The Facts about Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their 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 therapist enters the field with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. The occupational therapy assistant generally earns an associate's degree. Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination.
Most states also regulate occupational therapy practice.
Every day, countless people of all ages experience problems that significantly affect their ability to manage their daily lives. With the help of occupational therapy, many of these individuals can achieve or regain a high level of independence. From the infant with a birth defect or injury to the person affected by aging, occupational therapy helps people make the most of their abilities When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, occupational therapy offers creative solutions and resources for carrying out the person's daily activities. Alzheimer's Disease Art Anderson's family was not surprised when the doctor confirmed that his growing memory problems were caused by Alzheimer's disease. Their main concern was the effect his care was having on his wife, who was dealing with health problems of her own.