Occupational Therapy and Brain Injury
Are you looking for a career in occupational therapy for brain injuries? The field is opening up and is expected to become more lucrative in the future. OTC helps patients relearn physical elements lost after sustaining a life-threatening brain injury. Without this therapy it would be difficult, if not impossible, for patients in this category to regain their physical independence. During occupational therapy a home visit is considered necessary. The safety of the patient and the ability of the home facilities to accommodate the patient are considered. The patient may need physical supports; this must be decided by the doctors.
Patients who have experienced a brain injury may have a number of problems, memory, movement, speech, and remembering how to move their body. Occupational Therapy helps a person return to normal capacity as much as brain damage allows. The amount of damage to the brain decides how much functionality a patient will be able to achieve. The Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Help Live Chat with Ms Patricia Gentile shows an article on the web that gives a very clear idea of what physical therapy for a patient with brain injury can be like.
Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant studies in schools that teach other medical professionals, must pass a national exam. Therapist assistants must have an associate’s degree, and practitioners must have a master’s or doctorate. Courses in Biology, Physiology and Anatomy are generally required. Even after formal training, it is advisable to take seminars to stay abreast of the latest developments in the OTA field. The average salary for an occupational physical therapist is around $72,000 annually.
It is possible to study Occupational Therapy online. There are many outlets for education on the market today. The need for people in occupational therapy is expected to increase as the baby boomer population begins to age. Many colleges have associate’s degrees in the field of health care. Study can be further enhanced at a 4-year institution.
A lot of compassion is needed for the field of OTAs. The job requires dealing with patients who may not be able to remember anything. They may have bitter frustrations, and this is compounded by the confusion of a spouse or family member who doesn’t know how to help. A lot is involved in becoming an occupational therapist for brain injured patients.