What Is an Occupational Therapist Per Diem and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Does an Occupational Therapist Working Per Diem Do?
As an occupational therapist (OT), per diem jobs are those positions that allow you to work daily or as-needed for an employer. In this role, you may provide OT services to patients during your shift, perform assessments of their needs to help full-time therapists, and coordinate with caregivers. This job is sometimes advertised as PRN, which stands for "pro re nata" and simply means working as needed. Per diem occupational therapists may substitute for other therapists who are sick or on vacation, help fill in staffing shortages, or travel between different clinics within a predetermined area. Some per diem occupational therapists specialize in specific types of problems and focus on complicated issues, allowing regular staff to attend to more common ailments.
How to Get a Job as an Occupational Therapist Working Per Diem
The primary qualifications for getting a per diem job as an occupational therapist are a state license and several years of experience in occupational therapy. Employers strongly prefer applicants who have a proven record of success in this field, so the more time you spend as an occupational therapist, the easier it is to find per diem jobs. The primary qualifications for getting an occupational therapy license vary by state but usually include graduating from an accredited educational program, participating in fieldwork, passing one or more exams, and paying any necessary fees in each are where you want to hold a license. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a per diem occupational therapist requires flexibility, interpersonal skills, and the ability to adjust your schedule as needed. Employers may call you in to work weekends, nights, or holidays.
