“The goal,” the bureau continues, “is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.”
Do your goals align with those of an occupational therapist? Do you strive to help others? Are you interested in cognitive issues, including the problems faced by patients who have or have had multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, strokes, or brain injuries? If so, occupational therapy might be the right field for you.
So, read on to discover what the qualifications, training, and responsibilities of an occupational therapist specializing in cognitive therapy are. Plus, find out what the current occupational therapy job market looks like.
The Qualifications and Training of Occupational Therapists Specializing in Cognitive Therapy
All occupational therapists must be licensed to practice occupational therapy. This means they not only have to pass state and national exams, they must also have a master’s degree and “six months of supervised fieldwork,” according to the bls.gov website.
One suggestion for people preparing to become occupational therapists is to major in biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, or anatomy. But along with obtaining an education, volunteering is also important, especially any volunteer work in the healthcare field.
After receiving a degree, those interested in occupational therapy are required to “graduate from an accredited educational program and pass a national certification examination.” Upon passing this exam, they will gain the title “Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).”
But along with an education and a license, there are other qualifications needed to become an occupational therapist. Having patience and “strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and respect in…clients” is also important.
For furthering your education and learning more about cognitive therapy, taking courses like “Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders” is suggested. Learn from an experienced doctor “how to treat patients with personality disorders and other chronic, self-defeating problems,” says prpress.com.
The Responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist Specializing in Cognitive Therapy
Those interested in specializing in cognitive therapy will most likely work with patients who have had a stroke and/or brain injury. Patients may also have multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
According to bls.gov, “Some occupational therapists treat individuals whose ability to function in a work environment has been impaired. These practitioners might arrange employment, evaluate the work space, plan work activities, and assess the client’s progress. Therapists also may collaborate with the client and the employer to modify the work environment so that the client can successfully complete the work.”
Current Job Market of Occupational Therapists Specializing in Cognitive Therapy
In 2006, there were 99,000 occupational therapy jobs; however, come 2016, the projected amount of jobs is 122,000. And, according to Salary.com, the average annual income of an occupational therapist ranges from $58,952 to $71,813.
