A relatively new job in the list of job options, the role of an occupational therapist
is today and integral position in any organization, particularly in the industrial
sectors. The main reason why this sector mandatorily needs an occupational therapist
is because it is a sector in which there are many potential health and safety hazards
present, especially due to the presence of industrial machinery which are highly
complex. The job of an occupational therapist can differ from industry to industry
and also depending on the type of workplace it is. Also depending on the level of
the therapist, the role is likely to vary. Occupational Therapists or OTs as they
are more commonly referred to have to deal with all kinds of physical, emotional
and psychological disturbances that a person faces in the workplace.
Eligibility
In most cases, the highest level of education in the field of occupational therapy
is a postgraduate degree, which is the minimal requirement for a person to become
an Occupational Therapist. To be eligible for the role of the OT Assistant an Associate
Degree in Occupational Therapy and for that of the OT Aide, a high school diploma
would be the minimal requirements for eligibility. Besides, the academic qualifications,
training is also an essential requirement for the job.
Required Skills
The skills required to become an occupational therapist would differ according to
the three roles of the OTs job. Some of the general skills required are:
- Assessment of performances of people in the organization and providing orientation
programs to help them cope up with the stress of the work
- High level of critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem solving and decision
making skills.
- Ability to identify workers’ emotional and psychological conditions through observations
and talk.
- Leadership qualities, ability to coordinate a team and Time management
- Ability to use the learning and training materials and use them in their day to
day affairs in the work as well as impart education to others to follow the training.
- High interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Ability to use resources judiciously and pragmatically.
- Evaluating skills to identify areas for improvement and enable procedure for the
same.
How to become an Occupational Therapist?
Apart from the academic qualifications, the Occupational Therapist should undertake
hands –on training to be eligible for a job of an OT.
Job Description
Basically the role of an occupational therapist is to carry out duties that help
the patient overcome the difficulties in conducting their duties at the workplace.
The OTs work with all the age groups of people and both genders have their own specific
problems in the work which are dealt with by the Occupational therapist. They recommend
changes either in the environment in the work place or personally.
Career Prospects
Though they might start out on a slightly lower level, once they have gained experience,
the occupational therapist is highly valued and hence the prospects are really bright.
Starting from an Intern, they can move up to the Consultant level, in which case
it is one of the most envied jobs.
Salary
The salary of the occupational therapist is a very lucrative one and the more the
experience and knowledge gained the salary gets better accordingly.