What Is Occupational Therapy? A Complete Guide for Parents, Students & Career Seekers

Occupational therapy (OT) is not just a healthcare service – it is a vehicle of independence, enhanced self-esteem, and an improved quality of life. Whether we are helping a child with autism learn how to interact socially, facilitating a stroke survivor through their recovery, or engaging a person with ADHD to stay on task at work, OT has an impact on many lives.

But, what is occupational therapy, and how is it different from physical therapy? How does one go about becoming an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant? Is it a good career?

In this blog, we will answer those questions and more, with a complete picture of the field of occupational therapy, what it offers for kids, what is required to get there education wise, what its pays and the job outlook.

What is Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health profession aimed at helping people across the lifespan, develop, recover, or maintain meaningful activities (or occupations) within their daily life. This may include anything from basic activities of daily living, such as dressing or eating, to school functioning, work participation, or leisure activities.

Occupational therapy differs from physical therapy in that OT helps improve a person’s ability to participate or perform important tasks to daily living and functioning; whereas physical therapy is specific to movement improvement and pain management.

What Does Occupational Therapy Do?

Occupational therapy assists individuals in overcoming occupational challenges resulting from physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional issues they may have affecting their ability to live independently and complete basic activities of daily living. An occupational therapist (OT) assesses a person’s unique needs, sets goals, and implements targeted interventions with the aim of improving an individual’s function.

Occupational therapy can assist with:

Motor skills
Sensory processing
Cognitive or memory issues
Behavioral/emotional regulation
Return-to-work programs after injuries
Coaching an elderly or disabled person in independent living skills

What Is Pediatric occupational therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy is concerned with the independence of children and their ability to engage in daily life and interact with their environments (for example, their classrooms). Occupational therapy for children sometimes looks like play because we have embeds movement and purposeful activities designed to help children overcome developmental delays, physical limitations, sensory sensitivities, or executive function deficits.

The following areas that Pediatric occupational therapy may support:

Handwriting and other fine motor skills
Sensory processing (some children may not be comfortable with textures or sounds)
Dressing, feeding, and hygiene
Social and emotional development
Behavioral issues
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, and other developmental delays

Why Would a Child Need Occupational Therapy?

If your child has difficulty with basic life skills, social skills, or academic tasks, occupational therapy can provide them with concrete ideas and structured activities to support their learning. Typically, children with autism, sensory processing disorder, down syndrome, or trauma history often benefit from OT.

You may want to consider an Occupational Therapy evaluation if your child:

Avoids using or utilizing one side of their body
Has challenges with things like buttoning clothes or tying shoes
Struggles to focus, regulate emotions, etc.
Acts to avoid or crave certain movement or texture
Has difficulties with tasks like handwriting and cutting

What Conditions Do Occupational Therapy Help With?

Occupational therapy can help with:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Sensory Processing Disorders
Stroke Recovery
Arthritic and chronic pain
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal Cord Injuries
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Developmental delays in children

What Is Occupational Therapy For Adults?

For adults, occupational therapy (OT) may provide support with managing chronic conditions, rehabilitation, and the support sustaining independence in their home or workplace. The supports offered may include the following:

Adapting workspaces and environments for persons with injuries or disabilities
Supporting persons recovering from a stroke with learning how to cook again
Helping elderly clients to prevent falls and/or treat/manage arthritis
Supporting persons with cognitive challenges due to dementia and brain injury

What Is The Difference Between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?

Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (PT) are different types of therapies but both aim to improve an individual’s quality of life.

Occupational Therapy	Physical Therapy
Focuses on daily tasks and activities	Focuses on improving movement and strength
Includes cognitive, emotional, and sensory aspects	Primarily physical rehabilitation
Helps people regain independence	Helps people recover from injury or surgery
Works with both physical and mental disabilities	Primarily physical injuries and limitations

In simple terms, OT helps people do, while PT helps people move.

Does Occupational Therapy Help with ADHD?

Absolutely. OT can support persons with ADHD with their:

Focus and attention
Time management
Executive functioning
Organizational skills
Emotional regulation

In the therapeutic context, providers may use sensory approaches, visual schedules for tasks/routines, or environmental modifications to improve engagement in behaviors and performance.

When Did Occupational Therapy Begin?

Occupational therapy has been in existence since the early 20th century. It began during World War I and II in order to support post injury rehabilitation and return to work and daily living. In the years following, occupational therapy developed into a holistic, practitioner approach to support both physical and mental health needs.

When is Occupational Therapy Month?

Occupational therapy month is April in the US. It celebrates the work of occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students who have dedicated their time and careers to the work of helping people live fuller lives.

How To Become An Occupational Therapist

In order to become an occupational therapist, you must complete education, training, and certification. Here are the general steps:

1. Education

Complete a Bachelor’s of arts or science (most OT’s will take a degree in psychology, biology, health sciences, etc.).
Attend a Master’s of science, occupational therapy (MOT) or a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD).

How long is OT school?

A master’s takes about 2–3 years after a bachelor’s, while a doctorate may take 3–4 years.

Licensure

Complete fieldwork (clinical hours) as part of the graduate program.
Pass the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam.
Apply for a state license.

Optional

Consider earning specialty certifications in pediatrics, mental health, or geriatrics.

What is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy?

A Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is considered a clinical doctorate level degree that is considered beyond a master’s degree. While a Doctor of Occupational Therapy is not currently a requirement for entry level practice, many schools are transitioning to the OTD model. This transition usually provides advanced training in leadership, research, and specialized training.

What Degree Do You Need for Occupational Therapy?

A master’s degree in occupational therapy is the baseline required for licensure in most areas of the country. Many students choose to obtain an undergraduate degree in areas such as:

Psychology
Biology
Kinesiology
Health sciences

If you are considering your future, take a look at schools that are offering Pre-Occupational Therapy.

Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career?

Yes, occupational therapy is considered a rewarding and in demand career. Here is why:

Cons:

Job satisfaction from helping others
Various settings (hospitals, schools, home health)
Work flexibility (e.g. work schedules)
Great job outlook (14% growth between 2023-2032)
Good salary (average was over $90K for Licensed OTs)

Pros:

Lengthy education and licensing process
Physically and emotional labor related
Responsibility for treatment plan development- all patients need good tx plans

What Is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to implement components of treatment. The OTA usually assists in hands on sessions, monitors progress and/or behavior changes and teaches clients how to use adaptive equipment.

What Occupation Therapy Assistants Do?

Directly work with clients in therapy sessions
Assist with training motor and life skills
Educate the client’s family and caregivers
Document patient progress and report to the OT

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

How to Become an OTA:

Complete an accredited associate degree program (2 years)
Complete fieldwork
Pass the NBCOT exam for assistants
Apply for state licensure

How Much Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Make?

In the U. S., OTAs make on average between $55K-$65K depending on experience and location. OTAs working in schools and skilled nursing facilities typically earn more.

Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a Good Career?

Yes, as compared to OT, it allows individuals to get to work more quickly and help people. It also has the rigorous education as becoming an OT with the associated salary and fulfilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Occupational Therapy Capitalized?

Only as part of a proper noun, for example ‘Occupational Therapy Department’

Does Occupational Therapy Require a Doctorate?

Currently, a master’s degree is at the level of most occupational therapy programs; however, the profession is becoming more inclined to the transition to the “OTD”.

What is Praxis in Occupational Therapy?

“Praxis” is the ability to plan and perform coordinated movement. This is often a presenting issue for children.

Conclusion

Occupational therapy is a diverse, needed field that enables individuals, of any age, to overcome barriers, and live life. Whether you are a parent seeking therapy options for your child, a student who wants to potentially work in healthcare, or someone trying to make sense of the differences between OT and PT, occupational therapy can have vast influences.

If you have a caring heart, strong communication skills, and want to make a difference in people’s lives, occupational therapy may be the right career choice for you.