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Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake the activities of everyday life. They help people to regain lost functions, develop their abilities and social skills, and maintain and promote independence in their everyday tasks to enhance their health and well-being.

Tasks & duties

Occupational therapists use the term "occupation" to describe things people do to occupy themselves, which can include things such as people looking after themselves, leisure activities and working. Occupational therapists help people who have problems with these occupations to find ways to overcome their difficulties.

They do tasks such as:

assess people's abilities within their environments
set goals with people
plan and direct therapy treatment
help people to gain or regain skills for everyday life, work and education
use physical and social activities to increase a person’s ability and confidence
adapt equipment or housing to enable patients to be safe and independent
recommend adaptations to motor vehicles to enable people to drive independently
advise people on changes to their lifestyle to help them with daily activities
educate people, their families or work colleagues, to ensure they have the information they need
observe and report on people's progress
give advice and support to families, employers and teachers about a person's rehabilitation

Specialisations

Occupational therapists can specialise in a range of areas including:

working with people who have a physical disability or mental illness
rehabilitating people who have had accidents
working with children or elderly people

Skills & knowledge

Occupational therapists need to have:

knowledge of occupational therapy methods
knowledge of the human mind, body and behaviour
good communication skills
the ability to negotiate with people and motivate them
an understanding of society and of different cultures
report writing skills
analytical and observational skills
problem-solving skills
time management skills

Entry requirements

To become an occupational therapist you need to have a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy. Two tertiary institutions offer this qualification:

AUT University website - Bachelor of Health Sciences information
Otago Polytechnic website - Bachelor of Health Sciences information

You must also be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand, and have an Annual Practising Certificate.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful secondary school subjects include English, sciences and maths.

Training on the job

Occupational therapists gain further skills on the job, and can extend their knowledge and skills through postgraduate courses, conferences and workshops.

Registration

Occupational therapists must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand, and have an Annual Practising Certificate.

Useful experience

A wide variety of life and work experience is useful for occupational therapists, such as working with children, the elderly or people with a disability, and coaching and working with groups of people. First aid experience is also useful.