Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that helps people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, well-being, security, and happiness. Occupational therapy practitioners work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, or developmental or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance in learning skills to enable them to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Occupational therapy can prevent injury or the worsening of existing conditions or disabilities and it promotes independent functioning in individuals who may otherwise require institutionalization or other long-term care. Because of this, occupational therapy keeps health care costs down and maximizes the quality of life for the individual, their family, and other caregivers.

OT practitioners can be credentialed at either the professional (occupational therapist) or technical (occupational therapy assistant) level after completing a 4-year baccalaureate or 2-year associate degree program respectively at one of over 300 accredited programs at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

OT practitioners must also complete a supervised fieldwork program and pass a national certification exam. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico regulate the practice of occupational therapy. Many of these jurisdictions mandate periodic continuing education requirements.

AOTA has established standards for the profession that have been adopted by many states in their laws and regulations. AOTA also has accredited the nation's OT educational programs since 1935.

What Makes OT Different?

In addition to dealing with an individual's physical well-being, occupational therapy practitioners address psychological, social, and environmental factors that may impede independent functioning in all aspects of life. This unique perspective makes occupational therapy a critically important part of a health care program.

  Occupational Therapist: Executive Summary from US News

Occupational therapy services significantly improve rehabilitation for many people with impairments due to: