What is Occupational Therapist?
An occupational therapist is a trained health care professional who specializes in the field of occupational science and therapy. As an Occupational Therapist, you’ll use scientific bases and a holistic approach to promote people’s daily routines. Aside from the role of a therapist, an Occupational Therapy Assistant also plays an important role in the care of people with a variety of conditions. They work closely with physicians to improve a person’s quality of life and daily routines.
There are several different certifications for occupational therapists. Occupational therapists must maintain a license and obtain further qualifications to practice. They can also get higher salaries and better work-life balance. This means that an Occupational Therapist’s job is rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. As a result, most Occupational Therapists find that a low-stress level, a good work-life balance, and opportunities to grow are the most important factors for job satisfaction.
An Occupational Therapist works with people from all stages of life. They can work with babies with feeding problems, adults with severe physical disabilities, and people with mental illnesses. They can also work with people with schizophrenia to navigate the workplace. Occupational Therapists have specialized training and may earn special certificates to focus on a certain area. Some of these areas include low vision, assistive technology, physical rehabilitation, mental health, school systems, and more.
What is the Role of an Occupational Therapy?
The role of an Occupational Therapist in a child’s development is to improve physical functioning and cope with disabilities. An OT develops and implements programs involving manual arts, functional skills, and education to maximize an individual’s independence, intelligence level, and interest in life. He or she also prepares patients for return to work by consulting with parents and employers, making adjustments to the child’s environment, and completing discharge planning.
Their work focuses on ensuring that children learn how to access the educational environment, which involves providing education on the skills needed for daily living. School-based occupational therapists may also work closely with counselors, teachers, aides, and parents to ensure that the child’s needs are met.
Occupational therapists also help patients in areas outside of their area of expertise. Aside from physical therapy, occupational therapists help patients engage with other health care professionals and participate in their care. In addition to assessing a patient’s functional limitations, occupational therapists may engage with other medical professionals to ensure their treatment plans are effective. Some occupational therapists work in a hospital, while others work in a clinic setting.
Read Our Other Blog:
