Occupational therapists study how people perform tasks and come up with a plan to help them do them better. They might visit the patient’s home, workplace, or even your child’s school to help them with daily activities. They can recommend moving furniture or using an assistive device. They may also show you how to perform simple tasks. Here’s what you need to know about occupational therapy. Read on to learn more about this career and its salary.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists analyze how people perform everyday tasks and devise plans to help them improve their performance. An OT may visit the patient’s home, workplace, or even child’s school to help the patient achieve independence. They can suggest moving furniture or an assistive device to make daily activities easier for the patient. Occupational therapists may also help children learn how to do their daily chores.
Another important aspect of occupational therapy is that the career requires good communication skills, which may make it difficult for some people. They must also be confident in their communication ability, as they often work with other professionals and employees to explain treatment plans. In addition to clients and family members, occupational therapists also work closely with doctors and employers.
Career options
Occupational therapy assistants work closely with patients to improve their daily lives. Their role allows them to develop a close relationship with patients and sometimes work in their homes. Moreover, this job offers low stress and excellent job satisfaction. You will work closely with patients as an occupational therapist, ensuring high-quality care. You can change the settings you work in to fit your interests and personal goals. And if you’re looking for a change of scenery, occupational therapy assistants are a great choice. You may check occupational therapy providers to learn more about this.
Occupational therapy graduates may find themselves at a crossroads after graduation. Perhaps they’re not satisfied with the clinical life or have burned out. Fortunately, many other opportunities are available for those who want a career that does not involve patient care. Consider nonclinical occupational therapy jobs! These roles may surprise you, but they will provide you with a wide range of skills and experience that will serve you well in any setting.
Career options in occupational therapy may include hospital and rehabilitation settings and private practice. There are opportunities to work in educational settings with children or the elderly. However, if you’re ambitious and wish to travel extensively, you can set up your private practice and work from home. And, of course, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement in this career. But whatever route you choose, you’ll never feel bored. Occupational therapy may be an excellent choice if you’re passionate about helping others.
Salary
As with any other career, a good starting salary depends on location and specialization. For example, an OT in a hospital or skilled nursing facility earns more than one who works in an adult day care setting. While both positions are rewarding, they may not offer the same level of productivity push. You can get a decent salary as an OT if you have the right combination of education and experience. To start your career in an occupational therapy facility, learn about the typical compensation in the area you’d like to work.
Occupational therapists earn an average salary of $65,590 during their first year out of school. That average salary is boosted by an additional $8,000 per year after six years of experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes salary data regularly and is usually accurate for two years. A graduate with experience can earn a median salary of $75,000 in two to three years. There are many ways to boost one’s resume. Volunteering with an occupational therapy organization or clinic, working for special needs camps, or even working in a specialized field can all contribute to a resume.
A recent American Occupational Therapy Association survey found that 85% of newly graduated OTs received their first job offer within three months of graduation. Eighty-four percent of recent graduates also obtained employment in their preferred practice settings. It means that occupational therapists have a bright future ahead of them! Remember that a good salary is not the only consideration for a job search; make sure you’re qualified before making the decision.