Occupational Therapist
さぎょうりょうほうし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Medical Technicians
- Minor : Occupational Therapists
Summary
A medical professional who supports independence through life activities (occupations) for people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities.
Description
Occupational therapists support people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities by using daily living activities (ADL), crafts, work activities, and other occupational activities for evaluation and training to promote independent living. They assess patients' abilities, develop and implement individualized occupational programs, provide basic adjustments for prosthetics and orthotics, offer advice on living environments, provide family guidance, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for a comprehensive approach. They work in diverse settings such as hospitals, facilities, and home care, and creating clinical records and reports is an important part of their duties.
Future Outlook
As the aging society progresses, demand for rehabilitation is increasing not only in hospitals but also in home care and community-based integrated care. With the spread of specialty certification systems and strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration, the opportunities for occupational therapists with specialized expertise are expected to expand further.
Personality Traits
Compassionate / Cooperative / Excellent Communication Skills / Observant / Patient
Work Style
Child Welfare Facility Work / Elderly Health Facility Work / Home-visit Rehabilitation / Hospital Work / Rehabilitation / Welfare Facility Work
Career Path
New Occupational Therapist → Mid-career Occupational Therapist → Chief Occupational Therapist/Senior Therapist → Management Position (e.g., Head of Rehabilitation Department) → Specialty Certification (Dementia, Mental Disorders, etc.) → Education and Research Positions/University Faculty
Required Skills
ADL Assessment / Activity Analysis / Program Development / Prosthetics and Orthotics Knowledge / Record and Report Preparation
Recommended Skills
Cognitive Function Assessment / Vocational Rehabilitation / Welfare Equipment and Home Modification Knowledge / Wheelchair Operation Guidance
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Because collaboration with patients, families, and multidisciplinary professionals is necessary. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because creativity is required to create occupational programs tailored to individual patients. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to continuously update knowledge in medicine, welfare, and technology. |
| Planning & Organization | To develop rehabilitation plans aimed at achieving goals. |
| Problem Solving | To adjust methods according to disabilities or symptoms. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because collaboration in multidisciplinary teams is essential. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because there is little specialized mathematical analysis. |
Related Qualifications
- Occupational Therapist
Aliases
- OT
- Occupational Therapist
Related Jobs
- Medical Social Worker
- Physical Therapist
- Speech-Language Pathologist