About OT

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives.

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.

The occupational therapists enter the field with a master's or doctoral degree. The occupational therapy assistant generally earns an associate degree.

Practitioners must complete supervised fieldwork education in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Most states regulate occupational therapy practice.

Information for this page was taken from the American Occupational Therapy Association.