Best occupational therapy jobs

The best occupational therapy jobs include pediatric occupational therapists, occupational therapy professors, and early intervention occupational therapists. Occupational therapy is focused on helping people recover from physical, mental, or emotional challenges and return to a healthy lifestyle. Most of the job involves helping by creating a personalized treatment plan for each patient. If you're looking for a job in occupational therapy, here are ten of the best options:

1. Pediatric Occupational Therapist

   Average Salary: $82,293

   A pediatric occupational therapist is a health care professional who works directly with children, helping them develop essential skills and lead an active life. Part of their job is to meet with patients to identify their needs through various assessments and examinations, conduct extensive research and analyses, and create treatment plans and strategies to develop the children's cognitive and social skills, motor functions, and other abilities to help them grow healthy. Moreover, a pediatric occupational therapist coordinates with parents or guardians, providing them with the necessary care advice.

2. Occupational Therapy Professor

   Average Salary: $121,135

3. Early Intervention Occupational Therapist

   Average Salary: $77,291

4. Clinical Specialist

   Average Salary: $67,002

   A Clinical Specialists role is to assist in the selling of particular medical devices that need more detailed and complex knowledge. They work in laboratories as part of a team of technologists, technicians, and supervisors.

5. Occupational Therapy Assistant

   Average Salary: $50,653

   An occupational therapy assistant is primarily responsible for assisting an occupational therapist when handling patients at a clinic or similar setting. Their duties revolve around gathering patient information and medical history, treating patients using the therapist's care plan, monitoring a patient's progress, and maintaining an accurate and extensive record. There are also instances when an assistant must discuss the conditions and extent of treatment to patients and families, as well as monitor supplies and inventory.

6. Rehabilitation Specialist

   Average Salary: $42,934

   Rehabilitation specialists are professionals who are responsible for helping individuals with physical and mental disabilities to reintegrate into society and live independently. These specialists must assist their clients in finding the type of work they could do with their disability and prepare them for their interview. They are required to provide a basic explanation about the medical or mental health condition to their clients. Rehabilitation specialists must also collaborate with other professionals to assist with rehabilitation exercises.

7. Prosthetist

   Average Salary: $51,852

8. Utilization Review Nurse

   Average Salary: $65,425

   The primary role of an Utilization Review Nurse is to analyze the condition of each patient carefully and decide if the patient still needs to stay in the hospital or be sent home. They deal with patients' relatives, doctors, and people from insurance companies.

9. Occupational Therapy Technician

   Average Salary: $32,056

10. Rehabilitation Aide

    Average Salary: $28,284

    A rehabilitation aide is responsible for assisting patients with injuries, mental disorders, and illnesses in their treatment plans and medications. Rehabilitation aides monitor the patients' progress and update attending physicians regarding their conditions. They also prepare treatment rooms, including the materials and equipment for the medical procedures, and discuss the process with the patients. A rehabilitation aide must be highly organizational, especially in attending to different patients' needs and ensuring the safety and security of all facilities and assets.