How to Be Occupational Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 27, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Occupational therapy is an important profession that helps people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities lead productive lives. It is a specialized treatment that uses activities to improve the physical, mental and emotional functioning of individuals. The cause of this therapy is to enable individuals to have the greatest independence and quality of life possible.

The effects are improved physical, mental, and emotional health, increased independence and productivity, improved ability to perform daily tasks, increased self-esteem, improved social relationships, and improved overall quality of life. The important related entities are the patient, the therapist, the activities that are involved in the therapy, and the changes in the patient's physical and emotional functioning.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an occupational therapist is to obtain a bachelors degree. Most occupational therapists have a background in the sciences, such as biology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as psychology.
Complete an Accredited Occupational Therapy Program. After obtaining a bachelors degree, the next step is to complete an accredited occupational therapy program. This program will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to practice as an occupational therapist.
Take the National Board Exam. Once students have completed an accredited occupational therapy program, they must take and pass the National Board Exam to become certified. The National Board Exam is administered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and is designed to test the knowledge and skills of aspiring occupational therapists.
Obtain Licensure. After passing the National Board Exam, students must apply for licensure in their state. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so it is important for students to research what is required in their state.
Get Certified. The final step to becoming an occupational therapist is to obtain certification from the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB). This board provides certification for occupational therapists who meet its requirements.

Occupational therapists play an important role in helping patients lead more efficient and independent lives. They provide essential interventions that enable individuals to successfully manage activities of daily living, including self-care, work-related tasks, leisure pursuits, and interpersonal relationships. By helping their patients develop the skills and strategies necessary to achieve their goals, occupational therapists help improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional disabilities.

The effects of occupational therapy interventions can be considerable: improved motor skills, increased independence in daily activities, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, and improved social skills. With the help of an occupational therapist, individuals can achieve greater levels of productivity and satisfaction in their lives.

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Job Description

Evaluate patients functional abilities, needs, and goals, and develop treatment plans to improve functioning and promote independence.
Administer and interpret assessments such as range of motion, muscle strength, activities of daily living, and cognitive assessments.
Provide treatment to patients, including therapeutic exercises, activities, and other interventions.
Instruct patients and family members in therapeutic activities and self-care.
Develop, implement, and modify treatment plans to address individual patient needs.
Monitor patient progress and adjust interventions to ensure desired outcomes.
Collaborate with other health care professionals to determine appropriate patient care plans.
Educate patients and family members on safety, injury prevention, and adaptive equipment use.
Document patient progress and plan for discharge from care.
Research new therapies and treatments in order to improve patient outcomes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
Knowledge of human development, learning and behavior
Ability to assess physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs
Understanding of the impact of illness, disability and aging on individuals
Ability to diagnose and treat impairments, functional limitations and disabilities
Ability to develop appropriate treatment plans
Ability to modify treatment plans as needed
Knowledge of assistive technology
Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in practice
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of medical terminology
Knowledge of the principles of evidence-based practice
Understanding of basic medical conditions and interventions
Ability to recognize potential safety hazards and develop strategies to reduce risk
Ability to document and report patient progress

Occupational therapists are highly skilled professionals who help people with a variety of physical and mental health challenges to identify and develop the skills they need to participate in meaningful activities in their everyday lives. As an occupational therapist, having excellent communication skills and a comprehensive understanding of human development are essential. A therapist must have the ability to interact with clients and create a trusting, therapeutic relationship with them.

They must also be able to assess the needs of each individual and develop an intervention plan tailored to those needs. they must be knowledgeable about the medical, physical, and mental health implications of certain activities, and be able to provide the necessary support and guidance for their clients. Finally, occupational therapists must be compassionate and patient, as they help clients to manage their challenges and overcome obstacles so that they can reach their full potential.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become an Occupational Therapist?
How do you ensure patient safety in your treatments?
What strategies do you use to motivate patients?
How do you stay up to date with the latest developments in Occupational Therapy?
What challenges have you encountered as an Occupational Therapist?
How do you create individualized treatment plans for your patients?
What types of patients have you worked with in the past?
What experience do you have with documentation and charting?
Describe an instance where you had to find a creative solution to a difficult problem.
How would you handle a situation where a patient is resistant to therapy?

Common Tools in Industry

Balance Boards. A board on which a person can stand and practice balancing exercises. (eg: Bosu Balance Trainer)
Body Pillows. Soft pillows used to support posture and promote comfort during activities. (eg: U-Shaped Pillow)
Exercise Balls. Balls used to perform exercises to strengthen the core muscles. (eg: Physio-Roll Exercise Ball)
Hand Weights. Small weights used to perform strength-training exercises. (eg: Neoprene Dumbbells)
Job Analysis Workbooks. Workbooks used to analyze the physical and mental demands of a job. (eg: Job Analysis Workbook for Physical Therapists)
Resistance Bands. Bands used to create resistance when performing strengthening exercises. (eg: Thera-Band Resistance Bands)
Sensory Integration Kits. Kits with specialized items used to stimulate a persons senses. (eg: Sensory Integration Kit with Squishy Ball, Massage Roller, and Weighted Blanket)
Wobble Cushions. Cushions used to provide tactile input, improve posture, and increase focus. (eg: Wobble Cushion with Air Pump)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Occupational Therapy Association
World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
International Association of Occupational Therapists
American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Australian Occupational Therapy Association
British Association of Occupational Therapists
European Federation of Occupational Therapists
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Association of California

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Common Important Terms

Assistive Technology. Devices or equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability.
Adaptive Equipment. Devices that are used to increase independence and safety in performing daily activities. Examples include wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and special feeding utensils.
Sensory Integration. The process of using senses to help a person better understand and process information from the environment.
Occupational Therapy Evaluation. A comprehensive assessment of a person's physical, mental, and social functioning in order to determine their ability to perform occupational tasks.
Functional Activities. Activities that are related to everyday living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other self-care tasks.
Therapeutic Activities. Activities designed to help a person improve physical and cognitive abilities, motor skills, and social interaction. Examples include playing games and doing crafts.
Positioning. The use of positioning interventions to help a person maintain correct posture and prevent deformities.
Splinting. The use of splints or braces to maintain or improve muscle strength and joint stability.
Cognitive Retraining. Training exercises designed to improve a person's ability to think, remember, problem-solve, and make decisions.
Home Modifications. Alterations to the home environment to improve access and safety for a person with a disability or to enable the person to perform daily activities more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Occupational Therapist?

An Occupational Therapist is a healthcare professional who helps people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities gain independence in their daily lives by providing them with specialized treatments and interventions.

What qualifications are necessary to become an Occupational Therapist?

To become an Occupational Therapist, one must have a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program, and must be licensed in the state in which they practice.

What is the average salary of an Occupational Therapist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Occupational Therapists in 2019 was $84,270 annually, or $40.50 per hour.

What types of interventions do Occupational Therapists use?

Occupational Therapists use a variety of interventions, including therapeutic activities, exercise programs, and assistive devices, to help individuals develop functional skills, overcome physical or emotional limitations, and improve quality of life.