Travel occupational therapists help individuals of all ages develop, regain, or maintain functional skills in physical, mental, emotional, and social areas of their lives. They travel to multiple locations and must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy, a national certification, and up-to-date licenses. They earn an average of $86,000 per year, plus benefits, expenses, and educational opportunities.
The job description of a travel occupational therapist (OT) is similar to an on-site occupational therapist in that he or she typically performs the same basic tasks. The therapist’s work focuses on helping individuals of all ages develop, regain, or maintain functional skills in the physical, mental, emotional, and/or social areas of their lives. The main objective of a TA is to improve the client’s quality of life and independence in carrying out routine daily tasks. The obvious difference between the two positions is that the travel occupational therapist visits multiple locations rather than just working in an office. Such stipulated travel may be within the same region, allowing the TA to commute, or may require relocation to a temporary position, nationally or internationally.
As a member of the allied health workforce, a TA’s focus is on the clients to whom he or she provides therapy. One occupational therapist might work with children in school programs, while another might work with seniors in nursing homes. Still other occupational therapists may travel between hospitals and private practices to work with clients of different ages. Primary duties include helping clients improve their fine motor skills, range of motion and thinking ability, as well as helping them acquire new skills to make up for lost skills.
Among the travel occupational therapist job requirements are, of course, the ability and desire to travel rather than work in a location. A travel TA should typically have at least a bachelor’s degree, if not a master’s degree, in occupational therapy. He or she must also pass a national certification exam, as well as meet any mandatory education and certification requirements for advanced or specialized areas of expertise. Travel OT must also keep their license up to date and obtain permits for specific destinations before commencing work there.
As with many other health-related careers, occupational therapist jobs are plentiful and well-paying, varying by years of experience and actual place of work. A traveling occupational therapist receives an award precisely because he or she is willing to travel and reside in multiple locations. For example, based on current data as of July 2011, a US-based travel occupational therapist could average approximately $86,000 in annual salaries. In addition to high earnings, these therapists typically receive benefits, paid expenses, travel reimbursement, and ongoing educational opportunities. Anyone with valid training who yearns for the adventure of visiting other regions, or even other countries, to make a difference in people’s lives would likely have a career as an occupational therapist.
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