Ask a Nurse

Type your question here:

Occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries, hone work skills, and perform daily tasks with the goal of optimizing clients' quality of life. The clients of occupational therapists may have a wide variety of disabling conditions such as physical injuries, developmental delays, or mental and/or emotional deficiencies. People in this profession work in rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, and sometimes visit clients' houses.

Training Offered at Occupational Therapist Schools

To become an occupational therapist, one needs to earn a master's degree or a doctorate from an occupational therapist school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Typical classes offered at occupational therapist schools include physics, biology, anatomy, physiology, and behavioral sciences like psychology. After earning the degree, the candidate must pass a national certification exam before working in the field as an occupational therapist.

Outlook for Occupational Therapist Careers

The prospects for those entering occupational therapist careers are good, as jobs are expected to grow 26 percent in the years between 2018 and 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growing elderly population, as well as increased funding for those needing the services of an occupational therapist, supports the positive job outlook. The median salary for occupational therapists was $69,630 a year in 2009, but top earners made just over $100,000 a year.

Read more about becoming an occupational therapist:

• Occupational Therapist Salary