Career Exploration

Research Questions
1. What education is needed for this career?
Explain type of education, where one can get it and how long it would take. If you can find
specific schools that offer this education, feel free to list them.
You need a bachelor's degree and specific coursework including bio and physiology. Then a
masters degree in occupational therapy.

2. What training is needed for this career?

Explain the type of training, where one can get it and how long it would take.
The type of training needed it takes about 10 years to fully be in the field, you need to train in a doctoral program.
3. Who are the largest employers for this career field?
There is no largest employer in this career field since they are needed all around. But in highly populated areas the
employment is more needed.
4. Where can one find work in this field?
i.e. factories – hospitals – gov’t – schools – etc.
One can find work in this field in hospitals mostly but also can be found in offices and schools.

5. What is the average starting salary?

For this question, use the bottom 10%.
$55,940

6. What is the average ten-year salary?

For this question, use the median
$84,270
7. In which areas of the country could/would one live?
Discuss the cost of living in these areas (relative to salary – housing – etc.).
The area I would most likely live in New York because it has the highest employment rate.
Housing is very expensive so it will affect my salary and income.

8. What is the long-term outlook for this career? Will the need increase,
decrease, stay the same, be eliminated?
The job increases much faster than average. The outlook goes up 18% from 2018-
2028.

9. What are the working conditions? What are some of the hazards or
disadvantages of the job?
i.e. health risks, moving to other locations for advancement, temporary or seasonal
employment, etc.
The working conditions of the job are usually good except you do have to work over 40 hours a
week, which can be tiring. The career is very rewarding, which makes you feel good. SOme
disadvantages for the job are building relationships and then losing them to death.

10. What is the nature of the work?

Assessing home and work environments of clients and deciding what adjustments are needed.
Advising on adaptive equipment to help clients with daily activities. Developing physical rehabilitation
programs to help clients regain lost skills. Preparing clients for a return to work.
11. What are the responsibilities on the job?
Occupational therapists treat disabled, ill or injured patients with special equipment and the
therapeutic use of daily activities. They help patients improve, regain and develop the skills needed
for day to day life and work.

12. Are there any professional associations or unions that are necessary or
suggested to be a member of this profession?
No
13. What are some related occupations?
Nurses, Physical therapists and Speech-Therapist Pathologist .
14. Are most of the workers in this field traditionally male or female? Explain.
Most of the workers in this field are traditionally female there is only about 8% male.
15. What do three people in the career say about their jobs?
You may research your answer to this question and/or briefly interview someone
you know in this career. Remember, this should be written in quote form.
“Occupational therapy was a perfect fit”
“Its a career that is certain to contribute much to society and gives self fulfilment”
“I get to use my creativity imagination and puzzle solving”