|
Occupational therapists in hospitals and other
health care and community settings usually work a
40-hour week.
Those in schools may participate in meetings and
other activities during and after the school day.
More than a quarter of occupational therapists work
part time.
In large rehabilitation centers, therapists may
work in spacious rooms equipped with machines,
tools, and other devices generating noise.
The work can be tiring, because therapists are on
their feet much of the time. Those providing home
health care services may spend time driving from
appointment to appointment.
Therapists also face hazards such as back strain
from lifting and moving clients and equipment.
Therapists increasingly are taking on supervisory
roles. Because of rising health care costs,
third-party payers are beginning to encourage
occupational therapist assistants and aides to take
more hands-on responsibility. By having assistants
and aides work more closely with clients under the
guidance of a therapist, the cost of therapy should
decline.
Many occupational therapists work with the following
professionals:
- Occupational Therapist Assistants
- Occupational Therapist Aides
- Occupational Therapist assistants
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist Assistants and
- Physical Therapist Aides.
Occupational therapists use specialized knowledge
to help individuals perform daily living skills and
achieve maximum independence. Other workers
performing similar duties include audiologists,
chiropractors, recreational therapists,
rehabilitation counselors, respiratory therapists,
and speech-language pathologists. |
