We surveyed 1,334 occupational therapists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical occupational therapist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an occupational therapist?
Low
High
Working as an occupational therapist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become an occupational therapist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an occupational therapist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as an occupational therapist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as an occupational therapist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for occupational therapists.
Do occupational therapists work full-time or part-time?
74% of occupational therapists work in full-time roles while 26% work part-time.
Is being an occupational therapist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst occupational therapists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as an occupational therapist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be an occupational therapist.
How competitive is the workplace for occupational therapists?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for occupational therapists.
Does being an occupational therapist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Occupational therapists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are occupational therapists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Occupational therapists are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do occupational therapists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally occupational therapists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being an occupational therapist physically demanding?
Low
High
Being an occupational therapist requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are occupational therapists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
The workload of an occupational therapist changes frequently, with their day-to-day rarely being the same.
Does being an occupational therapist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as an occupational therapist.
Does being a good occupational therapist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as an occupational therapist.