Occupational therapists help individuals with mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling conditions to develop, recover or maintain daily living and work skills. They not only help patients to improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. Occupational therapy is being used increasingly in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and related institutions. Such therapy is prescribed by physicians and applied by trained therapists as part of the treatment of an adult or child in the areas of orthopedics, psychiatry, tuberculosis, general medicine and surgery. Career Opportunities Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings including private homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers, schools and community agencies.
Some therapists establish their own private practices.
With experience or additional education, occupational therapists may become administrators. Occupational therapy is one of the 10 fastest growing careers requiring a bachelor's degree. Curriculum Professional occupational therapy programs are highly competitive. In preparing for a career in occupational therapy, students should complete two years of preprofessional courses at BGSU, two years of academic instruction at an approved professional school and 10 months of clinical training. Ohio institutions offering bachelor's degrees in occupational therapy include Cleveland State and Ohio State University.