Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist helps individuals learn to perform tasks that improve their daily lives, whether it is at work or home. They assist people with disabling conditions such as emotional, mental, developmental or physical problems and help them maintain or acquire work and daily living skills. Their goal is to help people improve their reasoning abilities or basic motor functions so they can lead more productive, independent lives.

An occupational therapist helps some clients learn or relearn daily activities such as feeding themselves, grooming, cooking, dressing and bathing or behavior modification training. They teach clients with disabling physical conditions how to use physical exercise and therapy to increase their dexterity, mobility and strength or discern patterns to improve their visual acuity. For people with permanent disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries or muscular dystrophy, an occupational therapist instructs them on using adaptive equipment or computer-aided equipment such as wheelchairs. For clients with severe limitations, they instruct people on different ways to use equipment to communicate better or get around easier and safely. For individuals whose functioning abilities at work are impaired, they work with the client and the employer to modify or evaluate their clients work and work environment.

An occupational therapist often chooses to work exclusively with certain disabilities or age groups. Some work in schools with disabled children while others choose mental health settings. Here they assist clients who are emotionally disturbed or mentally disabled. They help the elderly use adaptive equipment and learn skills so they lead more active, independent and productive lives. Occupational therapists need strong people skills and patience.

Common work activities include:

• Assessing and interacting with doctors and patients to determine future goals and reasonable expectations for increasing physical abilities.
• Developing therapy programs that are specific for the individual. This may include teaching clients how to use a prosthesis or a specific type of adaptive equipment.
• Overseeing the occupational therapy sessions and giving feedback to the client on progress and improvements.
• Motivating and supporting clients as they learn new skills and daily exercises and increase their abilities.
• Helping family members understands the goals of the occupational therapy program.
• Keeping accurate records and charts on patient progress and problems or concerns.
• Reporting to physicians or members of the treatment team regarding the therapy progress or problems.

Programs related to Occupational Therapist careers

Top Online College Degree Programs

	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University has a wide range of programs available for individuals who want to make a career change or improve their job prospects. As a leader in online education, Kaplan delivers innovative, relevant, and convenient education.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University aims to make education accessible and affordable for every kind of student. Students can enhance their career opportunities without sacrificing commitments to work, family, or the military.
	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. University of Phoenix is an outstanding university with programs offered both online and on campus. Phoenix is committed to helping students develop intellectually and personally in order to reach their career goals.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Liberty University is an evangelical school that offers programs online and on campus. Individuals who want to change career fields or advance in their current field will be able to obtain their degree in a flexible and affordable manner at Liberty.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. AIU is a career-oriented education that prepares students to take on today's fastest-growing jobs. With students all over the world, AIU is able to cater to the individual needs and career goals of every type of student.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. DeVry University provides students with a practical, hands-on education from instructors who are accomplished in their respective field. DeVry has programs for students on campus and online so students can get their degree in an affordable, flexible way.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University designs degree programs for today's fastest-growing job markets. For this reason, Everest graduates are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
	Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College is a career-oriented college that prepares students to meet the needs of today's fast-changing job market. Students can advance or change their career without putting the rest of their lives on hold.