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Tags: health, wellness, physical therapy, occupational therapist
 There is a bright career prospect for those considering occupational therapy. In 2006, occupational therapists held 92,000 jobs, most of them working in hospitals. Others worked is various nursing facilities and schools. One out of ten therapists had more than one job. Employment opportunities in the said field are expected to rise beyond the average in 2014.
There is an expansive growth in the number of people suffering from disabilities. This may have been brought about by an increasingly becoming stressful lifestyle. Such is why the demand for occupational therapists is also increasing. Hospitals hire such individuals to handle in-care critical patients. The same can be said with those who are in their outpatient rehabilitation programs.
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How can one qualify as an occupational therapist? The minimum requirement by far is a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s degree might be considered in the future. Obtaining a license means that an occupational therapist must have a degree from an established educational program, after which they should pass the National Certification Exam.
Certain courses should be accomplished for applicants considering the profession. In high school, they should have taken physics, chemistry and health biology. As for undergraduate majors, the following courses are necessary: anatomy, biology, psychology, anthropology and sociology. Certain characteristics are required of an occupational therapist as well. They should be patient and have strong interpersonal skills.
Patience is an essential requirement especially as some patients may not respond quickly. If the therapist would deliver home health care services, they would need to adjust to a variety of home settings. Considering such a profession entails that one should be able to work with people of different ages, and in different settings.
The duties of an occupational therapist mainly include assisting patients in performing their tasks. They can range from using the computer to managing basic daily needs such as eating, cooking and dressing. Patients are facilitated on improving their decision making skills. An occupational therapist guides them on enhancing their memory and coordination.
The same can be said with their perceptual skills. The main aim is to assist the patient in leading an independent life. What exactly are the principles behind occupational therapy that therapists adhere to? Therapists are primarily concerned about human occupations. An occupation plays a crucial role in defining a person’s sense of identity in the society.
People have an inborn, inherent need to express themselves and be operative. Therapists may work with people who have disabilities, or those from different age groups. Employment for therapists in schools is increasing due to the rising rate of disabled students. As of May 2004, the average income for an occupational therapist ranged from $54,000 to $67,000.
An occupational therapist is basically a skilled and able professional, and they are capable of empowering people who are suffering from the stress, anxiety and depression which go with living. As a therapist empowers, they themselves are empowered as theirs is a profession with a significant impact on the lives of others.
In the long run, the effort of the profession is worth it, as lives can be changed, both for the therapist and the patient.
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About the author
The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose recently published a step-by-step guide on how to lose weight the EASY way and become totally healthy and happy. More info on her life-changing eating habits plan HERE.
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