What Does A Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Pediatric occupational work

to improve the function and independence of children and teens with disabilities, injuries

, or illnesses. They provide therapeutic interventions that help develop their fine motor skills, cognition, language skills, and more.

What is the role of a pediatric occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists look at children from a holistic perspective. They are

trying to determine where delays or limitations are coming from

, especially in the areas of fine motor skills, cognitive skills, social development, and establishing self-care routines.

How much do pediatric occupational therapists make a year?

The national average salary for a Pediatric Occupational Therapist is

$77,013

in United States.

Is pediatric occupational therapy hard?

Being a pediatric OT is not all rainbows and butterflies, although those themes do appear quite frequently when working with children.

It is challenging, often exhausting

, and requires lots of patience. However, it is an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding profession, and the one you will see me in for a very long time.

What skills do pediatric occupational therapists need?

The therapist will provide treatment for

sensory and motor skills, self-help, play, social skills, school readiness, fine motor skills, and cognitive development

.

Why did you choose pediatric occupational therapy?

Benefits. Pediatric occupational therapists have

an opportunity to make a significant lasting impact on the lives of their patients

. They help to instill skills that will allow children and youth to grow into successful, self-sufficient adults.

Which occupational therapist makes most money?

  • “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.

How long is an OT degree?

This pathway would generally take

5 to 5 1⁄2 years

(3 years for the undergraduate degree and 2 to 2 1⁄2 years for the master's program). There may be prerequisite subjects that you must complete in your undergraduate course to be eligible to apply for a master's program to become an Occupational Therapist.

Is being an occupational therapist hard?

Being an occupational therapist

can be 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 Occupational Therapy harder than nursing?


Nursing is more difficult than

(OT) since it entails dealing with sick and dying patients, working long hours, and working shifts. However, being a nurse provides more income and a broader choice of job options to increase earning potential.

Is becoming an OT worth it?

Occupational Therapy (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.

How do you become a Paediatric occupational therapist?

  1. Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years) …
  2. Step 2: Complete a Bachelor's Degree (Four Years) …
  3. Step 3: Obtain a Master's Degree (Two to Three Years)

How many hours does a pediatric occupational therapist work?

Usually, occupational therapists work

40-hour weeks

, with some jobs requiring travel to different therapy facilities or even patient homes.

Do pediatric occupational therapists make good money?

How much does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist make? The average Pediatric Occupational Therapist salary is

$84,446 per year

, or $40.6 per hour, in the United States. People on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $59,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $119,000.

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.

What do an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists

treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities

. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Do occupational therapists wear scrubs?

Do Occupational Therapists Wear Scrubs?

Yes

. Occupational therapists are required to wear scrubs at certain rehabilitation centers and hospitals. If scrubs are not required wherever the OT is employed, they often wear a polo shirt with either dark colored pants or scrub pants.

Do you need maths for occupational therapy?

Good math skills are important to be able to

compile data

and track progress with your patients. Basic calculations will help with working out time management skills to assist with appointments. … You will need to be patient, understanding and be able to communicate well with others.

Is there a shortage of occupational therapists?

On the basis of current trends, demand for OT services will outpace the supply of occupational therapists within the United States.

Shortages are expected to increase for all 50 states through 2030

. The number of states with a grade D or below will increase from 3 in 2010, to 18 in 2020, to 37 in 2030, respectively.

Are occupational therapists in high demand?

Job Outlook

Employment of occupational therapists is

projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030

, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Is occupational therapy a medical degree?

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is

a professional (or clinical) doctorate

– the highest level of academic preparation that an entry-level occupational therapist can obtain. Preparation at the doctoral entry-level goes well beyond that of the entry-level master's degree.

What are the hardest classes in occupational therapy?

The Hardest Courses are Usually at the Start

For many students (myself included),

gross anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and kinesiology

are typically the hardest of the classes. These courses are almost always in the beginning, which helps ensure that admitted students can handle the rigors of graduate school.

Is it hard to get into occupational therapy school?


OT school is very competitive

and takes more than just haphazardly applying to schools at the last minute. Make sure you're prepared by learning from my mistakes and following these actionable tips to increase your chances of getting accepted.

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.