What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?Occupational therapy is the science and art of helping clients of all ages do the day-to-day tasks that they value, despite impairments associated with injuries, illnesses, or birth defects. Occupation, in this context, is any purposeful activity that is meaningful for a person. The ultimate goal of any OT treatment program is to maximize an individual's independence in his or her daily life. Occupational therapists provide services in many environments including hospitals, clinics, homes, schools, and job sites. Some of the performance skills addressed by occupational therapy are,
By addressing impairments in these general areas, occupational therapists can help clients gain greater independence in activities of daily living (ADL). For adults, ADL may include bathing and dressing or completing duties associated with their jobs. For children, ADL can include play skills (which are correlated with cognitive skills) and academic skills. An occupational therapist is a trained health professional who must have a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. Occupational therapists are registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. upon completion of the national board certification exam. Occupational therapists are also licensed in most states. Occupational therapists who are registered and licensed will sign the initials "OTR/L" behind their names. |
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| Some OT's have advanced training in one or more treatment area. This means that they have demonstrated special competency in a particular area (such as neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), hand therapy, administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT), and/or treatment for swallowing disorders) by taking extra courses and gaining experience with specific disabilities. All licensed OT's are required to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain licensure. For more information about occupational therapy, please visit the website for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA is the professional organization for occupational therapists (similar to the American Medical Association for physicians).
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