, and candidates with master's degrees will have an edge over the competition.
Helping Patients Help Themselves
Occupational therapists work with either a broad range of clients, or a particular type of disability. They typically work in hospitals, extended care facilities, or schools. Occupational therapists provide physical therapy to restore strength or physically functionality to those who are injured. They typically teach patients how to use adaptive equipment as well. Some occupational therapists inspect workplaces and suggest accommodations for clients with disabilities.
Those with disabilities learn to adapt to their environments and to feel comfortable with other people - it's a significant aspect of recovery. Occupational therapists may work with clients for years, reporting to physicians and other care givers regarding their clients' progress. You will work with healthcare providers, social workers, and clients' families, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Occupational therapists must be able to provide complicated medical and technical information to a general audience.
Because occupational therapists deal with managerial and administrative aspects of casework, they must rely on physical therapy technicians and therapeutic aides to assist in day to day client care. This requires solid managerial and organizational skills. As requirements for licensure become more stringent, occupational therapists will be expected to be current on medical and technological advances in treatment. If you enjoy learning, are well organized, and enjoy helping and motivating others, a
career as an occupational therapist may be just what the doctor ordered.
Source
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include post-secondary education and medical humanities. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Posted on November 20, 2006 at 3:21 PM
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