Occupational Therapist (OT)

An occupational therapist helps people gain better functioning of their bodies so that daily activities can be performed better. The occupational therapist will perform an evaluation of a patient’s abilities. Then goals can be planned, according to the needs and wants of the client and the client’s family. The goals may be modified over time, according to the patient’s progress. It is important to evaluate each patient differently and to provide continuous progress evaluations.

The occupational therapist will help the client to carry out activities to strengthen the body and gain coordination. Carrying out some of these activities may involve assisting the client with mobility. It is also necessary to stand and walk for long periods of time during the shift and to maneuver in ways that involve bending and stooping. Therefore, strong physical ability is required for this job. All activities should be carried out according to company policies and applicable laws. The therapist may work with the client’s medical providers, in order to gain an understanding of the patient’s medical history, ailments, and abilities. This job may also involve working with other occupational therapists and assistants.

Usually, graduation from an occupational therapy program is necessary. Often, a bachelor’s degree in occupational or physical therapy is needed. Experience may be needed, which can be gained from internships or previous employment. The duties of this job may be carried out in a clinical environment or the patient’s residence, such as a house, an apartment, or a nursing home.

As an Occupational Therapist OT with 0-3 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting assessments to evaluate the functional abilities and limitations of clients. Assess clients to determine their functional abilities and limitations.
• Developing personalized treatment plans to address clients' specific needs and goals. Create customized treatment plans that cater to clients' individual needs and goals.
• Implementing therapeutic interventions and techniques to improve clients' physical and cognitive abilities. Apply various therapeutic interventions and techniques to enhance clients' physical and cognitive abilities.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to clients.

The role of an Occupational Therapist OT is crucial in providing therapeutic interventions to individuals. For professionals with 0-3 years of experience in this field, here are four alternative roles to consider:

• Rehabilitation Assistant: Assisting occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans, conducting assessments, and providing hands-on support to patients.
• Case Manager: Coordinating care plans, liaising with healthcare professionals, and advocating for patients to ensure they receive appropriate services and resources.
• Research Assistant: Assisting in research studies, collecting data, and analyzing findings to contribute to the development of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy.
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Collaborating with community organizations, schools, and clinics to promote awareness of occupational therapy and organize educational programs and events.

The projected growth for Occupational Therapist (OT) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) job market is significant. According to the latest data provided by Google, this role is expected to experience a strong growth trend over the next 10 years. Employment opportunities for Occupational Therapists are expected to increase substantially due to the rising demand for healthcare professionals in the UAE. Although the specific number of employment opportunities is not mentioned, the overall growth trajectory indicates a promising outlook for individuals pursuing a career as an Occupational Therapist in the UAE.