Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Occupational Therapist jobs are Club Staffing (226), Med Travelers (226), and Jackson Therapy Partners (185).

Occupational therapists are allied health professionals who work with patients of all ages with varying types and severity of injuries or disabilities. They help their patients overcome the physical impairments that prevent them from performing activities/occupations of daily life. OTs evaluate and improve a patient’s functional abilities through a variety of treatment techniques and tools similar to physical therapists.

OTs review patients’ medical histories, ask them questions, and observe them doing specific tasks to evaluate their unique conditions and needs. They develop individualized treatment plans and rehabilitative programs that match a patient’s specific goals and include the activities required to help them reach these goals. This may include acquiring or regaining the skills needed to perform certain everyday tasks. It also may include restoring or improving daily living, homemaking, and/or vocational skills and/or modifying tasks to overcome an individual’s barriers to leading a fully functioning life. OTs educate patients’ families and/or employers about caring for and accommodating the patient. They may recommend special adaptive equipment and show patients how to use it.

OTs work in a wide range of settings including public and private hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing home facilities, prisons, mental health facilities, and the private offices of occupational, physical, and speech therapists. They may also work for home health agencies, private sensory gyms, social services departments, travel allied health agencies, and even in private homes.

Because occupational therapists have many things to manage, including appointments, patients’ goals, and meetings with other medical professionals, good organizational skills are a must. Creative problem-solving skills are also essential, because every patient has different problems, goals, concerns, and motivations that require unique strategies. Good OTs also have great oral communication to explain symptoms, procedures, and exercise programs and listening skills to address patients’ concerns and goals for treatment. Other key skills of top occupational therapists include patience, determination, enthusiasm, teamwork, and written communication.

Occupational therapists must earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in occupational therapy from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. All states require licensing with requirements varying by state, but they all require passing the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. OTs wanting to demonstrate their advanced knowledge may also pursue specialty certifications through the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Occupational Therapists may hold BLS - Basic Life Support or AOTA - Pediatric among others.