Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Occupational Therapist.
Job Title – Occupational Therapist
Description
An Occupational Therapist treats injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Typical Job Activities
Observes
patients doing tasks, ask them questions, and review their medical history
Evaluates a patient's condition and needs
Develops a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and
specific goals to be accomplished
Helps people with various disabilities with different tasks, such as leading an
autistic child in play activities
Demonstrates exercises—for example, joint stretches for arthritis relief—that
can help relieve pain for people with chronic conditions
Evaluates a patient’s home or workplace and, based on the patient’s health
needs, identify potential improvements, such as labeling kitchen cabinets for
an older person with poor memory
Educates a patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate and care for
the patient
Recommends special equipment, such as wheelchairs and eating aids, and instruct
patients on how to use that equipment
Assesses and records patients’ activities and progress for patient evaluations,
for billing, and for reporting to physicians and other healthcare providers
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the medical industry here.
Related Occupations
Clinical
technologist
Nurse
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Social worker
Speech
therapist
Educational Requirements
Senior Certificate with a matric Exception
Compulsory
subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Biology and Physiology
For a degree course in Occupational therapy.
Registration
A prospective student as well as the qualified therapist must register with the Interim Medical and Dental Council of South Africa. The Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa promotes the interests of the profession.
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?
Have a high sense of responsibilityBe sensitive and have empathyHave emotional stabilityBe patient and have perseveranceHave a good sense of humourHave a desire to work with peopleBe willing to get involved with disabled peoplePossess good health and physical staminaBe creative and have original ideasBe practical and have manual dexterity
Udemy has over 24 000 interesting and inexpensive courses available to start right now.
Employment Opportunities
Moderate
Market Competitiveness
Moderate
Income Potential
High
Self-Employment Opportunities
High
International Employment Opportunities
High
Possible Employers
General hospitalsPsychiatric hospitalsSpecial schools for physically disabled childrenSpecial schools for children with behavioural and learning problemsHomes for the agedTraining centres for the mentally handicappedNon-governmental organisationsUniversitiesSpecialised units such as workmen's rehabilitation unitsWelfare organisationsPrivate practice
Browse companies hiring now.
Relevant Contact Details
Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
http://otasa.org.za/
Career Progress and Path
Further studies in the specific career
field
Further studies in related fields
Experience in specific field
Work performance
Do presentations, seminars, publish
articles, etc.
Possible Career Paths
Specialist
career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
Consultant
Own business
Employment Stability
Very stable
Reasons to consider this career
The need is determined by the consumers
I can be of service to people
I am very interested in a specific subject or field
I can communicate and interact with people
I can work with people