What are the benefits and disadvantages of becoming a occupational therapist?

Hello Ayjena,

The first and foremost benefit of being an occupational therapist is the availability of tremendous job opportunities. Due to this, graduates in this field don’t face many difficulties in finding a job (specially in the US). You also have options to work in different clinical settings such as schools, home health settings, rehab centers, etc. So you can always find what works best for you.

Furthermore, as an Occupational Therapist, you help people by bringing a difference in their lives. You are serving the humanity and this feeling gives you inner peace and immense satisfaction.

However, the disadvantages are that it is not easy to be an occupational therapist. You need to be a graduate in occupational therapy from an approved school. In addition to this, some prerequisite courses (nothing that can't be done, but it takes some time).

You will also face some situations in which you serve a patient for a long time but don’t see much progress in his/her condition despite your great efforts. This situation may lead to stress and depression, especially for the new OTs and can affect your personal life if you are not able to divide work and your personal life.

Hope this answer gives you a little more clarity!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Best,

Álvaro