A good OT is creative, flexible, and a problem-solver, while also being organized and analytical. He or she is also good at working one on one with people

What will I be doing all day?

An occupational therapist helps people with disabilities or injuries develop, recover, or improve the skills they need for daily living or working. Depending on the setting and population, this can involve helping clients with activities ranging from dressing, cooking and eating, to doing school work, improving handwriting, throwing a ball, using a computer, and much more. OTs focus on developing fine and gross-motor skills and planning, and can also help people struggling with self-regulation and sensory processing.

An OT's responsibilities include:

- Assessing and evaluating a patient's skills and needs

- Devising and carrying out a treatment plan with specific goals

- Educating parents and/or caregivers about how to accommodate and help the client achieve his goals

- Demonstrating exercises and recommending special assistive equipment for clients

- Assessing and recording progress, for evaluative purposes, for billing, or for reporting to other medical or educational professionals

- Collaborating with other members of the client's support team — such as teachers, other therapists, or doctors

What kinds of settings can I work in?

An OT can work with a wide variety of populations, from ages 0-3 years to geriatrics; from children with developmental delays to adults with mental illness. Some work settings include:

• -Hospitals
• -Elementary and secondary schools
• -Child development centers and clinics
• -Home healthcare facilities
• -Nursing care facilities
• -Private practice

What kind of schooling do I need?

An occupational therapist needs to graduate from an accredited master’s program, which generally takes 2-3 years to complete, and involves both coursework and at least 24 weeks of supervised clinical experience. After graduating, an OT must become licensed in their state in order to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but they all require the therapist to pass a licensing exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After passing this exam, the therapist can use the letters OTR (Occupation Therapist, Registered) after their name.

Do I have the personality for it?

A good OT is creative, flexible and a problem-solver, while also being organized and analytical. He or she also needs to be someone who is good at working one on one with people and loves helping others, enthusiastic, motivating, and compassionate.

What can I expect to earn?

Some average salaries in the US, per work setting:

Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) - $90,830

Home healthcare services - $89,220

Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists - $87,190

Hospitals: state, local, and private - $85,510

Elementary and secondary schools: state, local, and private - $74,670

(Source: https://collegegrad.com/careers/occupational-therapists)