A bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimal requirement for entry into this field.

According to a Hay Group survey of acute care hospitals, the median annual base salary of full-time occupational therapists was $42,700 in January 1997. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,100 and $46,100.

Occupational therapy offers good job opportunities and high pay. They will be among the fastest growing occupations, as rapid growth in the number of middle-aged and elderly individuals increases the demand for therapeutic services. Additional demand will result from medical advances that allow more patients with critical problems to survive and require rehabilitation.

Occupational therapists work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling, and help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills.

Occupational therapists in hospitals and other health care and community settings generally work a 40-hour week. Therapists are increasingly taking on supervisory roles.

Patience

Strong interpersonal skills.

Ingenuity and imagination.

Must be able to adapt to a variety of settings.