Career Opportunities
Occupational therapists address physical, mental, emotional and developmental needs for clients of all ages. Moreover, occupational therapy jobs are available in a variety of areas including schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient service providers, home health, early intervention and academia.
Doctoral degrees are becoming increasingly necessary in order to meet the complex demands of healthcare. Occupational therapists will need to pursue doctoral education in order to compete and exert leadership in the educational and healthcare services arenas.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, the median pay for an occupational therapist in 2018 was $84,270 per year or $40.51 per hour. Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapists with doctoral degrees can take a leadership role, effecting policies and strategies that help people with a variety of challenges including but not limited to:
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
Career Outlook
Job Outlook graph shows jobs for training and development on the rise through 2022 - $54,229 estimated salary of graduates from this program. |
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Employment Outcomes
Graduate OccupationsOccupational Therapists Public Relations & Fundraising Managers Education Administrators, Preschool & Childcare Center Directors, Religious Activities & Education First-Line Supervisors of Production & Operating Workers Probation Officers & Correctional Treatment Specialists |
Graduate EmployersArkansas Early Learning, Inc. Building Blocks, Inc. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Early Intervention Program Evergreen Rehabilitation, Inc. Green Park Lutheran School Assn. |
Graduate Job TitlesOccupational Therapist Academic Director Assistant Director College Faculty Director of Operations Production Supervisor Powered by Emsi - 2019. |