An occupational therapist assists those with mental, physical, emotional or developmental difficulties improve the quality of a number of aspects of their day to day life.

Those who want to become a licensed occupational therapist in the United States must undertake a rather long course of formal education. Since 2007 in order to become a licensed occupational therapist a candidate must hold the minimum of a master’s degree, with a doctorate being preferred.

Once an individual is licensed as an occupational therapist there career options are rather wide and varied. Occupational therapists work with all sections of the population and with patients of all ages. Some may choose to narrow their focus to a certain discipline, for instance helping those who are struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, or working with those recovering from strokes or other debilitating conditions.  Whatever population they choose to work with the goal of every occupational therapist is to positively impact the patient’s everyday life and help them live their life to the fullest.

Occupational therapists use a myriad of different techniques to achieve their goals for a particular client and often work with many other medical professionals to devise an overall wellness plan for the individual. Occupational therapists can be found in hospitals, nursing homes and even in schools.

Many people think of occupational therapy as something that is for the elderly or those recovering from serious illness or injury. Increasingly though occupational therapy is being used to help children recover from physical and mental problems or assist those with a chronic disability or condition learn to live life to its fullest as they grow up.

Of course considering the amount of formal education they must complete in order to work as an occupational therapist someone considering entering the field will want to know about the earning potential once they are qualified. In 2006 the average compensation for an occupational therapist was $60,400 per annum. Those who worked in the home healthcare industry earned the highest salary with those employed in schools the lowest, averaging approximately $52,000 per annum.

Government analysis expects the field to continue to expand with the increase in the number of so called “baby boomers” reaching retirement age. According to figures from the US Bureau of Labor statistics they project a 23% increase in demand for licensed occupational therapists between 2006 and 2016, making it one of the faster growing areas of employment within the medical field.