What does an OT do?
What is involved in being an OT?
An Occupational Therapist (OT) in Australia is a healthcare professional who works with individuals of all ages to help them achieve independence and a satisfying quality of life through the performance of meaningful and purposeful activities.
Occupational Therapy aims to enable people to participate in the activities of daily life that are important to them, despite any physical, psychological, or social barriers they may face.
As an OT in Australia, you would be responsible for:
- Assessing a client's physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities and needs
- Working with clients to develop and implement a customized treatment plan
- Helping clients regain or improve their functional skills, such as activities of daily living (ADLs) and work-related tasks
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, and doctors
- Providing recommendations for assistive technology, modifications, and adaptations to the client's environment
- Offering education and support to clients and their families
- Keeping accurate and detailed records of client assessments and progress.
To work as an OT in Australia, you must have a degree in Occupational Therapy and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
OTs in Australia must also adhere to the standards and guidelines set by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) and the Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA).
Occupational Therapy is a growing field in Australia, with increasing demand for qualified OTs to support people with a wide range of needs, including physical, cognitive, and mental health conditions.
If you have a passion for helping others and a desire to make a difference in their lives, then a career in Occupational Therapy in Australia could be a rewarding choice.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with a wide range of individuals and groups, including children, adults, and seniors.
Some of the individuals and groups an OT may work with include:
- Children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Adults with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injury, amputation, and arthritis
- Seniors with age-related conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis
- Individuals recovering from a stroke or brain injury
- People with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Individuals with hand and upper limb conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
- Workers who have suffered an injury or developed a condition related to their job
- People with sensory or perceptual problems, such as vision or hearing loss
OTs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, community health centres, and private practices. They may also work in clients' homes, providing in-home therapy services. OTs collaborate with a range of other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and psychologist, to provide comprehensive and holistic care to their clients.
In their work, OTs aim to help individuals overcome any physical, psychological, or social barriers that may prevent them from participating in the activities that are meaningful and important to them. This may involve working with clients to develop new skills, modify their environment, or provide support and education to help them achieve their goals.