An occupational therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people find ways to do daily activities that they need or want to do. They work with people of all ages with various health issues to adapt surroundings and tasks to help them live better with disabilities and recover from injuries or illnesses. Occupational therapy is a more holistic type of therapy that works to overcome challenges that are mental and social, as well as strengthen or heal the physical body.
Occupational therapists have a Masters degree in occupational therapy, and some may also have a doctorate. They are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an undergraduate college or university and a master’s degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes six to seven years to complete. Occupational therapists work in many different settings such as clinics, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
When you go to an occupational therapist, they will talk with you about your needs and goals, and they will do an evaluation to determine what you need help with. They will then work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. The treatment plan may include exercises, adaptive equipment, and modifications to your environment to help you perform daily activities safely and independently.
The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $93,180 in May 2022, and employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
