What is occupational therapy?

This definition of occupational therapy was adopted by the American Occupational Therapy Association in 1972 (it's not the most current definition, but it's our favorite):

"Occupational therapy is the art and science of directing one's participation in selected tasks to:

• restore, reinforce and enhance performance,
• facilitate learning of skills and functions essential for adaptation and productivity,
• diminish or correct pathology, and
• promote and maintain health.

OT's fundamental concern is the capacity, throughout the lifespan, to perform to the satisfaction of self and others those tasks and roles essential to productive living and to mastery of self and environment."

AOTA's current definition of occupational therapy practice is: "The 'Practice of Occupational Therapy' means the therapeutic use of purposeful and meaningful occupations (goal-directed activities) to evaluate and treat individuals who have a disease or disorder, impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction which interferes with their ability to function independently in daily life roles, and to promote health and wellness."

For more information about what OT is and what OTs do, visit the website of the University of Southern California's Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science Department . USC is one of the top-ranked OT programs in the country.

Or check out AOTA's " Ten Ways to Define OT in 15 Words or Less " from the AOTA website.

Where do occupational therapists work?

The primary employers of occupational therapists are school systems, hospitals and nursing facilities. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics has a extensive description of the most common occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant job settings in its Occupational Outlook Handbook.

How much do OTs make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for occupational therapists was $49,450 and $34,340 for occupational therapy assistants in 2000. ADVANCE's 2003 salary survey , with data collected in 1999, found that the average salaries were $42,992 for occupational therapists and $27,626 for OT assistants. Results from our current salary survey will be available soon.

Where can I find schools to become an OT?

Currently, occupational therapy programs are master's level programs. Occupational therapy assistant programs are associate level programs. AOTA has a full listing of schools with occupational therapy and OT assistant education programs accredited by ACOTE, the Accreditation Commission for Occupational Therapy Education.

Where can I find more information about OT?

There are a number of professional organizations in the occupational therapy profession. We recommend starting with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). If you'd like information specific to your state, check out our state directory which features contact information for the state occupational therapy association and state occupational therapy licensing board in each state.

Book publisher Slack, Incorporated offers an OT Student Primer that you might find helpful - it gives insight into what is taught in most OT and OTA education curricula as well as more information about professional issues that you may encounter as both student and practitioner.