what does a doctor of occupational therapy do

They are usually designated with the letters OTD in the end of their names. Graduate Programs in Occupational Therapy: Look for a program that has been accredited by ACOTE. Coral Gables, FL 33134, St. Augustine, FL Campus In order to become an occupational therapist, you must complete the following three steps: Occupational therapy is a profession that’s personal and flexible, depending on the individual OT and the patient. Occupational Therapy and Dementia Interventions. … USAHS focuses on providing the best and more appropriate academic and financial aid counseling throughout the admissions process. Occupational Therapy Salary and Job Growth. Answered on Apr 14, 2013. These Doctorates are not MD’s or Medical Doctorates. Occupational therapists work with a variety of patients who require assistance recovering from injuries, learning how to use a prosthetic limb, and even learning how to care for children with muscular diseases. Some OTs go through more training so they can focus on certain types of treatment, like hand therapy, treating people with low vision, or working with children or older adults. , you must complete the following three steps: The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Functional restoration may consist of strengthening, performing the task a different way, using adaptive equipment, or modifying the environment to get the job done. Physical Therapy: What to Know:”, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists,”. Please view our, Occupational Therapy Programs (MOT, OTD, PPOTD), Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, Physical Therapy Online Courses for International Students. The main difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy is that physical therapy is mainly focused on reducing pain and restoring movement of the body, while occupational therapy focuses on helping the patient regain independence and confidence while performing activities of daily living and other personally meaningful pursuits.2, Occupational therapy is a growing field. Occupational therapy involves assisting others with their ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, using the bathroom, eating and bathing. The BLS reported a 2012 salary of $100,370 for health specialties college professors. For example, a stroke does not just affect the way a person walks, it affects how they think and feel. This work helps the patient to gain or regain independence, whether they are a child born with developmental delays, a construction worker with a hand injury, or an older adult who has survived a stroke. An OT’s salary can vary by work schedule, facility, and geographic location. This profession is not about vocational counseling or work training. Occupational Therapy is a client-focused healthcare profession which promotes the health and well-being of patients. People with dementia often experience forgetfulness, wandering, problems with planning, personal care and mobility. 1 University Boulevard Applicants must have completed a minimum of 40 observation hours with a licensed occupational therapist prior to the application deadline. Where Occupational Therapists work. Apart from assessing homes for falls risks, they can help patients with chronic diseases in a variety of ways. There are opportunities for creativity, growth, and change. Once an occupational therapist has gathered information, they can develop a program for your child. An occupational therapist can identify their strengths and difficulties, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and will help them work out practical solutions. As workplaces become more complex, occupational physicians play an important role in advising people on how their work can affect their health. Map out a plan and follow it. Occupational therapy can improve daily functioning, social participation and wellbeing in people with dementia. If they're working with your child, they can go to their school. Physical Therapy, difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy. By clicking the checkbox, I provide my express written consent for University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences to contact me via email, text, telephone, and prerecorded message regarding furthering my education. They get special graduate training in occupational therapy. 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