Occupational Therapist
Career Description
Occupational therapists help disabled people of all ages learn or regain the skills needed to live independent, productive and satisfying lives. Specifically, an occupational therapist may lead patients in physical exercise and assist patients in operating rehabilitative equipment and computer programs. They also may work in the classroom to assimilate disabled children into school settings or teach finance, time management and social survival skills to the mentally handicapped.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $39,832 | Mean: $50,378 | Experienced: $61,152 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $19.15 | Mean: $24.22 | Experienced: $29.40 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Academic Requirements
The minimum educational requirement for entering the occupational therapy field is a bachelor’s degree. To obtain the title of registered occupational therapist requires completing an accredited graduate level program and passing an examination of the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board.
Schools
KU School of Allied Health (Kansas City, Kan.)
913/588-5235
Rockhurst University
800/842-6776
Professional Associations
National
American Occupational Therapy Association
State
Missouri Occupational Therapist Association
Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy
