WHAT IS OT?? Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent—or live better with—illness, injury or disability.

Friday, December 17, 2010

1/7th done with OT grad school!!!

I am done with the semester. Thank goodnesss. After a hard week of finals and countless hours of studying....I get to come home.

I am so ready to get into the spirit of the season and be with family and friends. See you all soon!!!

love you all

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Maybe I will be a OT hand therapist?!?!

Hand Therapists make splints... here are a few of the ones I made today...
 Metacarpal Bar
Swan Deformity Splint..













It was an awesome experience and Friday we get to make even more intense splints. :)

Also I finally went to my PT eval and they gave me a bunch of exercises to fix my bad posture!!!

and now back to studying.....:(

love u all

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

OT article

Here is a link to an awesome article about occupational therapist. link: OT: Best career of 2011

Here is the text version:

Best Careers 2011: Occupational Therapist

As one of the 50 Best Careers of 2011, this should have strong growth over the next decade


The rundown:
Whether it's helping a developmentally challenged toddler learn to follow directions or teaching a man with permanent spinal cord damage to dress himself, the goal of an occupational therapist is to assist disabled clients to recover or develop the skills they need to lead more independent, satisfying lives at work and home. While many OTs are employed by hospitals, the field is as diverse as it is gratifying. Other occupational therapists work in schools, evaluating and recommending therapies for specific students. They can be found in nursing facilities, helping elderly patients lead more productive lives. Or in mental health settings, where they teach time-management or budgeting skills that help developmentally challenged patients function more effectively. Occupational therapists also help people struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol or suffering from depression or eating disorders.
Click here to find out more!
[See a list of The 50 Best Careers of 2011.]
The outlook:
Demand for occupational therapists is expected to swell going forward, with employment increasing 26 percent between 2008 to 2018—significantly faster than other fields. Occupational therapists held about 105,000 positions in 2008, the Labor Department reported. As the baby boom generation retires in growing numbers, demand for occupational therapists specializing in elderly treatment will be particularly strong.
Money:
The median annual salary for occupational therapists was $69,630 in 2009, according to the Labor Department. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $100,000, while the lowest-paid 10 percent made less than $45,340.
Upward mobility:
Assuming managerial responsibilities such as supervision of aides and administrative tasks can help occupational therapists advance their careers. Developing an expertise in a specific area—say, physical rehabilitation or mental health—will push workers up the ladder as well.
Activity level:
Although it can vary depending on the clients, occupational therapy tends to be tiring work. Therapists are often on their feet for much of the day.
[See a list of the best healthcare careers.]
Stress level:
The degree of stress will vary depending on the client and setting, but it can be high. Because certain clients may take a long time to recover, occupational therapists must have plenty of patience. Those considering the field should also have the ability to adapt to the diverse needs of clients and work settings.
Education and preparation:
At a minimum, occupational therapists need a master's degree or higher in the field. Many universities have full-time occupational therapy programs, and an increasing number have weekend or part-time courses as well. A minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork is required. Upon graduation from an accredited program, candidates must pass a national certification test before obtaining their license.
[Find online degree programs in healthcare.]
Real advice from real people about landing a job as an occupational therapist:
Frank Gainer, a program director at the American Occupational Therapy Association, says, "The challenge will not be in finding a job, but finding the right job. New practitioners will have a number of job offers. Clinical training can help pinpoint what type of practice setting appeals to new occupational practitioners. Other considerations include: what types of patients do I want to help; how much supervision will I receive as a new graduate; what type of treatment team atmosphere is present; what are the productivity requirements; will I be required to supervise any support staff; what opportunities are there for professional development and promotion; are weekend hours required; what are the job benefits; and what is the pay structure—salaried or per diem?"

Wednesday, December 1, 2010