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The Occupational Therapy Profession
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are health and human service professionals who assist people of all ages to develop or regain skills necessary for independent living. The focus of OT intervention is aimed at enhancing performance in the areas of self-care, work or productive endeavors and play/leisure. OTs treat people with a wide variety of physical, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. They also work with other health care providers in evaluating patients and developing short- and long-term goals to maximize independence, prevent or minimize disability, and help their patients acquire or regain the skills necessary for productive and satisfying living. Services are provided in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and community settings including hospitals, schools, homes, mental health or substance abuse programs and skilled nursing facilities.
Clinical practice responsibilities can be combined with opportunities in educational, research and administrative areas. OTs engage in a range of activities, such as teaching daily living skills and designing, fabricating and applying orthotic devices or selective adaptive equipment. They also administer and interpret various diagnostic tests, developing play and leisure skills, and adapting environments for individuals with disabilities.
