Occupational Therapist Jobs: 10 Specialties to Consider

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities perform daily tasks and learn to live independently. They create treatment plans, evaluate progress, and demonstrate exercises and the use of special equipment.

According to a study by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, all 50 states are projected to experience a shortage of occupational therapists through 2030. In addition to being in demand, these professionals make a median salary of $96,370, nearly twice the median annual salary for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

No matter the specialty you select, you need a master’s degree and license to become an occupational therapist. Other requirements vary among states. Work with career and academic advisors to explore different occupational therapist jobs.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Specializing prepares you to work with a specific group of patients, such as older adults or people with disabilities. Your master’s in occupational therapy program may offer the following specializations.

OTs specializing in gerontology work with aging populations to maintain patients’ strength and flexibility. Professionals interested in this specialization can pursue a gerontology certificate program. These OTs can work in nursing care facilities, hospitals, or patients’ homes.

Pediatric OTs work in schools, hospitals, and private settings to help kids with physical and sensory needs. Pediatric OTs highlight functional skills like zipping, buttoning, and holding pencils, often through play activities and creative lessons.

OTs with a passion for psychology can specialize in mental health. Mental health OTs address a patient’s emotional well-being and how making adjustments to their routines or lifestyles can improve their mental health. Interventions may include establishing routines for physical care, cooking therapy, and sensory techniques to calm the nervous system.

Working with people who have experienced injury, disease, or surgery, physical rehabilitation OTs assist patients with performing everyday tasks and normal routines after their diagnosis or procedure. Physical rehabilitation OTs may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private agencies.

Driving and community therapy OTs work with everyone from pre-drivers to those who are aging out of driving. These OTs may assist with using maps, pedestrian safety, calm driving techniques, and utilizing public transportation. Work environments may include outdoors, in cars, or in various forms of public transportation.

Environmental modification is the skill of assessing an environment, whether it be a home, building, or workspace, and determining changes to make that space more accessible. Environmental modification OTs work with patients to assess and change their homes to maximize patient safety, independence, and usage.

Focusing on the arm, from the shoulder to the fingertips, hand therapist OTs provide rehabilitation and management care for people with injuries or diseases that affect their upper body. Hand therapy OTs may work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Patients may have had strokes, developed arthritis, or experienced an injury.

Those who experience a brain injury may have difficulties with memory, setting routines, and independent living. OTs who specialize in brain injury can help clients with cognitive tasks, mood management, and modifying living space to maximize independence. Typically, brain injury OTs work in a client’s home or a residential facility setting.

OTs focusing on people with autism work as part of a team to help their clients build physical strength and fine motor skills, regulate emotions, and explore sensory-seeking activities. Autism specialist OTs may work for centers that specialize in autism, in private practices, or at schools.

Seating and mobility OTs work with people in wheelchairs or scooters to increase patients’ safety and access to their environments. OTs with this specialty can help position the wheelchairs and add modifications or devices to maximize their clients’ independence and mobility.

To become a practicing occupational therapist, you have to complete a master’s in occupational therapy program and become licensed in the state you choose to practice in.

Students who want to earn a master’s in occupational therapy should consider getting a bachelor’s degree related to the field, such as a bachelor’s in exercise science or biology. Students who want to teach in higher education or take on research roles may need to complete a doctorate in occupational therapy.

Through your coursework, you may complete practicum work and have the opportunity to apply for internships. These experiences will prepare you for a future career in occupational therapy. Another option is to seek employment as an occupational therapist aide to gain experience and make connections.

As part of your degree program, you will fulfill the requirements for state licensure, and the coursework will help prepare you to take an occupational therapist licensing exam. Additional certificates are available if you want to specialize, and continuing education credits are required for renewing your license.

Taking advantage of internships and building connections with professors and alumni services at your school can help you land a job after college. You can also check with your college’s career services department for additional resources like job fairs.

While job fairs can help you network with a large variety of employers, combing through the best job search sites can provide many job leads. You can also find positions listed on many professional organizations’ websites, like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) career page.