Occupational therapy helps clients lead better lives throughout their lifespan. The field of occupational therapy offers unique specialization opportunities, enabling occupational therapy practitioners to assist individuals and communities in various settings.
In this article, we'll explore some well-known and lesser-known occupational therapy specialties.
Hand Therapy – A Leading OT Specialty in Rehabilitation
Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitating the upper limb, which encompasses the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. A unique aspect of the hand therapy specialty is that it combines theory from both physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Hand therapists achieve specialization through advanced education, clinical experience, and independent study.
Hand therapists provide assessments and therapeutic interventions to restore function, minimize pain, and prevent disease progression or further injury, thereby supporting participation in meaningful activities.
Treatment techniques and tools include:
- Assistive devices
- Custom and pre-fabricated orthotics
- Pain management and sensory re-education
- Ergonomic recommendations
- Wound care and scar management
- Return to work programs
- Post-surgical care
Board certification in the specialty of hand therapy is awarded by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) upon successful completion of the Hand Therapy Certification Examination (HTCE).
To be eligible to take the HTCE, you must be a physical therapist or occupational therapist who has been certified or licensed for a minimum of three years and has accrued a minimum of 4,000 hours of direct practice experience in hand therapy. Therapists who have successfully passed the HTCE may use the credential of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
Mental and Behavioral Health – A Growing Occupational Therapy Specialty
Occupational therapists address mental health and well-being in every interaction with clients as part of a whole-person approach to healthcare.
Occupational therapy can help clients and communities manage mental health needs by developing healthy daily routines, promoting well-being, improving access to support systems, and teaching strategies to manage stress in life.
In many cases, mental health-focused occupational therapy is a component of interdisciplinary care that complements mental health treatment in various settings.
Occupational therapy practitioners are trained to identify environmental changes necessary to achieve goals, utilize strength-based strategies, address health and wellness needs, and recognize social and other barriers that may impede achieving these goals.
Occupational therapists specializing in mental and behavioral health work in various settings:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Community settings
- Rehabilitation centers
- Assisted living and memory care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Corporate environments
- Schools
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
- Primary care clinics
Board and Specialty Certifications for Occupational Therapists
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) currently offers opportunities for board certification and specialty certification in specific specialties.
Board Certification
Board certification requires taking and passing a board exam. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a minimum of three years of experience as an occupational therapist and at least 3,000 hours of experience in the certification area within the last five years.
Current AOTA board certifications include:
- Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG)
- Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP)
- Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)
Specialty Certification
Specialty certification is a formal recognition of OT practitioners who have voluntarily engaged in a process to demonstrate advanced skills, knowledge, and practice experience in a specific area of practice. To be eligible to apply for AOTA specialty certification, you must also meet the experience criteria and pass an exam.
Current AOTA specialty certifications include:
- Driving and Community Mobility
- Environmental Modification
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
- Low Vision
- School Systems
How to Choose the Right OT Specialty for Your Career Goals
Occupational therapy practitioners can choose to pursue a specialty at any point in their career and can even decide to change course and pursue a new specialty. One of the unique advantages of a career in occupational therapy is the diversity among specialties and practice settings.
You can start gaining advanced training and experience through your OT education and clinical practice opportunities.
Occupational Therapy Programs
Starting with your entry-level occupational therapy program or post-professional occupational therapy doctorate program is a perfect entry point to gain advanced education and training in your preferred specialty area.
Many Master's of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programs integrate mental health concepts into their curricula, but may not offer a specific mental health concentration. Multiple Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs offer a mental health track, which provides advanced training and opportunities to pursue a capstone project related to mental health practice.
OTD programs offer various advanced clinical practice tracks that can serve as a pathway to specialization, supporting expertise in specific client populations or practice areas. Areas of concentration or clinical practice tracks will vary by program; however, some standard tracks include:
- Pediatrics, children, and youth
- Productive Aging
- Mental Health
- Physical Rehabilitation
- Hand Therapy
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Assistive Technology
- Public Health
- Advanced General Practice
Completion of a capstone project, which is a student-led project combining theory and application, is a requirement for graduation from an OTD program.
The capstone project is an additional opportunity for OTD students to learn skills and knowledge related to an area of interest or future specialization.
Occupational Therapy Practice Settings
Occupational therapists work in a variety of practice settings, and the services they provide can vary significantly across these settings. Look for employment in practice settings that align with your interests or goals for specialization.
For example, if you're interested in pursuing hand therapy, consider seeking opportunities at an orthopedic clinic or rehabilitation center.
If you're interested in specializing in pediatrics, consider seeking out occupational therapy positions in a school system or pediatric clinic.
Explore Unique OT Specialties and Emerging Practice Areas
Occupational therapy is a diverse and unique profession with equally unique opportunities for specialization.
Whether you'd like to pursue formal specialization in an established or recognized practice area or you're looking to explore an emerging practice area, there are numerous paths to choose from to advance your OT career.
