Earning your occupational therapist degree is your first rung on the ladder towards beginning a fresh and exciting career. While a degree is necessary to become licensed OT, there are a few qualities and traits that are important for one to have. Most practicing occupational therapists possess all these qualities. Before making a decision to head down this career path, it's important to ask yourself in the event that you possess these common qualities, and when you're ready to begin working being an occupational therapist.
Patience is a key quality that occupational therapists should possess. Often, OTs are called upon to utilize physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged individuals. These patients may find it difficult to follow directions or to obtain the hang of a fresh skill. Being sensory integration , you will have to patiently use your patients before desired outcome is reached.
Occupational therapists end up working with a number of differing people. From autism fitness , to medical professionals and the patients' family members and co-workers, you'll be working with many different individuals whose ultimate goal, like yours, is to help the individual learn skills that may lead to a more productive life. The ability to work well with many of these people will be critical not merely to your success being an OT, but to your patient's success as well.
An occupational therapist must possess a strong desire to serve others, and exercise compassion and empathy for his or her patients. You will see situations you come across that could feel awkward. For example, you may need to assist a physically disabled person in learning how to shower by himself. neurodiversity training of empathy, as well as your need to serve and help others, will help you to get through these circumstances, realizing that ultimately you're helping the individual to begin to call home life just a little more independently.
Are you an excellent problem solver? Successful occupational therapists have the ability to think and act quickly, and develop solutions to many different types of problems. From the beginning of your work with a patient, you will be solving problems by developing a intend to help rehabilitate them. Often, you'll need to think creatively to create answers to problems your patient is having. Critical thinking and the ability to solve challenges are excellent assets to any successful OT.
During your occupational therapy courses, you'll be learning technical and academic areas of your job being an OT. It is important to remember, however, that academic training isn't going to prepare you for every situation, nor did it teach you these all important qualities. By evaluating your strengths, and understanding areas where you may need to improve, you'll be well on the way to a successful career in occupational therapy.
