Is Being An Occupational Therapist Worth It?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

(OT) is a

very rewarding profession

. They help people of all ages who would typically struggle to perform normal daily activities. It's challenging and impactful work that patients and their families greatly appreciate.

Is it worth it to become an occupational therapist?

Occupational Therapy is a very rewarding profession. Aside from the rewarding career, an OT can expect a stable career with prospects of earning about

$84,000/year on average

according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is occupational therapy a good career?

Summary:

OT is a good career

because it offers a flexible schedule, comfortable salary and the ability to choose where you work. … Occupational therapy is a good career choice for anyone who wants to get into the healthcare field and work directly with patients to make their lives easier.

Is occupational therapy worth it 2020?


Yes

, occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing careers, you get to make a difference in other peoples' lives, and the pay is good. Also, OT's can work in a wide variety of settings, meaning there are always work opportunities.

What are the benefits of being an occupational therapist?

  • medical insurance.
  • dental insurance.
  • vision insurance.
  • life insurance.
  • disability insurance – long & short term.
  • paid time off – vacation, sick, personal.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
  • continuing education stipend.

What are the disadvantages of being an occupational therapist?

  • The Medical Field is Emotionally Stressful. …
  • Occupational Therapy is a Physically Demanding Job. …
  • Institutional Barriers May Prevent Desired Results. …
  • Long Work Hours Are Common.

Does an OT or PT make more money?

In 2017, occupational therapists earned

slightly less than physical therapists

at a mean $40.69 per hour, or $84,640 per year. Their pay could fall below $26.23 per hour, or $54,560 per year, or reach above $57.91 per hour, or $120,440 per year.

What type of OT makes the most money?

  • Nursing care facilities: $92,260 per year.
  • Home healthcare services: $91,830 per year.
  • Hospitals: $86,910 per year.
  • Offices: $86,830 per year.
  • Elementary and secondary schools: $76,560 per year.

Is Occupational Therapy harder than nursing?


OT and PT school are definitely not easier than nursing

. Different subject matter in some regards, but not an easy route, especially considering that OT/PT school are graduate level degrees and nursing is only a Bachelors. Graduate programs, as mentioned, are more strict regarding grades.

What is the highest paying occupational therapy job?

  • “Child Day Care Services” – $108,650.
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises – $101,540.
  • Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities – $93,870.
  • Nursing and Skilled Nursing Facilities – $90,660.
  • Home Health Services – $90,480.

Is being an OT stressful?

Almost every setting has productivity requirements, with some settings less strict than others. So while you do get to provide meaningful treatments and help people achieve their goals, you do have to deal with the struggle of meeting your productivity on a daily basis.

Is it hard to get a job in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a very challenging, yet very rewarding field. Like any other profession, however, it may not be the right choice for you. … First,

getting into an OT program is difficult

. Competition is fierce, and most who apply for such programs do not get into them the first time they apply.

How many years does it take to be an occupational therapist?

To become an occupational therapist, you will need to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree and pass the required licensure exams. You can expect to spend

six to seven years in school

: four years for an undergraduate degree and two to three years for a graduate degree (if attending on a full-time basis).

What are the cons of therapist?

  • Dealing With Insurance and Billing Issues Can Be a Hassle. …
  • Setting up Your Own Practice Can Be Challenging. …
  • Dealing With Clients on a Daily Basis Can Be Emotionally Draining. …
  • Your Work Schedule Can Be Erratic at Times. …
  • You Will Need to Devote Time to Finding New Clients.

Will occupational therapy be phased out?

But to answer you question,

OT is not going anywhere

. However you might have to in order find work as a new grad as it is becoming more and more oversaturated in many large cities. Some fields within OT (hand therapy, occupational health, home health) are also hard to break into or have decreased demand.

What are the biggest issues in occupational therapy?

The challenges facing occupational therapists include proving our value in an

economic trend of downsizing

, competing within the medical profession, developing and affiliating with new payer sources, and reengineering our careers to meet the needs of the new, nontraditional health care marketplace.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.