What’s It Like to Be an Occupational Therapist?
If you love helping people live life to the fullest—whether that means getting back to work, brushing their teeth, or simply tying their shoes—then being an Occupational Therapist (OT) might be your perfect fit. OTs help people of all ages regain independence and confidence in their daily lives after injury, illness, or disability.
️📅 A Day in the Life
Your day is all about helping people do the things that matter most to them. Here’s what that might look like:
Meeting with clients – You’ll assess their abilities, challenges, and goals—whether it’s recovering from a stroke or adapting to life with arthritis.
Creating personalized treatment plans – You’ll design activities and exercises that help improve strength, coordination, and everyday function.
Guiding therapy sessions – From practicing fine motor skills to teaching energy-saving techniques, you’ll coach clients through it all.
Recommending tools and adaptations – You might suggest special utensils, home modifications, or assistive devices to make life easier.
Collaborating with families and care teams – You’ll work closely with other healthcare pros and loved ones to support your client’s progress.
💡 What Makes It Awesome?
You get to make a real difference in people’s lives—often in deeply personal ways.
It’s a great mix of creativity, problem-solving, and compassion.
You can work in all kinds of settings—hospitals, schools, rehab centers, or even people’s homes.
🧠 Good to Know
You’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy and a license to practice.
Patience, empathy, and a knack for thinking outside the box are super helpful.
Progress can be slow sometimes—but the wins (big or small) are incredibly rewarding.
📌 Quick Facts
Education Level Required: Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy; licensure required.
Work Environment: Hospitals, schools, rehab centers, and home visits.
Skills or Interests: Great for creative problem-solvers who enjoy helping people adapt and thrive.
Salary Range: Typically $95,000 to $108,000 annually
Job Outlook/Growth: Strong growth expected due to aging populations and rehab needs
Physical Activity Level: Moderate—some lifting and hands-on therapy.