What You Will Do An occupational therapist helps people regain or maximize their ability to lead independent lives. As an occupational therapist, you may work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Your patients may be physically challenged, developmentally delayed or mentally ill. Regardless of their condition, your challenge will be to use your knowledge of the sciences, your understanding of psychology, and your creativity to help them find alternative ways of working, playing, or taking care of themselves. Businesses and industrial firms concerned about employee health and safety may also hire occupational therapists to help them address these issues.
Many occupational therapists find private practice to be particularly rewarding.
During your first two years, there are a variety of courses to build your general understanding obiological and behavioral science. You will round out your program with enriching classes in the humanities. In the junior and senior years, you will be enrolled in professional courses specific to occupational therapy. Through both advanced course work and field experience, you will develop a solid background in OT theory, evaluation, and treatment practices. After completion of course work, occupational therapy students gain additional practical experience through advanced fieldwork.