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There are many opportunities to use professional skills in an ever increasing variety of settings. The following are considered the most common work settings for occupational therapists: nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities, public and private schools, rehabilitation hospitals, general (acute) hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, residential care facilities, rehabilitation units, hand therapy clinics, industrial clinics, home health agencies, community agencies, private practice and hospice programs. Occupational therapists may also serve as consultants to agencies and facilities. Typically, occupational therapists work a 40 hour week. Evening or weekend hours may be required depending on the requirements of the setting. The following are highlights from just a few of many practice areas in occupational therapy. ACUTE CARE: Acute care in general hospitals or medical centers offers a challenging, fast paced practice area which allows treatment of patients with a variety of diagnoses. Diagnostic groups treated will include but not be limited to patients with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burns, trauma, total joint replacements, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). REHABILITATION: Following an insult or injury, it is vital that services be provided which allow clients the opportunity to improve to their highest level of function. The rehabilitation setting provides the therapist with the opportunity to work with a varied client caseload, each with their own individual goals. Client goals may range from becoming independent in basic self care, home management, meal preparation, driving, community re-entry, work skills, child care, leisure interests, or other activities that are important to their occupations in life. MENTAL HEALTH: Occupational therapists in mental health settings treat individuals with mental illness or emotional problems. Among the emotional disorders that occupational therapists encounter are alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, and stress-related disorders. Therapists provide individual and group activities that simulate real-life experiences to help people learn to cope with the daily stresses of life and to manage their work and leisure more effectively. SCHOOL SYSTEMS: Occupational therapists working in school settings provide direct treatment designed to enable children to fully participate in and benefit from the educational program. Consultative services are also provided to special education teachers and parents, to assist them in accommodating children with special needs. Children seen by occupational therapists may range from pre-school to high school age. The wide variety of learning needs combined with a variety of physical limitations and abilities offer unique challenges and opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners. |