Careers in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists serve as change agents and advocates requiring skills in creative and critical thinking as well as a dedication to lifelong learning. Practitioners may function in the roles of:

• Clinician (direct service)
• Consultant (educator)
• Manager (policy development)
• Researcher (systematic inquiry)

Occupational therapists typically work as an inter-disciplinary team member in a variety of settings including but not limited to:

• Community
• School system
• Nursing home
• Hospital
• Home health care 

The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts occupational therapy to continue to be a field very much in demand, as well as being one of the fastest growing health care professions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of 24% in available occupational therapy positions by the year 2026.

Additional information regarding the profession of occupational therapy and career potential can be accessed at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. For more information regarding Xavier University's Department of Occupational Therapy contact the department directly at 513 745-3150.