Occupational Therapy Makes the 50 Best Jobs in America List

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@hqeducation.com careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

According to Money Magazine, occupational therapy is a program to invest in for the coming decade. A unique combination of a competitive salary and attractive job prospects, the occupational therapy field is looking solid for the future. Here’s what an occupational therapy program might mean for you.

It’s not difficult to see the important role that the occupational therapy field plays in our public health system. Occupational therapy is primarily concerned with the recovery of the mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled. From genetically inherited diseases to workplace accidents, occupational therapists work to return the patient to a normal functioning life. Therapists work in a variety of settings, including short and long-term care facilities, colleges and universities, and even in patients’ homes. The American Occupational Therapy Association has this to say about growth in the field.

Occupational Therapy: Top Program

• Centennial Celebration. In 2017, the occupational therapy field turns a young 100 years old; the perfect time to consider future growth.
• Sports Identity. More occupational therapists are working with athletes who suffer career-ending injuries and need to get back on track.
• New Arenas. Occupational therapy programs are branching out to include treatments of patients with eating disorders and substance abuse.

The bottom line is that there has never been a better time to begin your occupational therapy program. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics echoes Money Magazine’s bright forecast for the occupational therapy field.

The Occupational Therapy Profile

• Entry Degree. A master’s degree or higher in occupational therapy will be the minimum educational requirement beginning in 2007.
• Growing Demand. Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014.
• Part Time Option. More than one quarter of all employed occupational therapists work on a part time basis.

If you want to start down the path of a stable career, an occupational therapy program is the way to go. It’s a growing career with a social conscience.

Sources

American Occupational Therapy Association
Best Jobs in America, Money Magazine
Occupational Therapists, U.S. Department of Labor Statistics

About the Author

Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.