If you are thinking about pursuing a career in occupational therapy, this is great news! Occupational therapists play an essential role in the healthcare industry, as they help treat patients with illnesses, injuries or disabilities with the therapeutic use of everyday activities. These professionals assist people with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Alzheimer's disease.
According to The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help patients across a lifespan take part in daily routines and activities they want and need to do. Occupational therapists can help all kinds of people live life to the fullest, including children and youth, mental health patients, aging persons and people who have disabilities or are going through rehabilitation.
As an occupational therapist, you could assist people in a variety of situations, including helping children with disabilities participate in school and social situations or supporting older adults who are experiencing physical changes as they age. No matter the condition or patient, you will often provide an individualized evaluation and determine the person's goals, customize a treatment plan or intervention to improve the person's ability to participate in the activities and finally, evaluate the outcome to ensure the goals are being met.
Occupational therapists may work in a traditional hospital or clinical setting, and can choose to become a travel occupational therapist. A travel therapist will work on contract assignments at different healthcare facilities around the country for a temporary period of time, often 13 to 26 weeks. As a travel occupational therapist, you will work with a travel therapy agency to find assignments that are fulfilling and productive, as well as in a location that you prefer.
Travel therapists provide care to patients at hospitals and clinics that are short staffed. Working as a travel occupational therapist is especially rewarding because you are able to travel to new cities and facilities, all while helping the organizations and patients who need you the most. Furthermore, because the travel therapy agency typically provides travel and housing accommodations, you virtually have no living expenses.
The backgrounds and educations of travel occupational therapists vary. Some recruiters will require you to have a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, while others will require a master's degree as the minimum requisite for entry into the field. It can also be easier to land a travel assignment if you have experience in the career. The best thing you can do is talk to a travel therapy recruiter to find out the steps you can take to pursue this exciting and rewarding profession.