To become an occupational therapist, one must obtain a master’s degree from an accredited university, complete six months of fieldwork, and pass a national exam. They work with patients who have physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities to improve their daily tasks and quality of life. Occupational therapists can work with patients of all ages and disabilities, from teaching children with disabilities to participate fully in activities to helping elderly patients maintain their independence. Empathy and patience are essential qualities for occupational therapists.
Persons wishing to receive occupational therapist training must obtain a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university or college. Occupational therapists work with patients who suffer from a physical, mental, emotional or developmental disability. They help patients learn how to develop, maintain, or relearn daily tasks associated with work or everyday life.
This work may involve assisting patients with the aim of improving gross and fine motor skills. It may even require the occupational therapist to help the patient cultivate problem-solving skills. In other words, the occupational therapist strives to help patients live full and productive lives despite their impairments.
To enroll in a program that offers occupational therapist training, an aspiring occupational therapist must possess a high school diploma. The high school graduate must further his education by earning a bachelor’s degree. Graduates who have degrees in sociology, biology, liberal arts, anthropology or other relevant subjects are more likely to be accepted into a graduate program in training occupational therapists.
Once enrolled in a graduate program, a student will take courses in the behavioral, biological, and physical sciences. He or she should also take classes in occupational therapy theory and skills. The student will need to successfully complete six months of fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Finally, the student must pass a national exam to obtain certification.
An occupational therapist has a wide variety of job responsibilities as they seek to improve the lives of patients. For example, the therapist can help a patient learn to use a wheelchair or improve memory. An occupational therapist can teach patients with spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy how to perform daily tasks they need to master in order to live independently.
Occupational therapists working with young children can assess the abilities of a child with a disability and suggest classroom modifications to allow the child to participate fully in activities. Therapists may work with elderly patients, assessing their ability to drive safely. They can suggest special equipment that will allow older patients to maintain their driving independence. Other occupational therapists who work with seniors may visit patients’ homes. When assessing the home, therapists identify items in the environment that may cause a dangerous fall in older people.
Some occupational therapists work with mentally disabled patients. They can focus on teaching these patients skills related to shopping, housework, and public transportation. They can even teach you decision-making skills and how to manage time well.
Those who decide to receive occupational therapist training will embark on a career that will allow them to help people improve their quality of life. Whether teaching someone to drive or cooking a meal, occupational therapists must demonstrate empathy and patience. These two important qualities enable therapists to help patients toward the goal of living independent and successful lives.
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