An occupational therapist has an important role. Working in this position, therapists help patients through therapy sessions in a one-on-one setting. During these therapy sessions, the occupational therapists job involves assisting patients with life skills by improving the physical, mental, and social skills of the patients. The responsibility of working with patients that have limited abilities makes this one of the most rewarding fields available. The rewards of seeing your patient beginning to develop the ability to function in a normal role makes those working in occupational therapy a special group of people.
Being an occupational therapist requires a special type of person. Since the results may not always be quickly forthcoming, creativity and imagination are essential for adapting to individuals. Having both patience and the ability to gain the trust of clients are essential elements to achieving results.
When looking for employment, an occupational therapist has a variety of environments to work in. These include places such as nursing-care or nursing-home centers, hospital environments, private therapy centers, and in-home health care.
One of the primary components of being a good occupational therapist is to be in good physical shape. When you begin your job search, keep good health in mind. Employers will notice if you seem able to do the physical aspects of the job during an interview. Not only will your health affect your ability to deal with your patients, but it is also important in helping you deal with the stresses that can happen with jobs in occupational therapy.
Salaries for part-time jobs in occupational therapy vary considerably. For those working full-time, the annual average comes in around $58,000. The top 10% of an occupational therapist position earns upwards of $90,000 every year. Other benefits of working in part-time settings are travel stipends, housing allowances, and bonuses, depending on whom you are working for.
The total salary should be figured after the cost of benefits and insurance is added to the annual income. Since the occupational therapist has such an important role and is in high demand, most companies work to attract quality candidates. It is important to shop around for the best offers. Just keep in mind that your level of education, your certifications, experience, and geographic locale will make a big difference in where you work.
Your resume should of course be stellar. Make sure that you have your education listed prominently. When applying for an occupational therapist job, list your bachelor's degree and any subsequent course work as well as all fulfilled national certification requirements on your resume. You will also want to highlight any other certifications and experience that shows your qualifications. As with most jobs, the more schooling you have, the more qualified you are for the advanced positions.
If you want to want to make a lasting impression as an applicant for the occupational therapist job, consider submitting a portfolio of your experience. Include any written plans you have made for clients to help improve the level of functioning. In this portfolio, you may want to include a chart of progress, any written plans you made to develop your plan of action, and any methods you used. While the medical records are of course confidential, the plan for treatment is a fantastic tool to demonstrate your skills and level of performance to potential employers.
If you have kept notes from your school, write a sample plan of treatment if you have not gained actual work experience. The extra time you take investing in your resume, cover letter, and portfolio will help you stand out for the better jobs in occupational therapy.
Jobs in occupational therapy have a higher growth expectation over the next several years as the population ages. With the aging population, there will be more people experiencing strokes and heart attacks. In addition, the advance of medical science is giving those with serious injuries a better chance of survival, and during recovery many will need therapy due to extensive injuries physically and mentally. The acute hospitals, orthopedic settings, and rehab centers are likely going to employ a large number of occupational therapist, but new areas are emerging.
If you are looking for jobs in occupational therapy, you are sure to have a good selection of location, income, benefits, and job satisfaction. This is one field where job security does not seem to be a concern, and the earning should continue to hold a good rate. The combination of educational requirements and social skills of a good occupational therapist make the right person a precious commodity to the medical community. If you have what it takes and you spend the time to find the right position, there are many part-time jobs in occupational therapy that will fit your life and income needs while at the same time allowing you to make a difference in someone' s life.
