Many people commit the mistake of thinking that an Occupational Therapist (OT) and a Physical Therapist are the same. Well, an occupational therapist has broader functions than a physical therapist. While PT’s specialize on the improvement of the physical aspect of a patient only, OT’s address the emotional, mental and physical aspects of a person to help him go through his daily tasks more efficiently and enjoyably. An Occupational Therapist is someone who helps patients perform their functions and overcome their physical, mental and emotional challenges that can otherwise immobilize them. A person who holds this job does not diagnose the medical and psychiatric issues of a person. Rather, the OT is engaged in the practical application of the medical advice and come up with the therapeutic methods to help the person cope with the disabling condition.

An OT can be seen working in a clinic, hospital, nursing facility and private homes. An Occupational Therapist gets to interact with children who suffer from autism, people who have difficulties overcoming a traumatic incident, kids with developmental delays, kids and adults with Attention Deficit disorders, people who have issues performing in their careers and executing their daily tasks. As you notice, the patients are primarily suffering from emotional, mental and physical troubles that set them back from leading normal lives.

Occupational therapists are licensed to practice what they do. To be an occupational therapist, you need to have a masters’ degree from Occupational Therapy Schools as well as pass the licensure test given by the state. The license is renewed ever four months, 1 year or even 2 years, depending on which state you are. A relatively huge percentage of OT professionals, an estimate of around 29%, are employed in hoe health care services. There are also big percentages of employment in hospitals and nursing facilities. A small percentage is engaged in private practices.  In the US, occupational therapists filled an estimate of 104,500 in 2008 alone. This number is expected to grow as projections estimate around 26% increase in demand for OT professionals between 2009 and 2018.  What you may have not realized is that occupational therapists perform a very special function in the society.  People who suffer from a mental, physical or emotional distracting condition can set them back from living a normal life, and the role of occupational therapists is exactly to help these people make the most out of their lives despite their circumstances.

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