Career Management

ANALYZING CAREER RESEARCH

Your Name: Tessa Vallee

Name of Career: Occupational Therapist
Career Cluster: Health Care (rehabilitation)
Internet Sources (must use 3 from list provided):
https://www.careerzone.ny.gov/views/careerzone/search/occupation/occupationProfile.jsf
#.VD_zxSJ4pcQ
https://wiscareers.wisc.edu/C_CVstuff/occinfo.asp?Area=gen&Num=00282
http://www.fofweb.com/Careers/default.asp?ItemID=WE34

After reading the research you have gathered, evaluate the information by answering the
following questions. (Do one of these sheets for each of your 2 Careersbullet
points are fine)

1. List 5 specific tasks they would perform.

Help patients regain as much physical function as possible after a
traumatic injury
Help people with disabilities live independently
Possibly design and construct assistive devices or recommend
environmental modifications that will increase the access patients
have to their homes.
Early intervention specialists work with children from birth to three
years of age. They help them to play and develop many of the daily
living skills they will need to lead satisfying lives.
Health care teams consisting of doctors, nurses, counselors, social
workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists plan activity
programs for patients of all ages.
2. In what kinds of places do they work at? (corporate office buildings, small
businesses, schools, outside, formal/informal atmosphere, hospital, clinic)
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, long-term
care facilities, and home health agencies.

3. What would you be required to wear to work? (formal, informal, protective

clothing, uniform)
If working in a rehabilitation center or hospital you may wear a uniform given to
you such as scrubs or a collared shirt with the company name on it. Tennis shoes or
comfy dress shoes since you will be exercising or lifting/moving patients. No jewelry
should be worn to keep you and the patient safe.

4. Would you work a lot with other people or more on your own? Both? Explain
Would be working with a lot of people. Other doctors, nurses or counselors to
collaborate about patients and what would be the best program for them. Also
constantly working with patients and building relationships and getting to know
them to be comfortable.

5. What are the hours you would be working? (Shifts, weekends, holidays,
overtime, 40 hours only, will you take work home, travel, traditional 8 to 5, etc.)
Occupational therapists usually work 40 hours a week. Those who work in acute
care hospitals may work evening and/or weekend hours.

6. What is the starting pay for this career? Average pay? Top pay? (Wisconsin)
Average pay for an entry level therapist- $49,400
Average pay for an experienced therapist- $87,850

7. What type of education and training is required to work in this field? (military
training, apprenticeship, associates degree, bachelors degree, masters degree,
doctorate, professional degree, experience, internship, etc.)
Occupational therapists must have a master's degree in occupational therapy.
Others graduate from college in other fields then complete a master's degree in
occupational therapy. A doctoral degree is required for university faculty positions.

8. Do you need to pass certain tests, meet certain physical requirements, obtain a
license, be certified, etc.? (teachers need a license for the state in which they are
teaching)
Occupational therapists must be certified by the National Board for Certification in
Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) to be employed. Certification by the State
Board of Medical Examiners is also required in selected states.

9.

Discuss two reasons why you are interested in this career. (advantages)

Occupational therapists enjoy the opportunity to work with and provide support to
people of all ages and in many different settings.
Also, knowing that my work is benefiting and helping others is a very fulfilling
process

10. Discuss two reasons why you might not be interested in this career.
(disadvantages or concerns you have)
A disadvantage is that they can only be effective if their clients are motivated to
work at maintaining or raising their current level of physical functional.
Another reason I might not be interested in this job is because of the traumatic
injuries I might see. Sometimes their stories might be very touching or emotional
which could interfere with my work.

11. Using Indeed.com, Milwaukeejobs.com, or Monster.com find a job advertisement

for this specific career. After reading the advertisement, answer the following
questions.
a. Can you see yourself as an adult going to work each at this job?
I can definitely see myself working in this field everyday.
b. Explain why or why not
I would love to help people and see their improvements