Qualities of a Successful Occupational Therapist

Qualities of a Successful Occupational Therapist

Earning your occupational therapist degree is your first step towards beginning a new and exciting career. While a degree is necessary to become a licensed OT, there are some qualities and traits that are important for you to have. Most practicing occupational therapists possess all of these qualities. Before deciding to head down this career path, it's important to ask yourself if you possess these common qualities, and if you're ready to begin working as an occupational therapist.

Patience is a key quality that all occupational therapists should possess. Often, OTs are called upon to work with physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged individuals. These patients may find it difficult to follow directions or to get the hang of a new skill. As an OT, you'll need to patiently work with your patients until the desired outcome is reached.

Occupational therapists find themselves working with a variety of different people. From the patients themselves, to medical professionals and the patients' family members and co-workers, you'll be working with many different individuals whose ultimate goal, like yours, is to help the patient learn skills that will lead to a more productive life. The ability to work well with all of these people will be critical not only to your success as an OT, but to your patient's success as well.

An occupational therapist must possess a strong desire to serve others, and exercise compassion and empathy for his or her patients. There will be situations you run into that may feel awkward. For example, you may need to assist a physically disabled person in learning how to shower on his own. Your sense of empathy, as well as your desire to serve and help others, will help you to get through these situations, knowing that ultimately you're helping the person to begin to live life just a bit more independently.

Are you a good problem solver? Successful occupational therapists have the ability to think and act quickly, and come up with solutions to many different types of problems. From the very beginning of your work with a patient, you'll be solving problems by developing a plan to help rehabilitate them. Often, you'll need to think creatively to come up with solutions to problems your patient is having. Critical thinking and the ability to solve challenges are great assets to any successful OT.

Throughout your occupational therapy courses, you'll be learning technical and academic aspects of your job as an OT. It's important to remember, however, that academic training isn't going to prepare you for every situation, nor can it teach you these all important qualities. By evaluating your strengths, and understanding areas where you may need to improve, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in occupational therapy.

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