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| Occupational Therapists |
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| Employment Increase: |
60% |
| People In Field: |
64,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$36,750 |
| Qualifications: |
Bachelor's Degree |
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Nature of the Work:
Occupational therapists help individuals with
mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling
conditions to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and
work skills. They not only help patients improve basic motor
functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for
permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help patients
have independent, productive, and satisfying lifestyles.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
A bachelor's degree in occupational therapy is the
minimal requirement for entry into this field. In addition, 36
states and the District of Columbia require a license to
practice occupational therapy. To obtain a license, applicants
must have a degree or a post-bachelor's certificate from an
accredited educational program and pass a national certification
examination given by the American Occupational Therapy
Certification Board. Those who pass the test are awarded the
title of registered occupational therapist.
Job Outlook:
Employment of occupational therapists is expected to
increase much faster than the average for all
occupations through the year 2005 due to anticipated growth in
demand for rehabilitation and long-term care services. There will
be an estimated 64,000 occupational therapists by 2005.
Sources of Additional Information:
For more information on occupational therapy as a
career, a list of education programs, and requirements for
certification, write to:
American Occupational Therapy Association
PO Box 1725
1383 Piccard Dr.
Rockville, MD 20849-1725
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