OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS California Occupational Guide Number 143 Interest Area 13 1995
THE JOB
Occupational therapists plan and direct programs designed to help mentally,
emotionally and physically disabled patients become self-sufficient. These programs include educational, vocational and rehabilitative activities. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable patients to gain confidence, to adapt to their particular handicap and to use their time in ways that are rewarding to them.
Occupational Therapists, working with the doctor and patient, decide on a plan of therapy which meets the needs of that patient. Therapists must consider the type of developmental delay, injury, or mental deficiency, the rehabilitation goals which can realistically be met and the psychological needs patients may develop because of their disability. Frequently, therapists work as members of a team comprised of physicians, physical therapists, vocational counselors, nurses and others.
Occupational Therapists teach many types of activities to enhance or restore function. Therapists instruct patients in relearning daily living routines such as dressing, eating, using the telephone, handling money and a variety of homemaking tasks. Often therapists design special equipment (feeding devices, clothing adaptations, or splints) to enable patients to perform these tasks. Therapists direct activities designed to help patients with balance and coordination problems, with injuries, to their nervous systems, or to help children whose nervous systems are not developing normally. These exercises include gross coordination tasks like bike riding or jumping, fine coordination tasks such as cutting or folding paper and exercises in sharpening the senses of touch, smell, sight and sound. Manual skills such as typing or the use of power tools are taught not only to help restore physical mobility, but also to help the patient prepare for future employment or other community roles.
Occupational Therapists may supervise other Occupational Therapists, certified occupational assistants, occupational therapy aides or activity leaders. Some therapists teach in occupational therapy programs in colleges and universities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Occupational Therapists work in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, school systems, psychiatric facilities, convalescent homes and in private practice. They may work in a clinic room with specific therapeutic tools or at the patient's bedside. Therapists in private practice may go to clients' homes. The physical working conditions are usually good: well-lighted, heated, clean rooms. A constant working condition, however, is the therapist's contact with sick or injured people.
Therapists in California can belong to the Occupational Therapy Association of California, the local affiliate of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 3,430 Estimated number of workers in 2005 4,840 Projected Growth Percentage 1990-2005 41% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,370
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The overall outlook for Occupational Therapists in California is good. The number of Occupational Therapists certified in California is 3,800. Most of the jobs are in hospitals, convalescent institutions and in offices of health practitioners.
This occupation is projected to rank among the fifty fastest growing occupations in the State between 1990 and 2005. Employment is expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the average for all occupations due to increased demand for rehabilitation programs. Additional therapists will be needed to fill in behind those who promote to administrative and supervisory positions. Most job openings during the next few years are expected to result from a continued growth of variety of rehabilitation programs, rather than from replacement of individuals leaving the labor force.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Private hospitals and other institutions with rehabilitation programs pay salaries between $1,300 and $3,500 a month to beginning registered therapists or graduates of accredited programs waiting to take the exam. Experienced therapists earn a monthly range of $2,100 to $4,500 and up. The starting salary for therapists in State service is $2,601 and increases to $3,146 through merit increases. Federal salaries for Occupational Therapists start at $1,879 (GS level 6) and go up to $3,704 (GS level 12) per month.
Virtually all employers require a 40-hour week. Most employers give a comprehensive benefit package including retirement plans, insurance plans, vacation and sick leave.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Occupational Therapists working in California must be registered by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB). Therapists must complete a four-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, have six to nine months of supervised clinical work in a hospital or similar setting and pass the examination given by the AOTCB.
California schools offering a Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy:
-- Loma Linda University -- San Jose State University -- University of Southern California
These programs also include the six to nine-month clinical affiliation experience in a hospital or community center required for admission to the Certification Exam for Occupational Therapist, Registered. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). Currently, these are the only accredited Occupational Therapist programs in California.
Those occupational therapy assistants who are certified by the AOTCB, have two years of approved work experience, and have completed six to nine months of clinical work experience at the therapist level are also eligible to take the exam.
High school students interested in occupational therapy should obtain information from universities offering the program and complete high school courses needed to satisfy admission requirements. Courses in biology, physics, chemistry, social science, psychology, industrial arts and homemaking are good preparation for future college training programs.
Therapists need good physical and mental health. The most important personal characteristics are patience, compassion, ingenuity and imagination. Therapists must understand and empathize with patient problems, but with the professional reserve which allows objectivity. Since therapists deal with many different types of patients and problems, they must be flexible and able to develop new means of therapy to suit the patient's needs. An aptitude for science, public speaking, art and mechanics are all helpful for therapeutic tasks.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional opportunities for Occupational Therapists depend largely on the place of employment. In large health facilities with large therapy staffs, therapists may be promoted to supervisory positions. In facilities having only one or two-person staffs, promotional opportunities are more limited. Opportunities for advancement to administrative and supervisory positions are better for those therapists with a Master's degree in occupational therapy. Many therapists, after a number of years of experience, decide to go into private practice or consulting.
FINDING THE JOB
The Occupational Therapy Association of California and universities with Occupational Therapist programs are the main channels for bringing jobs and job seekers together. Employers may also list openings with the Employment Development Department Job Service, in the association newsletter and other professional journals. Job seekers may apply directly to federal, State and county employment offices.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Occupational Therapy Association of California 2150 River Plaza Drive Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 567-7000
American Occupational Therapy Association P.O. Box 31220 Bethesda, MD 20824-1220 (301) 652-2682
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Physical Therapists No. 117 Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants No. 451
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Occupational Therapist 076.121-010 Industrial Therapist 076.167-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Occupational Therapists 323050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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