OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY….WHAT IS IT?
If one is interested in joining he occupational therapy profession;there needs to be a clear understanding of what the profession entails. This is a profession that provides an important service to individuals that have problems in carrying out their daily routines due to injury, illness or some type of disability. The therapists provide training to the patients helping them to strengthen their bodies so that they can function better. These activities can be as simple as dressing to more complicated tasks like writing or using technological media. Occupational therapists and assistants can work in hospitals, geriatric institutes, schools, homes and even on certain work sites where patients may be employed. It is important that the therapists have the proper qualifications and certifications. So what are these?
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND ASSISTANTS
The OT must have a BA and an MA in the field.
The OTA must have an AA in the field to be able to practice.
There is a National Accreditation certificate that is required of all technicians whether OT or OTA.
It is also recommended that candidates for this profession know that they should also attend workshops and seminars that provide the latest trends and methods affiliated with therapy. Some of these courses might be:
Courses in geriatric care
Courses in the care of infants and young children
Courses related to the latest disabilities
Courses that deal with the administrative aspect of the work (technology)
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FIELD (SALARIES AND BENEFITS)
…………Salaries can be noted from $32,000 to $104,000. The difference seems to reflect location of the job, experience levels, and increased qualifications (higher degrees).
Just as in any other profession or trade, the salary entry levels for a new grad may be a little lower than for those who have experience on their resume, however, there is also evidence that increases come with performance and increased knowledge in the profession. Job opportunities in the occupational therapy and assistant profession are very good at this time. There is an increase in the need for geriatric care and also for work with children in schools and workmen on the job. As more and more people reach old age, the institutes that service these patients need professionals to help with physical problems. Finding a job appears to be positive in this particular profession.
At this time there are at least 150 universities and colleges nationwide that provide training and certification classes in the field of OT and OTA. Some offer MA programs and doctoral programs as well.
ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES
Kaplan and Devry Universities provide classes in the Occupational Therapy profession.
Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale Florida also has many courses.
There are however many online continuing education courses available for ongoing training in the field. One can actually locate many of these through a careful Online exploration so that the courses and CEU (Continuing Education Units) can be properly selected.
The professional candidate needs to keep abreast with the latest methods and by attaining the knowledge and the dispositions necessary; yes quality of care will increase. While the care increases and the knowledge base also increases, there is also a greater expectation from the clients therefore, yes responsibility does become even more of an issue. The professional needs to be well qualified and ready to take on any problem in a professional manner.
IMPORTANCE OF THE PROFESSION
As one can see, this is a profession that is not only important but vital. As the number of patients rises in rehab homes, senior citizen centers and schools; the need for qualified therapists also increases. By going in this profession one not only provides medical care and assistance, but provides a service to better the life of a human being. Good luck as you pursue this noble profession.
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