Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists (OTs) use many techniques to help people learn or re-learn to carry out the occupations of daily life such as eating, dressing, writing, cooking, going to work, being a student and doing the other things people want to do. They work with people whose functioning is impaired by physical or mental illness or injury, old age or developmental disabilities. OTs evaluate functional skills, train people to do things such as dress or drive a car in a new way, identify barriers to meaningful activities and help people adapt activities or use adapted equipment to help their clients achieve self sufficiency. OTs often work with other therapists and health professionals as members of a treatment team.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Occupational therapists may choose to specialize in physical rehabilitation, mental health, pediatric (infants and children) or gerontology (elderly) occupational therapy, or may move into an educational or administrative role.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy is required to practice in this profession as a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). This program includes six to nine months of clinical training. Studies include human growth and development, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic use of activities and occupational therapy theory. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible for the examination given by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$43,000 - $60,000.