The job can be tiring because therapists are on their feet much of the time. Those providing home health care may spend several hours a day driving from appointment to appointment. Therapists also face hazards such as backstrain from lifting and moving patients and equipment. Employment Occupational therapists held about 54,000 jobs in 1994. The largest number of jobs were in hospitals, including many in rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals.
School systems are the second largest employer of occupational therapists.
Other major employers include offices of occupational therapists and other health practitioners, nursing homes, community mental health centers, adult daycare programs, job training services, and residential care facilities. A small but rapidly growing number of occupational therapists are in private practice. Some are solo practitioners, while others are in group practices. They see patients referred by physicians or other health professionals, or provide contract or consulting services to nursing homes, adult daycare programs, and home health agencies. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement A bachelor's degree in occupational therapy is the minimal requirement for entry into this field.