OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR HELP?
For career and job-related information:
Elizabeth Mimms
Career Services Counselor
801-581-5624
350 Student Services Building
(Make an appointment to talk about pursuing jobs, fine-tuning your resume, perfecting your interviewing skills, and negotiating the best possible salary.)
For academic & class related information, please contact:
Kelly Brown
Occupational Therapy Academic Advisor
University of Utah College of Health
kelly.brown@hsc.utah.edu
801-585-0555
520 Wakara Way
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
Occupational therapy is the treatment of people who are unable to function independently due to an injury, illness, or disability. Occupational therapists utilize activities with specific goals to enhance the quality of life and increase the independence of individuals who have a mentally, emotionally, or physically disabling condition.
WHAT DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS DO?
- Screening
- Evaluation
- Treatment
- Physical/Psychosocial/Social/Vocational Follow-up
- Administration
- Teaching
WHO HIRES OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS?
- What Can I Do With This Major?
- Who Hires Our Grads?
- Hospitals (including psychiatric and rehabilitative)
- Schools
- Group or private practice
- Nursing homes
- Community mental health centers
- Adult daycare programs
- Job training centers
- Residential care facilities
- Out-patient rehabilitation facilities
- Federal and state government
- Armed Forces
- Public Health Service
- Veterans Administration
- Universities and colleges
WHAT KIND OF STRATEGIES OR INFORMATION WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF BECOMING AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST?
- Earn a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy to gain entry in the field.
- Some programs offer a "certificate" in occupational therapy for students having a degree other than O.T.
- All states regulate O.T. Licensure. Requirements include passing a certification exam given by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board and a supervised clinical internship. Those who have passed the exam become Registered Occupational Therapists (OTR).
- Doctoral degree is preferred for university teaching positions.
- Occupational therapists may choose to specialize in a particular age group or type of disability.
- Build a solid foundation in physical, biological, and behavioral sciences.
- Individuals working in occupational therapy should possess patience and a true interest in helping people with disabilities reach their full potential.
- Develop communication skills which are important when interacting with patients and their families.
- Volunteer in an occupational therapy or related healthcare setting to experience the field firsthand
- and improve chances of program admittance.
- Learn to work well within a team. O.T.'s work with many other professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, and social workers in the rehabilitation of patients
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY? ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION!
About the Sessions
Information Sessions are held at 520 Wakara Way in Research Park. Located on the North side of the street, just west of the Marriot Hotel. Parking in our lot is free after 3 p.m. Enter on top level and follow the signs to the orientation session.
All sessions are held from 4:00 - 5:00 P.M.
- Please check dates and locations by going here
LINKS:
- The American Occupational Therapy Association
- Utah Occupational Therapy Association
- UofU Division of Occupational Therapy
- Jobs in Therapy
- Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners
- Rehabcareer.com
- Magellan Health Services
- Rehabworld.com
- Advance for Healthcare Careers
- National Institute of Health
- Utah Gov’t Rural Health
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