While some treatments may give the appearance of recreation, all have a serious purpose. Working in the kitchen may produce a cake, but the skills practiced include memory, sequencing, coordination, and safety precautions, which are important for independent living at home. Woodworking or leather-working may help increase strength, endurance, and dexterity. Computer programs have been designed to help patients improve cognitive skills, including decision making, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and perceptual skills such as peripheral vision and discrimination of letters, colors, and shapes. Although staff generally work a standard 40-hour week, they may have to work evenings or weekends.
Many opportunities are available for flexible hours and part-time employment.
The job can be physically tiring because therapists are on their feet much of the time. Educational Requirements Becoming a registered occupational therapist requires a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy assistants complete an associate degree program. Both program levels include clinical training. Coursework in occupational therapy programs includes physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, and the application of occupational therapy theory and skills.