Helping People to Live Life to its Fullest

Occupational Therapy Rated as Top Career

• Money Magazine identifies Occupational Therapy as number 14 of the 50 Best Jobs in America, and among the top 10 least stressful jobs
• US News & World Report rates Occupational Therapy as one of top 50 Best Careers in 2011
• Forbes Magazine rates Occupational Therapy as the fifth most recession-proof job
• Yahoo.com rates Occupational Therapy as a career with High Potential
• Employment in Occupational Therapy is expected to increase 23% between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Department of Labor)
• The base salary range for Occupational Therapists in the Philadelphia region in 2009 was $60,431 - $88,182 (Salary.com)

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a health care profession that helps people of all ages to maximize their functional independence after illness, injury, or delays in growth and development. The profession of Occupational Therapy is grounded in the fields of science and psychology. Occupational Therapists use this knowledge, combined with creativity, compassion, and coaching, to help people live their lives to the fullest.

What do Occupational Therapists (OTs) do?

• OTs assist children with sensory, motor and learning needs to more fully participate in school and everyday activities.
• OTs help adults to recover from medical and psychological conditions and return to important work or family roles.
• OTs work with individuals and families to learn new skills and strategies to manage the physical and emotional changes associated with aging and long term health needs.

Therapy frequently involves relearning old skills, developing new abilities, or adapting the environment to enable individuals to live more satisfying and independent lives. The word occupation refers to how people use time, or are occupied in their daily lives. Occupational Therapists help people to identify or return to the occupations that are important to them.

Where do Occupational Therapists work?

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, homecare, preschools, schools and community agencies. They can specialize in practice areas such as hand therapy, early intervention, driver rehabilitation, mental health, and environmental design. The demand for OTs continues to grow due to advances in life-saving technology, and the medical and psychosocial needs of children and adults living with chronic health conditions.

Students learn to design and construct upper extremity splints during a Saturday lab session (Summer '06)