Overview

The purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) is to help people increase their functional independence in day to day life, while attempting to prevent or minimize any disability. It is often recommended to combine OT along with ongoing treatments as well as physical therapy. It is intended to assist people of all age groups, from premature babies to senior citizens who have any nature of physical, sensory or cognitive issues. OT helps them regain confidence and independence in the areas of life in which they are suffering. An Occupational Therapist also helps the patients overcome their emotional, social and physical needs through the process of therapy.

Is Occupational Therapy a good career option?

YES! And that is the short answer, however it is important to know why. 

Increasingly the medical establishments, hospitals and doctors are becoming cognizant towards the need of OT professionals across the range of medical services. It is one of the critical factors which prevent readmission of patients. Whether it is a baby born prematurely, an elderly with a broken bone or a teen with a cognitive learning disorder, each one of them need OT. With this growing understanding of the need, this profession is here to stay and a rewarding one at that. In countries like Australia and Canada, occupational therapy forms an integral part of the medical system, and resultantly the list of occupations which are in high demand.

What is the career pathway?

Any student having Science in their Senior Secondary school is eligible to get admitted to an Undergraduate degree of Occupational therapy. A lot of students take up Masters and complete post graduate as well as doctorate in this discipline. While it is not one of the cheapest Undergraduate courses to undertake, however it is definitely not as expensive as studying to become a doctor.

What are the challenges of being an OT?

While it is one of the most rewarding careers if you aspire to be in the field of medicine, help the ones in need of care and attention and attain emotional gratification out of it, like every other career, this too has its pit falls. To begin with, its long study hours, do not get tricked into thinking that it is any less effort than studying regular medicine. The course can sometimes be expensive, depending on your choice of University, which might put you in some financial pressure. But most of all, is the psychological aspect of the profession. There will always be patients who you will not be able to help! That is the reality of the nature of the job. A lot of the patients would be recovering out of traumatic experiences and might be treading thin on patience, and unprecedentedly you might be on the receiving end of it. 

However, for most parts of it, OT’s are known to develop a stomach for the slight hitches, as what waits beyond is a sense of accomplishment at having made a positive difference in many a lives.