Occupational Therapists

🫲🏾 Occupational Therapists

As the population ages—particularly the baby boomer generation—the demand for occupational therapists (OTs) is expected to rise significantly. Older adults increasingly seek support to maintain their independence, while people of all ages benefit from rehabilitation for long-term disabilities and chronic conditions. At the same time, healthcare systems are shifting toward home- and community-based care to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes, creating further demand for skilled occupational therapists.

🥣 What Occupational Therapists Do

Occupational therapists help individuals develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They take a holistic approach to care, addressing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that interfere with a person’s ability to live independently and participate fully in life.

Occupational therapists:

• Assist patients in regaining or enhancing their ability to perform essential activities, such as dressing, cooking, or returning to work
• Design individualized treatment plans that support both rehabilitation and long-term functional independence
• Educate and coach patients, family members, and caregivers on the use of adaptive tools, safety techniques, and home or workplace modifications
• Promote wellness and prevent injury by teaching strategies to safely perform daily tasks

🏥 Where Occupational Therapists Work

Occupational therapists are employed in a wide range of healthcare and community settings, including:

• Hospitals (inpatient and outpatient)
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Surgical centers
• Primary care and specialty physicians’ offices
• Home care and hospice agencies
• Schools and colleges
• Public health departments
• Community-based organizations
• Health insurance companies

🎓 Education and Training Requirements

To practice as an occupational therapist, individuals must:

• Earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution
• Successfully complete supervised clinical fieldwork
• Pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Obtain state licensure (requirements vary by state)

🧠 Skills and Qualities for Success

Successful occupational therapists are expected to demonstrate:

• Empathy and patience, particularly when working with patients experiencing slow progress, emotional distress, or cognitive limitations
• Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment to support independence
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills to develop effective treatment plans and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
• Cultural competence and the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• A high comfort level working with older adults, as many emerging opportunities involve geriatric and age-related care