Benefits abound in occupational therapy careers

Many people who hold occupational therapy jobs enjoy their work and capitalize on the opportunity to be of assistance, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

Occupational therapists help patients cope with and recover from disabling conditions. One aspect of the career is helping the elderly preserve their independence as they work through various conditions that set in as they age.

"It's very interesting work. You learn something new every day," occupational therapy assistant site coordinator Joan Welch with Brown Mackie College in Merrillville told the news source. "We work on energy conservation techniques, and set the patients up with adaptive equipment. The work is never boring. The challenge is to help the patient become as independent as possible. The beauty is you often see the patient going home because of your hard work."

Occupational therapists also may help with people suffering from heart disease and strokes, which the American Heart Association indicates are two of the top three causes of death among adults.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports occupational therapists typically require a master's degree in occupational therapy and all U.S. states require occupational therapists be licensed.