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

Jul 25, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Occupational therapy practitioners are healthcare professionals who help people of all ages with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities participate in everyday activities. Through the use of evidence-based practices, they assist their clients in developing, recovering, or maintaining their ability to function in their daily lives. This enables them to lead a more independent and productive life.

The effects of occupational therapy are far-reaching, as this type of therapy affects a person's physical and mental health, as well as their overall quality of life. By helping their clients develop the skills needed to participate in meaningful activities, such as work, school, and leisure activities, occupational therapy practitioners can help improve physical strength, coordination, and balance, reduce fatigue and stress, improve communication, and develop strategies for problem solving and decision making. occupational therapy practitioners can assist their clients in developing new ways of performing day-to-day tasks, leading to increased confidence and feelings of accomplishment.

Steps How to Become

Complete an Undergraduate Degree. The first step to becoming an occupational therapy practitioner is to obtain an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Most applicants have a bachelors degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, or biology.
Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). All applicants must take the GRE and have their results sent directly to their chosen occupational therapy school. The GRE measures analytical writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Participate in Fieldwork Experience. Most occupational therapy schools require applicants to complete a certain amount of fieldwork experience prior to admission. This experience may include volunteer work in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home.
Apply to an Accredited Occupational Therapy Program. After completing the required coursework and fieldwork, applicants must submit an application to an accredited occupational therapy program. The program must be approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Obtain a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. Most programs require a minimum of two years of full-time study to complete a masters degree in occupational therapy. During this time, students will learn about anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience, as well as other areas of health care.
Become Licensed. After graduating from a masters program, all graduates must take and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Upon passing this exam, the individual will become a licensed occupational therapy practitioner in the state in which they took the exam.
Earn Continuing Education Credits. To remain certified, all practitioners must earn continuing education credits each year. These credits may be earned through workshops, conferences, or online courses.

Maintaining qualifications and staying up to date as an Occupational Therapy Practitioner is essential for career longevity and staying competitive in the field. In order to stay qualified, practitioners must complete continuing education classes, participate in professional development activities, and keep abreast of the latest developments in their field. Completing continuing education classes is important to stay informed on the latest research and treatment techniques.

Participating in professional development activities such as conferences, seminars, and workshops can provide additional opportunities to learn new skills, increase knowledge, and network with colleagues. staying current with industry trends and developments by reading professional journals and attending lectures can help practitioners stay informed and remain competitive. By continually keeping up with the most recent developments in occupational therapy, practitioners can ensure that their skills are up to date and that they are able to provide the best possible care for their clients.

You may want to check Podiatry Practitioner, Acupuncture Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Practitioner for alternative.

Job Description

Assess patients' physical and mental abilities, as well as their individual needs, in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Instruct patients in the use of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and prosthetic devices.
Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and modify them as needed.
Design and implement therapy programs to improve the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers on how to manage their condition and prevent further injury.
Participate in interdisciplinary teams in order to coordinate patient care.
Monitor patient progress and document outcomes.
Research new therapeutic techniques to ensure best practices are utilized.
Provide support and resources to patients and their families.
Advocate for the rights of patients with disabilities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and neurology
Knowledge of human development and learning processes
Ability to assess physical and functional abilities
Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans
Using creative problem-solving skills
Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Ability to educate patients and families about therapy
Demonstrated communication skills
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
Knowledge of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities
Understanding of ethical, legal, and professional standards
Demonstrated proficiency in documentation and record keeping

Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OTPs) play an important role in helping people of all ages return to or maintain a high quality of life. To be an effective OTP, the most important skill to have is the ability to develop meaningful relationships with clients. This skill allows OTPs to gain insight into their clients needs, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and develop personalized treatment plans.

By building strong relationships, OTPs can encourage their clients to take ownership of their treatment, which promotes better engagement and outcomes. Furthermore, an OTP must also possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals and adjust treatment plans as needed. being proficient in the use of assistive technology is essential for OTPs to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in treatment.

With the right combination of interpersonal, communication, and technical skills, OTPs can help their clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Sports Medicine Practitioner, Homeopathic Practitioner, and Optometry Practitioner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with a variety of clients and medical conditions?
How do you approach developing an individualized treatment plan for a client?
What do you believe are the key elements of successful occupational therapy?
What techniques do you use to ensure that a client is engaged and motivated during therapy?
How do you evaluate a client's progress and determine when goals have been met?
How do you handle challenging behaviors or confrontational attitudes from clients?
What strategies do you use to build rapport with clients and their families?
Are you familiar with the latest evidence-based practices in occupational therapy?
What have been some of your most successful cases as an occupational therapist?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your field?

Common Tools in Industry

Curriculum-Based Measurement . A tool used to measure a person's performance on task-specific goals, such as reading or math (eg: counting money).
Sensory Integration. A technique used to help individuals process and interpret sensory information from the environment in order to better respond to it (eg: using a weighted blanket to help regulate emotions).
Adaptive Equipment. Equipment designed to help individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities complete daily activities (eg: a special cup with a straw for drinking).
Motor Skills Training. Training designed to help individuals improve motor skills such as balance, coordination, and fine motor control (eg: using a ball to practice throwing and catching).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A type of psychotherapy used to help individuals recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors (eg: identifying and changing negative thought patterns).
Relaxation and Stress Management Techniques. Techniques used to reduce stress and anxiety, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation (eg: counting breaths while focusing on body relaxation).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
International Association of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (IAPRM)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)
American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)
International Ergonomics Association (IEA)

We also have Naturopathic Practitioner, Health Care Practitioner, and Wellness Practitioner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Occupational Therapy. A type of therapy that helps people of all ages to develop, recover, and improve the skills they need for daily living and working.
Occupational Therapist. A healthcare professional who evaluates and treats physical, mental, and emotional conditions using activities to improve or restore function.
Occupational Therapist Assistant. A healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, performing routine or delegated tasks to help patients with daily activities.
Adaptive Equipment. Devices used to increase independence, improve performance, and reduce stress when performing daily activities. Examples include wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and adapted utensils.
Physical Disabilities. Conditions that limit a persons ability to move or perform certain activities due to a physical problem. Examples include amputations, Cerebral Palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
Mental Health Conditions. Conditions that affect a persons ability to think, feel, and behave in healthy and productive ways. Examples include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Basic activities required for self-care such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). More complex activities required for independent living such as shopping, meal preparation, and managing finances.
Cognitive Rehabilitation. Techniques used to help a person regain or improve cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Occupational Therapy Practitioner? A1: An Occupational Therapy Practitioner is a health care professional who helps people of all ages improve or maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through meaningful activities. Q2: What qualifications do Occupational Therapy Practitioners need? A2: Occupational Therapy Practitioners must have a master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university, plus be licensed in the state where they practice. Q3: What types of activities do Occupational Therapy Practitioners use to help their patients? A3: Occupational Therapy Practitioners use activities such as therapeutic play, exercises, and sensory integration to help their patients develop skills for daily living, participate in meaningful activities, and improve overall quality of life. Q4: How many years of experience do Occupational Therapy Practitioners typically have? A4: Occupational Therapy Practitioners typically have at least 5 years of experience. Q5: What type of setting do Occupational Therapy Practitioners typically work in? A5: Occupational Therapy Practitioners typically work in hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, and private practice settings.