Occupational Therapy Career FAQs

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a health care provider who helps people develop, recover, or maintain daily living skills. Occupational therapy enables individuals to effectively and safely engage in their environments.

OTs work with patients who have physical, cognitive, or sensory difficulties. This includes children with disabilities, adults recovering from injuries, and older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

The role of an OT can be broad and vary depending on patient needs and the setting. Key functions include:

• Assessment and Evaluation
• Developing Treatment Plans
• Rehabilitation and Therapy
• Environmental Modifications
• Education and Support
• Mental Health Support
• Community Integration

To apply to an OT program, typically the first step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, many programs require applicants to meet strict academic eligibility standards, including minimum GPA and current prerequisite course participation. Some programs also recommend completing occupational therapy observation hours, known as shadowing.

The median annual wage for occupational therapists is $96,370.

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are both rehabilitative sciences, but they differ in focus. Occupational therapy addresses physical, emotional and environmental factors to help patients perform everyday tasks independently. Physical therapy focuses on restoring physical movement and preventing disability.

OTs and PTs often collaborate in rehabilitation settings, as some patients require both to enhance physical function. Both professions require a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and human development.

Both a Master’s of Occupation Therapy (MOT) and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) will both help prepare graduates for board certification and serving patients.

One major difference between MOT and OTD programs is their length and focus. Typically, MOT programs are shorter to complete, while OTD programs place a greater emphasis on leadership and research.

About 9,800 openings for occupational therapists are projected annually over the decade. These openings are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.

OTs can work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, clinics, and more.

Occupations are the things we want, need or must do to participate in life. From brushing our teeth and getting dressed to cooking a meal, playing games, driving a car, working, taking care of pets or sleeping at night, we engage in occupations all day, every day.

Occupations make us who we are. We find value and meaning in them. They help define our identity, and participating in occupations affects our quality of life.

Occupational therapy is a health care profession focused on a person’s ability to engage in occupations. From infants to older adults, occupational therapy practitioners use a holistic approach to address deficits in occupational performance caused by physical, cognitive or emotional challenges.