Occupational Therapy Jobs

Occupational jobs are expected to rise in the coming years, much faster than the average occupation. Many job opportunities are expected involving the treatment of the elderly. Employment of occupational therapists is expected to rise 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, a tremendous increase in comparison to the expectation of other occupations. The growing elderly population will drive growth in the demand for occupational therapy services.

In the short-term, the impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may negatively affect the job market for occupational therapists. However, over the long-term, the demand for occupational therapists should continue to increase as a result of the growing number of people with disabilities or limited function who require therapy or rehabilitation services. The baby boomer population is entering an age period where their chances of heart attacks and strokes increase. As an effect, the demand for therapy and rehab services will rise. The population of 75 year olds and older continue to grow. This group typically suffers from an array of disabling conditions, which in result will increase demand for therapy services. Additionally, medical advances now enable more patients with critical problems to survive. Many of these patients will need extensive therapy care.

Hospitals will continue to call on many occupational therapists to provide therapy services to acutely ill inpatients. Also, occupational therapists will be needed to assist in outpatient rehabilitation programs at hospitals.

In the school sector, employment growth is expected as the result of growing school-age population, the expansion of services for disabled students, and an growing prevalence of sensory disorders in children. Therapists will be needed to help children with disabilities prepare to enter special education programs.

Job opportunities should be good for licensed occupational therapists in all settings, particularly in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings because the elderly receive most of their treatment in these type of settings. Also, occupational therapists with specialized knowledge/training in a treatment area will have more job prospects. Some of the emerging practice areas for occupational therapy include driver rehabilitation and fall-prevention training for the elderly.