Kelsey: What is your job title?

Joel: Acute care occupational therapist

Kelsey: What does your job entail?

Joel: I assist people with improving their ability to complete their activities of daily living with or without equipment so they can return home from hospital when they are medically stable. I also complete cognitive assessments and assist with lower extremity edema.

Kelsey: Is your day always the same or sometimes different?

Joel: No, days are the same and depend on why people are in hospital and what they’re having difficulty with.

Kelsey: Do you like your job?

Joel: Yes, days are busy and go by quick!

Kelsey: What’s your education?

Joel: I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Kelsey: How long were those courses?

Joel: I did my Bachelors in 5 years and masters in about 2.5 years.

Kelsey: Where did you go to school?

Joel: I did 2 years at Augustana and the rest at the University of Alberta.

Kelsey: Are there other jobs that you are qualified for?

Joel:  I could work in Homecare or other areas of rehab at a hospital. I could also work in paediatrics, but I don’t have any experience, except for living with Ashley. I’m also qualified to wash dishes but I’m told I miss spots sometimes…

Kelsey: What other jobs have you had as an OT?

Joel:  I’ve worked in long term care, at the Glenrose, and at a rehab Center for people injured at work called Millard Health.