Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that is dedicated to helping individuals improve their ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy a better quality of life. As someone who has always been interested in helping others and has a keen interest in the human body, I found OT to be an ideal fit for my skillset and career aspirations.
Key Takeaways:
- Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals learn or re-learn how to perform daily tasks.
- Occupational therapists work with individuals across the lifespan, from newborns to older adults, and across various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and home health agencies.
- OT is a rewarding profession that requires ongoing education and personal growth and offers the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
From a young age, I have always had a desire to help others. Initially, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in medicine but after spending time volunteering at my local hospital, I realized that it was not exactly what I was looking for.
It wasn’t until I came across occupational therapy during my college studies that I knew I had found the perfect fit for me. I was intrigued by the holistic and client-centered approach OT takes, and how it focuses on helping individuals regain the skills and abilities they need to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
One of the things that drew me most to occupational therapy was its emphasis on finding individualized solutions for patients. In this profession, therapists must be creative and adaptive in finding ways to help each patient achieve their unique goals. This challenge is what keeps me engaged and motivated every day.
As an occupational therapist, I get to work with individuals across the lifespan- from newborns to the elderly – and in all types of settings, from hospitals to schools to rehabilitation centers. This has allowed me to gain a wealth of experience and knowledge, which I find fulfilling because I know I am making a difference in the lives of the people I work with.
While occupational therapy is a rewarding profession, it does come with its own set of challenges. It can be emotionally and physically demanding, and it requires continuous education to keep up with the ever-evolving field. However, the fulfillment of seeing a patient’s progress and their gratitude for your help far outweighs the challenges.
FAQ:
Q. What is OT?
A. Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that is focused on helping individuals improve their ability to perform daily tasks and live fulfilling lives.
Q. What does an OT do?
A. An occupational therapist is responsible for providing client-centered care that focuses on restoring or improving an individual’s ability to engage in daily living activities. OTs work with people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.
Q. What education is required to become an OT?
A. To become an occupational therapist, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy, and pass a national certification exam. All states also require licensure to practice occupational therapy.