OTA Program Overview of the Profession
Overview of the Profession
Occupational Therapy is an allied health profession that uses purposeful activities
to help people regain, develop, and build skills for independent functioning. The
personal health, well-being, security, and happiness of the individual are integral
components of occupational therapy. In working with individuals across the life-span,
occupational therapy practitioners provide specialized assistance to those who because
physical injury, illness, psychological or developmental impairment, are in need of
skills to enable them to achieve independence, self-satisfaction, and productivity.
Ten Ways to Define OT in 15 Words or Less
As occupational therapy students and practitioners (OTs and OTAs), it is our responsibility
to promote our profession every day. However, many of us flounder when put on the
spot with the question "What is occupational therapy?" It is essential that each individual
be properly prepared for this all-important inquiry. It is important that we answer
this inquiry thoroughly, yet succinctly, while correctly informing our audience and
keeping their attention.
To facilitate this goal, a student OT Promotion task force developed the following
list of responses to aid you in answering the question "What is occupational therapy?"
This list is not all inclusive. It is simply a foundation. You should develop your
own message to convey the essence and value of occupational therapy in your communities.
Former AOTA President Karen Jacobs, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, suggests asking the individual
to name an activity that is important to them. Then ask them to imagine life without
the ability to perform that activity. Now that occupational therapy has been made
personal to your audience, use one of the following responses to help clarify how
occupational therapy helps individuals regain function and independence in daily activities.
- Occupational therapy is working collaboratively with people to facilitate independence and wellness in an individual's life.
- Occupational therapy is a "client-centered" approach to achieve everyday health through functional activities.
- Occupational therapy assists people of all ages with disabilities to become independent in their daily activities.
- Occupational therapy promotes health and well-being of individuals in society through participation in meaningful occupation.
- Occupational therapy is the promotion of lifelong health and well-being to facilitate productive living.
- Occupational therapy means improving the quality of life by positively affecting everyday activities.
- Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals develop skills necessary to perform daily activities.
- Occupational therapy provides the tools to break down barriers to an individual's independence.
- Occupational therapy provides you with a balance of independence at home, at work, and at play.
- Occupational therapy teaches "skills for the job of living."
The Health Sciences department is responsible for the information on this page.
To inquire about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, please contact Email: Tonya Curles.