NPR Highlights the Recession’s Impact on Men;
Recommends Occupational Therapy as a Smart Career Choice

PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 21, 2010 – Last January, National Public Radio (NPR) reported on the current “mancession” – unemployment rates have been two-percent higher for men than for women during the current recession – and suggested occupational therapy (OT) as a viable career for unemployed or underemployed men. Steady growth, good salary and high demand are just several reasons why men should consider entering the field. Plus, only 10% of OTs are men, so the field is ready for diversity.

Juan Ramirez, a first-year OT student at the Jefferson School of Health Professions, mentioned the positive feedback he’s heard from second and third-year students. “Before they even graduate they know where they’re going to work,” Ramirez says. “They worry more about which site they want to work at since they have multiple job offers to choose from.”

Ramirez’ classmate Brett Herman noted the low number of male OTs, sharing, “Faculty will admit to us that there is a demand for men. My male classmates and I know that we’re going to have a bit of an advantage come graduation and will have an easier time getting a job because we’re men.”

Although the job prospects are plentiful, Herman chose the field for personal fulfillment. “OT is attractive because there’s room for expansion, a lot of room for creativity and you can be yourself,” he said.

Stephen Kern, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, assistant professor in Jefferson’s department of occupational therapy, says the variety of options in the field of OT makes it attractive to men. “Not only is there great stability and growth despite the current state of the economy, there is room for new, innovative positions that have yet to be identified,” he remarks. Kern also mentions problem-solving and creativity as OT job skills that are attractive to both men and women.

Listen to the full broadcast or read the transcript at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122970930

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