Occupational Therapists

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
2. 02Complete and maintain necessary records.
3. 03Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
4. 04Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
5. 05Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
6. 06Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
7. 07Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
8. 08Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
9. 09Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
10. 10Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
11. 11Recommend changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.
12. 12Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading