Occupational therapy recognized as a - “Best Career” by US news & world report

The following is a news release that was posted on the American Occupational Therapy Association website and RemSpecED thought it was a fitting article to highlight on our site:

After recently being ranked No. 18 in Laurence Shatkin’s, Ph.D., “150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs” (JIST, 2008), U.S. News & World Report named occupational therapist to its “Best Careers 2009” list. This is the second consecutive year occupational therapy has received this honor.
This year, U.S. News & World Report scored hundreds of careers on five criteria:
1. Job outlook
2. Average job satisfaction
3. Difficulty of the required training
4. Prestige
5. Pay

The following is the “report card” provided for occupational therapist:

• Median Salary (National) - $63,900
• Job Satisfaction - B
• Training Difficulty - B
• Prestige - A
• Job Market Outlook - A
• Typical Degree Requirement - Masters

In addition to becoming an occupational therapist, a career as an occupational therapy assistant is also an option. Occupational therapy assistants earn an associate degree. All occupational therapy practitioners must complete supervised clinical fieldwork in a variety of health and educational settings.

“Occupational therapy—a vibrant, growing profession—makes it possible for people to achieve independence and live life to its fullest,” said Penelope Moyers Cleveland, EdD, OTR/L, BCMH, FAOTA, president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). “A career in occupational therapy as a therapist or assistant means making a difference and improving the lives of people of all ages—from newborns to the elderly. This is accomplished through designing strategies for everyday living and customizing environments to develop and maximize potential.”

For more information about a career in occupational therapy, visit AOTA’s prospective students’ portal.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditation and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.