Health Careers
Occupational Therapist
Professional Activities
Occupational therapists help disabled people learn or regain the skills they need to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives. They often work as a member of a team of professionals who combine their individual fields of expertise to meet the needs of the client.
Occupational therapists select appropriate activities suited to the physical capability, intelligence level, and interests of each client. Goal-directed activities are designed to develop independent daily living skills or prepare the person for employment. Occupational therapists have a wide variety of skills including movement facilitation and re-education, and the design and construction of splints and other devices that help patients adapt to a disability. Occupational therapists must also have an in-depth knowledge of the techniques used for redesigning living and working settings to accommodate disabled people. They are experts on community resources, and help clients take advantage of the specific resources that will aid in the rehabilitation process. Specialty areas in occupational therapy include hand rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation.
In rural Alaska, occupational therapists are employed by health care facilities, educational organizations, school systems, infant learning programs, and city, state, or federal agencies.
Educational Requirements
- Graduation from high school with coursework in English, science, and math.
- A Master’s degree is required. Programs are geared toward a 6 year Master’s program or a 2 year program for those with a Bachelor’s degree in an associated field.
- Completion of a six to nine month clinical experience after graduation.
Academic Programs
There are no occupational therapy programs in Alaska. Individuals should contact the state association for information on programs in other states. For a list of accredited programs in the United States, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association website. (See Student-Schools)
Contacts
State Contact:
Alaska Occupational Therapy Association
PMB 1616, 3705 Arctic Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
Email:
Web site: http://www.akota.org
National Contact:
The American Occupational Therapy Association
4720 Montgomery Lane
P.O. Box 31220
Bethesda, Maryland 20824
Toll free: (800) 377-8555
Phone: (301) 652-2682
Fax: (301) 652-7711
Web site: http://www.aota.org
This page was last updated by Janice Troyer on July 18, 2007
