Occupational Therapist

Loading state data...

Loading state data...

  Career Profile

Occupational Therapist

What they do

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

Also Called: Assistive Technology Trainer, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Early Intervention Occupational Therapist, Home Health Occupational Therapist, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant, Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist (Pediatric OT), Pediatrics and Acute Care Occupational Therapist, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR), Assistive Technology Trainer, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Early Intervention Occupational Therapist, Home Health Occupational Therapist, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant, Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist (Pediatric OT), Pediatrics and Acute Care Occupational Therapist, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR)

$65,210
Starting Salary (2023)
$96,370
Median Salary (2023)
11.5%
Projected Job Growth
144,840
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Complete and maintain necessary records.
Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.
Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Concern for Others
Self-Control
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Monitoring
Service Orientation
Judgment and Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension

Expected Knowledge

Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

What can I do with this major? Logo

Explore 106 major profiles, common career paths and strategies to maximize opportunities.

Visit Site
My Next Move logo

Search career information in detail by keywords, browse by industry, or via your interests.

Visit Site
Career OneStop Logo

Explore career options, find training and education, plan for your job search and find local help and services.

Visit Site
BLS OOH logo

The Occupational Outlook Handbook - browse occupations and resources and explore occupation groups.

Visit Site
O*NET logo

The nation's primary source of occupational information. Complete data and information breakdowns for all careers.

Visit Site