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Occupational therapists help a wide variety of people with physical and mental challenges, from psychologically disabled children to the elderly who have suffered strokes. They develop, teach and evaluate specific rehabilitation programs for each person in an effort to help their patients to live as independently as possible. Occupational therapists work in all areas of health care, including hospitals, private practices, schools, long term and home health care, industry and consulting.

Opportunities for advancement are great, and after working only a short time, Occupational Therapy graduates may advance to become supervisors, clinical educators, case managers and ADA consultants. Starting in 2007 all new occupational therapists had to have a master's degree. Federal studies project the job market to continue to be strong. The average starting salary of an occupational therapist ranges from $38,000 to $45,000.

Certification/Licensure Requirements

Completion of the masters degree does not ensure the ability to practice as an occupational therapist. Following graduation from an accredited school such as Gannon University, students must pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Most states also require state licensure which is based upon graduation from an accredited school and NBCOT initial certification. Additional specific state requirements may apply for continuing licensure.

Individuals with certain types of criminal records (felonies) may be barred from practicing occupational therapy at the national or state level. Individuals with records should contact NBCOT and the occupational therapy licensing board of the state where they would like to practice prior to applying for admission to any OT program. Both of these organizations will do early evaluations of the record and let the individual know if they would be allowed to practice and any restrictions which might apply.

Job Listings

AOTA offers a web site, OTJobLink, which lists some of the jobs available to OTs nationwide.

Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics offers some information about the future hiring prospects for occupational therapists in their Occupational Outlook Handbook