What is an Occupational Therapist?
Being an occupational therapist, in my opinion, is one of the most rewarding and impactful career choices! It can be challenging to describe such a unique and broad-scoped profession in a succinct way… But here is my attempt!
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What is occupational therapy (OT)?
“Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life.”
The American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]
When we use the word “occupation” in this context, we are not necessarily talking about someone’s job. “Occupations” are the things that people, of all ages, want and need to do in their daily lives. Occupations are things that “occupy” our time. In OT, we use these purposeful and meaningful “occupations” as the interventions/strategies to build independence/success in more challenging occupations. From getting out of bed and showering to cooking, driving, even resting/sleeping and more – OT does it all! In schools, think about all the tasks a child needs to do throughout their school day to be successful. They must navigate the school, follow a morning routine, and writing their name on their papers. Students need to use a variety of school tools, play at recess, opening lunch containers, etc. These are all things that OT can support!
Why occupational therapy?
“With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, occupational therapy practitioners can evaluate how your condition (or risk for one) is affecting your body and mind, using a holistic perspective.”
The American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]
OTs are great at analyzing activities as well as evaluating the unique strengths and challenges of each person. They are experts in understanding how the environment/context surrounding an activity impacts performance. Therefore, an OT might evaluate if a person’s skills/abilities don’t align well with what they activity demands. It is the occupational therapist’s job to either build up the client’s skills to meet the demands of the activity and/or adapt the activity and/or environment in order to support the client’s success.
In schools, this may include supporting the student in the natural classroom setting. This helps the OT get a good idea of what the student does each day. They can see where the breakdown in carryover may be occurring. School-based OTs are great at providing adaptive equipment or tools that modify classroom tasks! They have tips/tricks to support things like sensory processing differences, visual perceptual skill delays or fine motor weakness. Check out “A Day in the Life of a School-based OT” to learn more about OT in the school setting!
Below are some of my blogs that focus on topics related to skill building or adapting activities:
Building Skills
- Pre-Writing Series [check out all 4 blogs!]
- Fall Fine Motor Center Set up & Implementation
- Working on Fine Motor Skills with Visual Crafts
Adapting Tasks
How do you become an OT?
There are many routes to becoming an occupational therapy practitioner! For example, I am an occupational therapist (OTR) which requires an entry-level master’s degree at this time. However, you can practice as an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) as well with an associates degree! For full detail on how to become an OT, check out AOTA’s page on the topic. All OTPs need to successfully complete several fieldwork placements, a board certification exam and obtain a state license in order to practice! Check out my blog for more information!
