The career of occupational therapist has landed on US News & World Report’s list of 31 "Best Careers 2008."

The publication classified the job of an occupational therapy consultant as a "smart specialty." In selecting the most promising careers, US News considered job satisfaction, training difficulty, prestige, and job market outlook.

Although the magazine does not explore in depth myriad specific factors that make occupational therapy such a promising career, it’s not difficult to surmise that the shortage of occupational therapists, an aging population, and general job satisfaction have contributed to giving the career an enviable position.

It described the job of OT as a "challenging career that’s best for creative, practical people who find satisfaction in small successes."

Occupational therapy also appeared on the "Best Careers" list in 2007.

Read the US News’s "Best Careers for a Changing Job Landscape"

[Source: American Occupational Therapy Association Inc]