I loved researching occupational therapy because it is something I am extremely interested in. I have learned so many things during this project. Here are some:
- An occupational therapist is not done learning once they get their license. They must continue to study new breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatments.
- When the United States entered WWI, the Surgeon General of the U.S. army requested that occupational therapists be overseas to treat the soldiers. This was a big breakthrough for the practice of OT.
- One must have exceptional physical strength in order to be an occupational therapist. A patient could be a 16-year-old boy who has just lost the use of his legs. He would need to be lifted in and out of his wheelchair.
- The most frequent health problem seen in OT patients is CVA/ Hemiplegia, which is total paralysis of one side of the body.
- The only university in South Carolina that offers a master's degree in occupational therapy is MUSC.
- The market for OTs is increasing.
- The starting salary is very high.
- Although OT is stressful work, it can be very fulfilling.
- Some parents are extremely hard to work with.
- Mostly children are OT patients.