Occupational Therapists in Austin, Lakeway, Round Rock and Cedar Park and Surrounding Areas - Career Information
To work as an occupational therapist, you must:
■ complete a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy;
■ pass an exam; and
■ have strong interpersonal skills.
 Did you know? Austin Occupational Therapists can expect to earn approximately $55,000.
Formal Education
Occupational therapy programs take four years to complete. In these programs, you study anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. During the last two years, you learn occupational therapy skills. You also spend six months working with patients. An experienced occupational therapist supervises your work.
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field, you can earn an occupational therapy certificate or master's degree in about two years.
Work Experience
Volunteer experience in hospitals or nursing homes is helpful when applying to college.
Employers require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. They prefer applicants who can inspire trust and respect in their patients.
Employers look for applicants who have patience and strong interpersonal skills. Employers also look for creativity and imagination. Occupational therapists must be able to develop new activities to meet patients' needs.
Licensing/Certification
Occupational therapists must be licensed to practice in Texas. Applicants for licensure must:
■ complete at least a bachelor's degree from a program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education;
■ complete fieldwork requirements; and
■ complete and pass the state exam.
All states require occupational therapists to be licensed, registered, or certified. Requirements vary by state.
Click on occupations listed below to find State of Minnesota licensing information.
Nationally, about 78,300 occupational therapists work in this small occupation. Occupational therapists who work in hospitals often work in rehabilitation or psychiatric departments.
Major employers
■ Hospitals
■ Doctors' offices
■ Schools
■ Nursing and personal care facilities
■ Home health care companies
Nationally, the number of jobs for occupational therapists is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2010.
Growth will be in response to the therapy needs of the rapidly growing population of very old people. In addition, the demand for occupational therapy in general is growing as the population increases. Nursing homes will offer the most new jobs for occupational therapists, as the number of aged and disabled people in need of therapy rises.
Much faster than average growth is expected in home health care services. This is in response to two factors. One, the number of older people with disabilities is growing because people are living longer. Two, people prefer to be cared for in their own homes.
Even though predicted job growth for occupational therapists is good, possible changes may slow it down. The federal government and insurance companies are considering limiting how much money they will pay for therapy. This change may reduce the amount of therapy patients receive. It may cause some patients to have funds for only one therapy. They would have to choose between occupational and physical therapy. Limiting how much therapy patients receive would reduce the number of jobs for occupational therapists.
Advancement Opportunities
Occupational therapists who have experience and leadership skills may become supervisors. Some therapists may become instructors who teach students how to perform occupational therapy. Those who have business skills may open their own practices.
Content provided by the Minnesota Department of Education
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