While occupational therapy jobs at many places are in high demand, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself to work full-time in one of these positions. Working full-time gives the best dividends in the occupational therapist opportunities available to you, including insurance, vacation, and job predictability.
Occupational therapy jobs at the national average pay around $58,000 per year, with some positions earning upwards of $100,000. Other benefits of occupational therapy jobs include things such as housing and travel allowances if you go out of town and bonuses for performance. This is not a low-paying job, and the demands it places require a special type of person to qualify for the full-time spots.
Before you can start working in the occupational therapy jobs at any level, you will have completed coursework including a bachelor's degree and certification requirements. While in school, you will have practical experience in working with patients. Make sure to define all of your relevant coursework on your resume and emphasize your practical experience.
Many begin their careers in occupational therapy jobs at the part-time level. This is a good way to gain the experience necessary to build up your resume. Working part-time allows you to work in a wide range of settings with flexible hours. The different jobs you might work will give you a wide exposure to patients. This experience will be priceless when you search for full-time types of occupational therapy jobs.
Requirements of occupational therapy jobs demand that you often work one-on-one with patients that might show slow results. Being able to stay optimistic when things are not working like you thought they might is imperative. You must also be creative and be able to adapt your plans according to each patient's strengths and weaknesses.
Physical ability is another consideration when looking for occupational therapy jobs at the full- or part-time level. When working with your patients, you will often be required to lift and help move them. This is something that you will need to be accountable for to stay in the game for these jobs. By being physically fit, you will obviously be much less frustrated with end of the day exhaustion—particularly if you are lifting for an entire shift. It may be more than just being physically fit. If you are petite and have an obese patient, you may not be physically able to handle the patient without hurting yourself. Consider all of these things carefully.
Working part-time allows you flexibility to travel to different locations, provides a variety of occupational therapy jobs in different settings, and gives you an opportunity to start networking. Finding your niche within the different occupational therapy opportunities will only serve to make you even more confident during the job search process for a full-time position.
Once you are ready to transition to full-time work, start getting a portfolio ready to present. Make it complete with treatment plans that you have used and results charting success with your patients using these methods. Be prepared to present a philosophy of your treatment plans, as well as a strong resume and references. Contact prior employers and discuss your plans with them to look for another job so they will be prepared to write a letter of reference.
Once you are armed with some experience and a strong portfolio and resume, start your search for a full-time job. In order to find the best positions, you may want to look outside of your geographical area. Many occupational therapy opportunities may be available in more metropolitan areas than in a rural setting. The higher concentration of hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing/long-term care facilities will make it more probable that you will find a job. Determine where you are willing to relocate and when looking for a job, consider relocating costs and benefits when interviewing. Try to negotiate a relocation stipend to move for the right position.
Keep your net large when searching. The list of options for occupational therapy jobs at all levels is increasing steadily. Hospitals and rehab centers are still the largest employers for occupational therapy jobs, but many home-health and private therapy centers have positions available as well. Adjust your resume or cover letter to emphasize your skills for the specific needs of each position.
With the new job opportunities of occupational therapy jobs arising constantly, keep your options open. Don't get frustrated if at first you work part-time or are not making as much as you expected to. This is a field with an abundance of opportunity, so keep working at a steady pace and keep your eyes open for the job that will be your perfect match. All the experience you are gaining now is just helping you work towards that long-term goal.
You will achieve your dreams of being a full-time occupational therapist and along the way you will get one of the highest job satisfaction rates there is. Watching your patients improve and progress to live a more normal-functioning life is one of the biggest rewards of occupational therapy jobs—more so than the paycheck, ability to travel, and other benefits. Seeing these patients progress lets you know that you have chosen the right career and that you are making a difference.
