THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Occupational Therapist  (Rehabilitation Professions) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Occupation Therapy field? 1. Education: Gone are the days of one’s resources being limited to what is in one’s personal library or in the public or university library. Now you have limitless resources by searching the Internet for free articles, articles for purchase, online bookstores, etc. You may also find continuing education courses this way rather than waiting for whatever happens to arrive in the mail. Students no longer use overhead projectors and slides for presentations. Instead they bring a laptop and give a Power Point presentation complete with digital pictures or video input into the computer for visual aids. 2. Research: As described above, resource information for research is easily [available] via the Internet in addition to traditional resources. Computers would also provide easy communication between researchers. This allows the same study to take place in multiple sites simultaneously thereby make it easier to collect large amounts of data in less time. The data could be compiled and analyzed and shared by all on the computer. 3. Direct Patient Care: [Occupational] Therapists are able to answer questions related to diagnoses patients have via the Internet. They can seek guidance with treatment through chatrooms sponsored by their professional organizations. They can collect information regarding adaptive equipment options for patients to deal with a particular disability or home modification dilemma. [Occupational] Therapists working with younger populations probably regularly utilize personal computers in their treatment as it is part of the daily routine of most children and adults. Occupational Therapist (2 of 2) Occupational Therapist - Did-You-Know: 1. Occupational therapy (OT) students are taking notes on laptops, communicating with classmates and professors regarding coursework and researching various topics on the internet. 2. OT students are using their laptops and/or desktop computers to prepare and deliver presentations for class. All of our students are required to do PowerPoint presentations several times throughout the program. How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Occupational Therapy field? 1. Education: We are doing a lot with Web-based courses, especially with our weekend class. Assignments are posted on a website, as well as course-related discussions and assignments. In terms of applying technology used throughout their coursework to that in the healthcare clinics, students are very proficient in computer skills and seem to be efficient in electronic clinic paperwork. 2. Research: Students use the internet library as well as online resources to complete the majority of their research. They use the internet to locate journals, etc. for their research. 3. Direct patient care: Students are very proficient in computer skills and seem to be efficient in electronic clinic paperwork. 4. Administrative issues: We use technology for grading purposes in OT school, communication, management for human resources, and marketing. In the clinics, technology is used with communication as well as education purposes. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Occupational therapists (OTs) help people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists not only help clients improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also compensate for permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Recording a client`s activities and progress is an important part of an occupational therapist`s job. Accurate records are essential for evaluating clients, billing, and reporting to physicians and others. Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types, ranging from using a computer, to caring for daily needs such as dressing, cooking, and eating. Occupational therapists may use computer programs to help clients improve decision-making, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and perceptual skills, as well as memory, sequencing, and coordination-all of which are important for independent living. For those with permanent functional disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, therapists instruct in the use of adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, splints, and aids for eating and dressing. They also design or make special equipment and teach clients with severe limitations how to use the equipment in order to better communicate and control various aspects of their environment. Some occupational therapists treat individuals whose ability to function in a work environment has been impaired. They arrange employment, plan work activities, and evaluate the client`s progress. Occupational therapists may work exclusively with individuals in a particular age group, or with particular disabilities. In schools, for example, they evaluate children`s abilities, recommend and provide therapy, modify classroom equipment, and in general, help children participate as fully as possible in school programs and activities. Occupational therapy is also beneficial to the elderly population. Therapists help senior citizens lead more productive, active, and independent lives through a variety of methods, including the use of adaptive equipment. Occupational therapists in mental health settings treat individuals who are mentally ill, mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed. To treat these problems, therapists choose activities that help people learn to cope with daily life. Activities include time management skills, budgeting, shopping, homemaking, and use of public transportation. They may also work with individuals who are dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, or stress related disorders. Mean annual salary for this position is $59,510. WHERE EMPLOYED: The largest number of jobs was in hospitals, including many in rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals. Other major employers include offices and clinics of occupational therapists and other health practitioners, school systems, home health agencies, nursing homes, community mental health centers, adult daycare programs, job training services, and residential care facilities. Some occupational therapists are self-employed in private practice and may see clients referred by physicians or other health professionals. They may also contract to provide consulting services to a variety of agencies. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Occupational therapists need patience and strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and respect in their clients. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs are assets. Ease in adapting to new settings is also an asset. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: A master`s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into this field. All states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia regulate occupational therapy. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from an accredited educational program, and pass a national certification examination. Those who pass the test are awarded the title of registered occupational therapist. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Persons considering this profession should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, art, and the social sciences. College admissions offices also look favorably at paid or volunteer experience in the health care field. Occupational therapy coursework includes physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, and the application of occupational therapy theory and skills. Completion of 6 months of supervised fieldwork also is required. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/9/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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