- Because it's good to be in demand...
Occupational therapists, like many medical professionals, are in high demand right now. That demand is only going to grow moving forward. As an occupational therapist, you can take your career in numerous directions. Some of the most common are clinical practice and specializing in geriatrics or pediatrics. Some OTs pursue careers in research and development. Others pass their knowledge and experience along to future generations in the world of academia. Each of those can certainly be a rewarding choice.
Of course, finding occupational therapist jobs in other arenas is also possible. Once you earn your degree, you have an array of options. Consider some of the following as you’re deciding where to take your career.
Hand Therapy
Occupational therapists who specialize in hand therapy help patients with conditions that affect their hands, wrists, and forearms. They may teach patients how to improve their strength, flexibility, and dexterity. They can help patients learn or relearn fine motor skills. OTs in this branch of the field may also create custom orthotics for their patients.
They may recommend adaptive equipment to help patients with everyday tasks as well, like writing aids, wrist supports, angled utensils, and vertical mice for their computers. It’s no secret that the use of our hands is essential, but most people don’t realize just how much we rely on them. Losing function in the hands can be devastating, but OTs can help people overcome that issue.
Ergonomics
OTs who specialize in ergonomics often work with employers and their employees. They may evaluate workspaces and recommend ways to make them safer, more comfortable, or more accessible for employees. They may also help with developing strategies and equipment for reducing injuries from repetitive motions.
In this field, OTs can work with employees to teach them how to do their jobs more safely. For example, they may help train workers in proper lifting, pushing, and pulling techniques. They can likewise help businesses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act by making sure their workspaces accommodate employees with special needs.
Mental Health
Occupational therapists are essential in mental health as well. In settings like this, they help patients learn or regain social and daily living skills. They may teach patients how to manage stress, interact with others, and develop daily routines. They also help patients learn to carry out everyday tasks, like budgeting and finding jobs. An OT’s role in mental health is to help patients live relatively normal lives despite the issues they may be living with.
Consulting
Another option for occupational therapists is consulting. As a consultant, you might work with any number of businesses or organizations. You could help schools accommodate students with special needs or aid companies in improving accessibility for employees and visitors. You could work with cities as well to make their public spaces more suitable for people with different needs. OT consultants even serve as expert witnesses in court cases that involve personal injuries, disability discrimination, and other relevant issues.
Choosing Your Occupational Therapy Career Path
As an occupational therapist, there are numerous career paths you could follow. Those listed here are only a few of the possibilities. You could choose one of the typical routes or branch out into one of the relatively new areas of the field, like sensory integration therapy or developing smart home technology for people with disabilities. This field is constantly growing and changing, and no matter which path you choose, you’re sure to alter your patients’ lives for the better.