What are the pros and cons of being an occupational therapist?

The pros and cons of being an occupational therapist relate to compensation and benefits, job security, and educational requirements.

Here are the top pros and cons of being an occupational therapist:

Pros:

• Compensation and benefits

  Many occupational therapists make good salaries and also receive great employee benefits. The average salary for an occupational therapist in the United States is $82,547 per year. Some can make considerably more than this depending on their location, experience, and employer. Common employee benefits for this role include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

  • 401 (k) plan

  • Paid time off

  • Reimbursement for their license

  In addition, some occupational therapists choose to specialize in a particular area, and this often results in higher salaries and extra employee benefits.

• Job security

  Occupational therapists are in high demand, and they will likely continue to be needed to help people recovering from injuries or people with chronic medical conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 17% growth rate for this field in the next 10 years, which is higher than the average growth rate.

• You can specialize in the field

  As was touched on above, occupational therapists have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas. This requires extra training, but those that go this route can find more job opportunities and often even better pay. There are many specializations in this field, here are some examples:

  • Aquatic exercise

  • Pediatrics

  • Gerontology

  • Assistive technology

  • Hippotherapist

  Specializing increases an occupational therapist's toolkit and enables them to help more patients.

• Occupational therapists help people

  Many in the field find the work extremely gratifying as they get to help people overcome injuries and improve the physical functionality of their lives. This results in many occupational therapists taking pride in their work and feeling fulfilled at the end of each day.

Cons:

• Occupational therapist education requirements

  It takes around six to seven years to become an occupational therapist. First, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in biology, health sciences, kinesiology, physiology, or another related field. Then you must obtain a master's degree in occupational therapy. After school, you must become certified by passing a four-hour exam. Specialization requires additional education.

• Occupational therapy can be draining emotionally and physically

  Occupational therapists have to help all sorts of different patients with varying levels of ambition concerning their own recovery and rehabilitation. They can come into contact with people who don't want their help or won't follow their guidance right away. This can lead some in the field to often feel stressed. This role also requires therapists to be on their feet all day.

• Occupational therapy work schedule

  Most occupational therapists work 40 hours or more per work week. They often have to put in overtime hours due to their patient's scheduling requirements. Certain specializations in the field can result in more flexible hours. Some locations also have a moderate need for this role, meaning some occupational therapists might only be able to find part-time work.