 Career
Path Forecast
Employment of
occupational therapists is expected to increase by 26 percent between
2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. The
increasing elderly population will drive growth in the demand for
occupational therapy services. The demand for occupational therapists
should continue to rise as a result of the increasing number of
individuals with disabilities or limited function who require therapy
services. Older persons have an increased incidence of heart attack and
stroke, which will spur demand for therapeutic services. Growth in the
population 75 years and older -- an age group that suffers from high
incidences of disabling conditions -- also will increase demand for
therapeutic services. In addition, medical advances now enable more
patients with critical problems to survive -- patients who ultimately
may need extensive therapy. However, growth may be dampened by the
impact of Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for
therapy services.
 Hospitals
will continue to employ a large number of occupational therapists to
provide therapy services to acutely ill inpatients. Hospitals also will
need occupational therapists to staff their outpatient rehabilitation
programs.
Employment growth in schools will result from the expansion of the
school-age population and the federally funded extension of services for
disabled students. Therapists will be needed to help children with
disabilities prepare to enter special education programs.
 Job
opportunities should be good for licensed occupational therapists in all
settings, particularly in acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic
settings because the elderly receive most of their treatment in these
settings. Occupational therapists with specialized knowledge in a
treatment area also will have increased job prospects. Driver
rehabilitation, training for the elderly, and ergonomic consulting are
emerging practice areas for occupational therapy.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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