We all have a special job to do—the job of living. Discovering, growing, playing, working, managing our homes, and caring for our families are among the “occupations” of life. Unfortunately, physical, emotional, or other challenges often hamper people from totally participating in the process of living. Disease, injury, depression, or developmental problems can make it difficult for people to do everyday tasks or be active and independent.
Occupational therapy—a vibrant, flourishing profession— makes it possible for people to achieve independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career in occupational therapy, you will matter! You will be able to improve the lives of people, from infants to the very old.
Students in recent times can look forward to dynamic careers working in multiple settings with people of all ages. And the employment prospect for occupational therapists is bright! Recent information published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm) has projected that the job outlook for occupational therapists will strengthen considerably within the next several years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Specifically, it states that “employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014,” meaning that employment is expected to increase by 27% or more. Finding the perfect school is also vitally important and can be researched at: occupationaltherapyschoolsreview.com
One of the most significant advantages of a profession in occupational therapy is the wide variety of opportunities available to occupational therapy graduates. Many practitioners choose to help children thrive in the “occupations” of childhood, which include learning, playing, and growing. Therapists work in schools with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Others work with premature newborns at pediatric hospitals or children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.
Occupational therapists also work along with individuals in their family homes, community centers, rehabilitation hospitals, businesses, and nursing homes. In these settings, occupational therapists help people with traumatic injuries, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or mental health problems, learn to live prospering lives through the use of meaningful occupations.
Those who join the market today may choose other areas of practice that are increasingly important. These new specialties include training workers to use proper ergonomics at the workplace, helping people with low vision build and maintain their independence, making buildings and homes more accessible, older driver evaluation and training, and promoting physical health.
Occupational therapy is a career for individuals who care about people and have a wish to learn, achieve, and contribute their best to society and the profession!