Occupational therapy is more than a career—it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Known for its compassionate approach, OT offers a unique blend of science and empathy, making it an increasingly popular choice for those eager to help others.
But, what does an occupational therapist actually do? Here’s a look at the roles and responsibilities of occupational therapists, as well as the required skills and education, and career outlook.
Key Takeaways
- Occupational therapists use therapeutic techniques focused on the whole patient, emphasizing personalized care to restore, rebuild, and enhance quality of life.
- OTs need a master’s degree, a passing grade on the NBCOT certification exam, and state licensure.
- Occupational therapists earn an average annual salary of approximately $96,370, with job growth expected to increase by 11 percent through 2033.
- Choosing a career in occupational therapy means committing to compassionate, patient-centered care while enjoying diverse job opportunities and long-term career stability.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession that involves the therapeutic use of everyday activities, or occupations, to treat the physical, mental, developmental, and emotional ailments that impact a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks.
Healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists are practitioners who use therapeutic techniques to improve, rehabilitate, or maintain a patient’s motor skills and overall ability to perform everyday activities.
Michael Roberts, associate professor and program director of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Regis College, explains, “Our job as OTs is to help people be more independent, have better quality of life, and live with as few restrictions as possible.”
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Occupational therapy differs from other healthcare careers like physical therapy or nursing in its focus on treating the whole patient, rather than treating a particular injury, ailment, or physical disability. For example, after a surgery a nurse might assist a patient with pain management, dressing changes, and care during recovery. An occupational therapist, on the other hand, will assess the types of activities that are important to the patient and teach them how to become independent again following the surgery, so that they can resume the roles that define who they are.
“What sets OTs apart is our focus on occupation as the tool we use to restore, rebuild, and enhance our clients’ lives,” notes Roberts. “When we say ‘occupation’, we mean the activities that we do every day; the roles, tasks, and goals that define who we are. Everyone has activities that define who they are, whether it’s work tasks, artistic expressions, leisure pursuits, school responsibilities, or play activities. Using those activities as therapeutic tools helps us build better lives for our patients.”
Key Roles and Responsibilities
As discussed above, occupational therapists work with their patients by taking a therapeutic approach to everyday activities. Broadly, this means that occupational therapists are responsible for helping patients develop, recover, improve in regards to a condition or injury, as well as maintain the skills needed to execute daily activities. But, what does this actually entail?
In general, OTs are responsible for a wide range of duties and tasks related to patient care. Depending on the setting in which they work, the roles of an OT often include:
- Evaluating a patient’s condition and needs
- Developing treatment plans to address a patient’s needs and help them meet specific goals
- Assessing a patient’s home and/or work environment and recommending adaptations to fit the patient’s needs and improve independence
- Training patients and their caregivers to use special equipment
- Assessing and documenting progress for evaluation, billing, and reporting purposes
- And more
What Conditions Do Occupational Therapists Treat?
Occupational therapists treat a wide range of conditions to help individuals develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills needed to live independently and productively.
Here are some examples of conditions they commonly treat:
- Amputations
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Burns
- Cerebral palsy
- Dementia
- Depression
- Developmental delays
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?
The day-to-day activities that occupational therapists take part in will also likely be influenced by the settings in which they work. While many occupational therapists work in hospital or private practice settings, there are opportunities to work in other environments such as:
- Educational settings and schools to assist in child development and improve educational performance
- Nursing homes to help the elderly and lessen the struggles that come along with aging
- Home health care agencies to help clients adapt their living environments and develop skills for daily living
- Rehabilitation centers to help patients recovering from physical or mental health conditions regain independence
This diverse range of settings allows occupational therapists to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals across various stages of life and health conditions.
Required Occupational Therapy Skills
While occupational therapists come from all backgrounds, there are several skills needed for occupational therapy work. For instance, it is important for these professionals to have a strong sense of compassion and empathy in order to work with their patient’s best interests in mind as they help improve their everyday lives. In fact, many occupational therapists are drawn to this line of work from a desire to make a positive difference during a very difficult time in the lives of their patients.
To succeed as an occupational therapist, you’ll need a people-first mindset and a passion for helping others. Key skills for thriving in this rewarding field also include:
- Communication Skills: OTs must have strong written and verbal communication skills in order to effectively understand the needs of their patients and explain the treatment process. Additionally, they must be able to clearly document treatment plans and progress, as well as collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
- Problem Solving: Since no two cases will ever be the same, good OTs must demonstrate excellent problem solving skills to determine the best course of action for each unique situation.
- Patience and Flexibility: Oftentimes, occupational therapy is a long road to restoring a patient’s independence. Good OTs must be patient and flexible when dealing with the high and low points throughout this process.
Required Occupational Therapy Education
Like many healthcare professions, occupational therapy requires extensive education and training in order to become a licensed practitioner. Most OTs enter the workforce with at least a master’s degree in occupational therapy, while some also choose to pursue a doctoral degree to advance further in the field.
In addition to earning a master’s degree from an accredited program, graduates must also take the national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). While the requirements vary by location, all states require practitioners to pass the NBCOT exam to earn the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR) and obtain state licensure.
For occupational therapists who wish to demonstrate their advanced skills in a particular area of practice, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) also offers various board and specialty certifications in areas such as:
- Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Pediatrics
- Physical Rehabilitation
- Driving and Community Mobility
- Environmental Modification
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
- Low Vision
- School Systems
Which One Is Right For You: OT or PT?
Becoming a physical therapist (PT) or an occupational therapist (OT) has its own challenges. Generally, becoming a PT is seen as more demanding because of the education required. PTs must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which takes about three more years of study after a bachelor's degree. This also includes a lot of hands-on training.
On the other hand, OTs usually need a master’s degree in occupational therapy, which takes less time to earn. However, OTs need to have a variety of skills to treat both physical and mental conditions.
The choice between these two careers depends on individual interests. PTs mainly work on improving movement, strength, and flexibility. In contrast, OTs focus on helping patients become independent in their daily activities. Both careers require dedication and compassion, but they involve different education paths and areas of focus.
Is an Occupational Therapy Career Worth It?
Occupational therapists and those looking to enter the field can expect generous compensation and job growth over the coming years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for OTs is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This change equates to roughly 10,100 more jobs in the field through the next decade.
In 2023, the BLS also found that occupational therapists earned an average annual salary of $96,370. Of course, compensation can vary substantially depending on the state in which they are employed.
The need for occupational therapists is predicted to rise to care for the aging baby-boom generation, as OTs play a large role in the treatment of age-related ailments like arthritis and stroke. Furthermore, as patients continue to seek long-term treatment for disabilities and chronic illnesses, the demand for skilled and compassionate practitioners will continue to grow.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy is highly rewarding work that is growing in demand as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve. For those considering a career path in the medical field, but are unsure of the direction they should follow, occupational therapy can be a valuable opportunity.
Roberts explains, “The biggest difference between OT and many other health care professions is that ‘We do with people, not to people.’ We’re all about helping people live life to the fullest, regardless of what their life is like or who they are.”
If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others, occupational therapy might be the right path for you. To get started on this path, earning a master’s in occupational therapy is the first step in becoming a registered OT and making a difference.
Are you considering earning your master's degree in occupational therapy and becoming an occupational therapist? Learn more about the different reasons it might be the right move for you.
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