Best Careers 2009: Occupational Therapist

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Thanks Michael,
Words of wisdom from a committed pro in the field of Occupational Therapy...I have been a professional artist for 30 years, and at 53, I find myself determined to get into a wonderful master's program for OT training. A profession that inspires and uplifts the human spirit (while solving practical and important day to day problems for people) is more of a gift than a dreaded profession. How many professions offer the highest service to humanity, while being creative, direct, and abiding within the verifiable world of science and art?
Lift up your voice and sing OT's, for you have found true substance in a world that is growing cold and missing human touch and contact.
Caty Carlin
Theater of the Soul

Caty of NC 10:36PM September 23, 2010

I am shocked to see so many OT talking bad about their profession. Sometimes our personal problems transpire to what we do… but quit your job if you are so tired.
I have a BS in psychology, and would like to pursue a master in OT. I work as a case worker for agencies that involves DD population. I have seen how much OT helps individuals improve their quality of life, so I do think OT is worth it.
Now my question is what other areas there are other than geriatric, school, hand therapy?
I am trying to research before I start my master program. Also if anyone know the salary range in California.

Ang of CA 3:35PM September 23, 2010

I'll tell you... I've been an OT for 16 yrs now and it took a good 5 yrs to feel comfortable in my own skin as a clinician with a proficient skill set. There are in upwards of 23 settings you can work in as an OT which few other professions can boast. We are in a unique position, as OT's, to facilitate independence remedially or through compensatory strategies with or without adaptive equipment. I've fabricated custom dynamic splints for hand patients, designed unique sensory diets for autistic students, and worked with low vision community resources to restore independence in low income macular degen patients. As an OT, I've worked with amazing outreach programs and charitable groups to provide adaptive equipment for needy older adults motivated to age in place in-home. It has been a rewarding career and I've done it all while traveling this beautiful countryside as an independent contractor making hourly wages comparable to an MD! For those OT's lost in the shuffle, disgruntled or otherwise feeling invalidated as a contributing allied health professional...you have two choices: 1) find another career...or 2) invest in yourself! Invest in the amazing medical theory and art that is OT! Take a job or internship with a hospital that has a mobile adaptive equipment program! Or try a work hardening program , ergonomics, hand therapy, acute psych units, or a vocational rehab unit for post secondary high-functioning autistic patients. You could work in a TBI or SCI unit. The skill set needed to meet these sometime complex cases' needs would challenge even the most apt clinician. Then there is geriatrics...an OT setting where reimbursement is high and job satisfaction is reportedly low. My advice? Dig deep! Yes, it is an OT's duty to investigate motivational centers in our clients to improve quality of life and restore independence. If that doesn't just open a creative conduit in any OT's mind with social, leisure, ADL and IADL outlets in any plan of care, then YES....perhaps it is time to consider another career path. The field of OT is an amazing profession where science meets the art of living!

Michael Greiner of FL 11:46PM July 18, 2010