Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with people impaired through aging or by physical, emotional, inborn, or developmental disabilities. They stimulate physical and psychological rehabilitation by using techniques to help people learn or relearn to carry out the occupations of daily life such as eating, dressing, writing, cooking, going to work, being a student and doing the other things people want to do. OTs evaluate functional skills and train people to do things such as dress or drive a car in a new way, identify barriers to meaningful activities, help people adapt activities or use adapted equipment to help their clients achieve self sufficiency. Helping individuals compensate for their disabilities, OTs teach new job skills or adaptation of current abilities. Therapists recommend and/or design splints, special devices, and adaptive equipment or technology to promote and maintain independent functioning. The ultimate goal of the OT is to help the client achieve the highest level of independence possible, thereby enhancing the client's quality of life. OTs often work with other therapists and health professionals as members of a treatment team.

Places of Employment
Hospitals

High School/General Preparation
A high school diploma is required

Special Education/Training
A baccalaureate degree is required

School
Pacific University
www.pacificu.edu/academics/grad/ot
www.pacificu.edu

Licensure, Certification, and Registration
Registration is offered after a Bachelor's of Science degree, and passage of a national examination.
Oregon State Board of Occupational Therapy
www.otlb.state.or.us

Professional Organization
American Occupational Therapy Association
www.aota.org