Occupational Therapy involves helping people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational therapy professionals reat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Occupational therapy professionals provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are health care professionals who evaluate and treat patients/clients.
To become an Occupational Therapist, you must earn an ACOTE-accredited graduate degree in occupational therapy. Prior to beginning a graduate degree in occupational therapy, most programs require applicants to earn a Bachelor’s degree. The length of graduate programs in occupational therapy is typically 2 years. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the occupational therapy licensure exam. Registration, licensure and/or certification is required in most states to work as a OT. You must also complete continuing education to maintain your licensure/certification.
For more information, visit http://www.aota.org
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) work as part of a team to provide occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
To become a Occupational Therapy Assistant, you must complete an ACOTE-accredited associate degree program. These programs are typically found in community colleges and technical schools. The length of OTA education programs is typically 2 years (5 semesters). Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the occupational therapy assistant licensure exam. Licensure and/or certification is required in most states to work as a OTA. You must also complete continuing education to maintain your licensure/certification.
For more information, visit http://www.aota.org
Occupational Therapy Aides
Occupational therapy aides, sometimes called technicians, work as part of a team to provide occupational therapy services under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapist.
Therapy Technician certificate programs exist; however, there are no established educational requirements to become an occupational therapy aide. Aides typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. They commonly get clinical experience through on-the-job training.
Related Pages
- Resources for Students
- Careers in Physical Therapy
- Careers in Athletic Training
- Occupational Therapy at DOAR and Affiliates
Additional Resources
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- ExploreHealthCareers.org
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for Occupational Therapists
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
Connect