Occupational Therapist (OT) Salary

An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in certain therapies that are intended to relate directly with improving a person's ability to function in daily living and working activities. OTs frequently aid patients in recovering their motor skills and they may help them learn how to once again independently dress themselves, cook, use a computer, write, and many different activities requiring strength and dexterity of the hands and fingers.
An OT's working environment varies from hospitals to private physical and occupational therapy practices, as well as at patients' homes. OTs may work regular hours Monday through Friday from 8 or 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. Alternately, their hours may be after work or school in the evening or even on the weekends. OTs can work with a variety of people as well: They work with the patient requiring therapy, sometimes with a parent, caretaker, or other family member of the patient, other occupational and physical therapists and physicians. The tools they work with range from everyday items such as pencils and paper to different exercise equipment. They may also teach a patient how to use certain tools that may help them reach something when they are too physically restricted to do so without aid. Requirements for becoming an OT are at least a two year degree in occupational therapy as well as an occupational therapy license.
OTs are very important in helping people to be more independent when disabled and to get those who are able back into fully functioning form. This is a rewarding career in that the therapist is helping people to improve their lives.

Occupational Therapist (OT) Tasks