Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, due to illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake everyday activities. They assist people to regain lost functions, develop their abilities and social skills, as well as maintain and promote independence in their everyday lives to enhance health and wellbeing. Show
Personal requirements for an Occupational Therapist
Education & Training for an Occupational TherapistTo become an occupational therapist you usually have to complete a degree in occupational therapy at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information. Additional informationBefore undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate and immunisations, and undergo a Working with Children Check. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.It is a legal requirement for graduates to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia before practising as an occupational therapist in any state or territory of Australia. Visit the board's website for more details. Duties & Tasks of an Occupational TherapistOccupational therapists:
Tasks
Employment Opportunities for an Occupational TherapistOccupational therapists work in public and private healthcare organisations. These may include general and children's hospitals, aged-care facilities, rehabilitation centres, day care centres, community health centres, municipal councils, primary and secondary schools, prisons, centres for people with disability, independent living centres and other organisations. They may also work in private practice as clinicians, consultants or as injury management advisers.Employment opportunities are influenced mainly by the ageing of the population, levels of government funding and government policy initiatives. SpecializationsOccupational therapists may work in areas such as:
Occupational TherapistOccupational therapists assess and treat people who, due to illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake everyday activities. They assist people to regain lost functions, develop their abilities and social skills, as well as maintain and promote independence in their everyday lives to enhance health and wellbeing. What kind of person makes a good occupational therapist?8 Character Traits of a Successful Occupational Therapy Assistant. Creative. Being an occupational therapy assistant requires a lot of creativity. ... . Patient. Patience is a key trait in this profession. ... . Kind. Kindness is crucial when working with patients. ... . Passionate. ... . Optimistic. ... . Observant. ... . Independent. ... . Adaptable.. What do you think are the three most important skills necessary for success in occupational therapy?Occupational therapists should also possess the following specific qualities:. Communication skills. Occupational therapists must be able to listen attentively to what patients tell them and be able to explain what they want their patients to do.. Compassion. ... . Flexibility. ... . Interpersonal skills. ... . Patience. ... . Writing skills.. |