Occupational Therapists
On the Job
Occupational Therapists organize rehabilitation programs that help people build greater independence. They work with people who have disabilities or developmental delays. They test and evaluate people's abilities.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Prepare healthcare training materials.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Design medical devices or appliances.
- Design public or employee health programs.
- Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Close physical proximity with other people.
- Exposure to disease or infections.
- Working with a group or team.
- Frequent decision-making.
- The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.