Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Occupational Therapist
Job description
An occupational therapist (OT) uses various educational, vocational and rehabilitation activities to help physically, mentally or emotionally disabled people of all ages to regain the skills they need to live independent lives.
Activities may include
●
analyze a patient's potential and limitations
●
select and implement activities to help minimize the handicapping condition
●
work to increase daily living skills
●
evaluate training programs
●
work with employers to arrange paid employment opportunities
●
design and construct splints and other orthotic devices for injured patients
●
teach fine motor skills to persons who need to develop skill using one hand
●
evaluate developmental level of high risk children and infants
●
help patients in mental health centers learn personal and social behavior skills
●
teach business and industrial skills such as typing
●
conduct community living skills programs to prepare patients for their return to the community
Salaries and benefits*
Working for the State of Washington, an Occupational Therapist I earns $2,229 to $2,837 per month. A State Sheltered Workshop Supervisor with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience earns $2,282 to $2,905 per month. In the Northwest, the average wage for a Registered Occupational Therapist is $3,290 to $3,640 per month. Wages are highest for consultants in nursing homes and in private practice. Statewide, Registered Occupational Therapists average $2,900 per month. Nationally, recent graduates with a Bachelor's degree average $2,650 per month.
Most occupational therapists receive a full benefit package.
Training and requirements
The occupational therapist must be a graduate of a four-year accredited occupational therapy program and have nine months of supervised field work experience. In Washington State OT training is available at Eastern Washington University, the University of Puget Sound and the University of Washington.
Necessary skills
●
ability to learn new skills and to use new technology
●
ability to make good judgment
●
excellent communication skills
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excellent ability to see details and slight differences
●
good eye/hand coordination
●
good ability to use hands skillfully to assemble and repair things
●
ability to work with a wide variety of people with different illness and impairments
●
ability to stand, walk and move about freely for extended periods of time
Licensure/Certification
Occupational therapists must have a state license to practice in the State of Washington. Six months minimum of supervised field work is required as is completion of 6 hours of AIDS education.
Helpful high school courses
Include English, math through calculus, science including biology and chemistry, art courses, and classes in shop such as metal and wood shop, as well as health, and physical education.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Eastern Washington University
526 5th St.
Cheney, WA 99004
(509) 359-2397
●
University
of Puget Sound
1500 North Warner
Tacoma, WA 98416
(253) 879-3100
●
University of Washington
Occupational Therapy Curriculum Office
1959 NE Pacific Street, Suite CC-902
Box 356490
Seattle WA 98195-6490
(206) 598-5764
Outlook*
The job outlook for occupational therapists is excellent! Employment is expected to grow 18% by the year 2000. Currently, there are about 1,407 Occupational Therapists licensed in Washington.
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04