Treatment for spinal cord injury typically begins with a period of hospitalization when the patient's medical condition is stabilized and the extent of temporary and permanent injury is assessed. As recovery progresses, the patient will receive rehabilitative services, including occupational therapy. Many private health insurance plans also cover occupational therapy services. Occupational therapy education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological implications of illness and injury. Occupational therapy practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings and are required to pass a national certification examination.
Many states also regulate the practice of occupational therapy.