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Occupational Therapists help patients perform basic every day tasks after suffering an injury or illness. They work with patients regularly, whether it be daily, weekly, or several times a week. This career deals mainly with people after schooling is completed.

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Occupational Therapists observe patients and ask questions to develop a treatment plan, recommend and order special equipment to aid patients with disabilities such as wheelchairs or assistive eating devices. They perform exercises and skills with patients that provide practice and growth in every day activities. They can also work with children with mental or physical disabilities. They educate patients and families about this equipment and any other information needed to help the patient retain the bets quality of life after they are released from care. They also observe and record patient activity to report for billing purposes as well as to send to physicians.

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Job Outlook, Advancement, and Places of Employment

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Job Outlook, Advancement, and Places of Employment

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There are many jobs available in this occupation. Job Outlook wascalculated as 27% 10-year growth in 2014. Occupational Therapists may be employed in hospitals, private practices, nursing homes and long term care facilities, schools, and in home health settings.There are no opportunities for advancement without advancing education besides perhaps opening a practice.

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This video explains the aspect of Occupational Therapy dealing with child development

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Occupational Therapists should be friendly, compassionate, skilled in communication, patient, and good at writing. These qualities ensure that the patient feels comfortable with the therapist and that they are able to truly communicate with them on the importance and direction of treatment. They also have to write detailed reports for billing and physician purposes.

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Pros: This job provides flexible hours, a variety of possible settings, great job security, and ample benefits. Cons: This profession can be frustrating at times and there is not much diversity once you start on a career path.

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Education Requirements, Programs, and Licensure

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Education Requirements, Programs, and Licensure

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Occupational Therapists are required to hold at least a masters degree. They must complete an undergraduate degree and then apply to a Master's in Occupational Therapy program. After 2 years, they have the option to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, which has it's own certification, and experience as an OTA is not required for an OT program.The only accredited program in SC is in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina. After graduating with at least a Master's, a prospective OT must take and pass the NBCOT, or the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy. According to bot.ca.gov, " Your license will always expire on the last day of your birth month. If you were born in an even year, your license will expire every two years in the even years. If you were born in an odd year, your license will expire every two years in the odd years."

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The average salary for Occupational Therapists is $82,000 annually, or $38.50/hour. Occupational therapists typically receive benefits including extensive health care plans and yearly bonuses.

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Professional Organizations for this occupation in South Carolina include the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA)  and the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (SCOTA).

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Do I See Myself in this Career? Do I Have the Aptitude/Interest? 

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Do I See Myself in this Career? Do I Have the Aptitude/Interest? 

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I believe that I have the required skill set for this profession. I am personable and work well with patients, can understand and relate to them, and have a passion for helping people. As far as interest, I would not hate working in this career, but I would definitely prefer a career dealing more strictly physical rehabilitation.

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Job Benefits of an Occupational Therapist. Bizfluent.com. Leaf Group LTD, 2018.

Occupational Therapist Career. Otcareerpath.com. 2015.

Occupational Therapist Career Profile. Truity.com. Truity, 2017.

Outlook and Salary. Bot.ca.gov. 2015.