|
Occupational Therapy as a
Profession & Career
Occupational Therapy is the use of purposeful
activity (unique feature) with individuals who
are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial
dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities,
poverty and cultural differences or the aging
process (population) in order to maximize independence,
prevent disability and maintain health (outcome).
The practice encompasses evaluation, treatment
and consultation (processes). Specific services
include: teaching daily living skills, developing
perceptual-motor skills and sensory integrative
functioning; developing play skills and prevocational
and leisure capacities; designing, fabricating
or applying selected orthotic and prosthetic devices
or selective adaptive equipment; using specifically
designed crafts and exercises to enhance functional
performance; administering and interpreting tests
such as manual muscle and range of motion, and
adapting the environment of the handicapped (means).
The services are provided individually, in groups,
or through social service systems (programs).
Career Growth Options
Pediatrics, community health, independent living,
hand rehabilitation, substance abuse, infant care,
stroke rehabilitation, geriatrics, developmental
disabilities, home health, cerebral palsy, work
hardening, mental retardation, prevention, rehabilitation
technology, case management and mental health.
A master's degree opens opportunities for advancement
into administration, research or teaching.
Career Outlook
Using data provided by the American Occupational
Therapy Association, by the year 2000, there will
be 48,000 openings, including 16,000 new positions.
Recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures
estimate a 60 percent increase in the demand for
occupational therapists by 2005.
Employment Options
Health care centers, public and private schools,
rehabilitation centers, psychiatric institutions,
skilled nursing facilities, private practices,
community agencies, independent living centers,
home health care, hospitals and industry.
Starting Salaries
High 30's to Low 40's |
