Occupational Therapists Description OES Code: 323050 Plan, organize, and participate in medically oriented occupational programs in hospital or similar institution to rehabilitate patients who are physically or mentally ill. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $20.00 $10.00 – $22.00 New, experienced: $22.14 $9.24 – $25.89 3 yrs+ experience: $24.97 $10.79 – $30.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Virtually all employers require a 40-hour week. Most employers give a comprehensive benefit package including retirement plans, insurance plans, vacation and sick leave. Employment Trends Employment 1996 4,370 Projected Employment 2006 7,610 Growth Rate 1996-2006 74.1% Openings due to Separations 650 Employment Trends by California County The overall outlook for Occupational Therapists in California is good. Most of the jobs are in hospitals, convalescent institutions and in offices of health practitioners. This occupation is projected to rank among the fifty fastest growing occupations in the State between 1990 and 2005. Employment is expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the average for all occupations due to increased demand for rehabilitation programs. Additional therapists will be needed to fill in behind those who promote to administrative and supervisory positions. Most job openings during the next few years are expected to result from a continued growth of variety of rehabilitation programs, rather than from replacement of individuals leaving the labor force. Advancement Promotional opportunities for Occupational Therapists depend largely on the place of employment. In large health facilities with large therapy staffs, therapists may be promoted to supervisory positions. In facilities having only one or two-person staffs, promotional opportunities are more limited. Opportunities for advancement to administrative and supervisory positions are better for those therapists with a Master's degree in occupational therapy. Many therapists, after a number of years of experience, decide to go into private practice or consulting. Getting the Job & Other Information The Occupational Therapy Association of California and universities with Occupational Therapist programs are the main channels for bringing jobs and job seekers together. Employers may also list openings with the Employment Development Department, in the association newsletter and other professional journals. Job seekers may apply directly to federal, State and county employment offices. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training High school students interested in occupational therapy should obtain information from universities offering the program and complete high school courses needed to satisfy admission requirements. Courses in biology, physics, chemistry, social science, psychology, industrial arts and homemaking are good preparation for future college training programs. Occupational Therapists working in California must be registered by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB). Therapists must complete a four-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, have six to nine months of supervised clinical work in a hospital or similar setting and pass the examination given by the AOTCB. These programs also include the six to nine-month clinical affiliation experience in a hospital or community center required for admission to the Certification Exam for Occupational Therapist, Registered. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). Currently, these are the only accredited Occupational Therapist programs in California. Those occupational therapy assistants who are certified by the AOTCB, have two years of approved work experience, and have completed six to nine months of clinical work experience at the therapist level are also eligible to take the exam. Skills & Other Requirements Therapists need good physical and mental health. The most important personal characteristics are patience, compassion, ingenuity and imagination. Therapists must understand and empathize with patient problems, but with the professional reserve which allows objectivity. Since therapists deal with many different types of patients and problems, they must be flexible and able to develop new means of therapy to suit the patient's needs. An aptitude for science, public speaking, art and mechanics are all helpful for therapeutic tasks. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Occupational Therapists #143 Related Occupation: Physical Therapists #117, Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants #451 Training: California State Training Inventory   © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.