Occupational Therapy (OT) is a branch of medicine that has grown substantially through the years. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals specializing in occupational therapy, occupational medicine, physical therapy, psychology, and rehabilitation. OTs and occupational therapy aides work together, using a holistic approach, and scientific foundations to support an individual’s ability to meet their various daily tasks and roles. The goals of OT are to aid people in maintaining health and optimize their functioning while reducing their dependence on others. This can be accomplished by helping them with the basics of daily life.
In order to become an OT, you must first complete an accredited OT training program. Then, you will need to pass an evaluation administered by an outside board such as the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago or the American Academy of Occupational Therapy. After you have successfully completed your OT training program and passed the certification exam, you will need to sit for a state board exam to become licensed as an OT.
Occupational Therapy offers a variety of long-term and short-term healthcare services, including occupational therapy. OT can provide a range of assistance to people with injuries resulting from a job-site injury or diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. They can also provide help with depression and other mental health disorders. For those suffering from physical disabilities, OT can perform physical therapy, help with gait control, braces, crutches, and wheelchairs. They can also treat patients with long-term illnesses and chronic health problems.
In order to work as an OT, it is necessary to obtain certain credentials. First, an OT must earn either a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy or a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. If one already has a formal OT career and wishes to continue his/her education, they should pursue further studies at a school specializing in Occupational Therapy. The American Osteopathic Association and the National Certification Board for Occupational Therapy offer these degrees.
Some of the many areas of OT study are in the area of occupational therapy research, occupational treatment, occupational therapy principles, health sciences diagnosis, and occupational therapy principles and practices. These courses focus on various skills such as assessment, preventive services, health education, and occupational therapy foundations. A student interested in learning about social skills may take courses in social and human services administration. Other students may be interested in learning about the physical aspects of rehabilitation, which includes physiology, nutrition, and anatomy. Coursework may also be required for certified physical therapy, nursing, and adult social skills. It is important to remember that all coursework must be classroom-based.
There are some specializations within OT practice. Certified occupational therapists who perform cranial sacral therapy concentrate on helping patients with neurological, psychiatric, emotional, and developmental disorders. They deal with the body’s response to injury or stress and help improve strength, endurance, muscle control, motor coordination, and speech.
Occupational therapy specialists help people suffering from sensory processing disorders and other problems. These may include sensory integration disorders, sensory-motor skills disorders, multiple sclerosis, neurological dysfunctions, and other sensory processing disorders. They focus on teaching affected individuals how to perform tasks that help them live more normal lives. Occupational therapists also have a role in treating depression and anxiety disorders.
Occupational therapy brings hope to families who need assistance in teaching their disabled loved ones how to live a normal, productive life. It helps them return to a self-respecting, well-balanced lifestyle. It improves daily life skills, builds self-confidence, provides hope, and facilitates an individual’s recovery. Occupational therapy is an essential part of providing long-term care for the patient.
A job that requires the assistance of another person can be very stressful for the person without any abilities. It is possible that an individual with these abilities might find it difficult getting dressed, using the restroom, using the table, and doing activities of daily living. As an occupational therapist, you would provide strategies to make these things easier for them by teaching them how to do self-care activities such as brushing their teeth, eating meals, using the toilet, getting dressed, and more.
Occupational therapy can help people suffering from physical impairments. For instance, if an individual has difficulty getting dressed or remembering how to get to the bathroom, occupational therapy can teach them how to go about performing these tasks themselves. It also helps people recover their self-esteem. Occupational therapists are specially trained to assess the severity of a patient’s condition and recommend different treatment strategies. A physical therapist is involved in planning the rehabilitation plan for a patient. This involves the assessment of current health status, future health status, objectives, and recommendations.
Occupational therapy as a career may not pay very well, but it is worth considering because you would contribute to society in a great way. Occupational therapists play an important role in the development of patients. If you want to help others through these stages, you may want to consider getting trained in occupational therapy. You can apply for an OT certificate in most states and take classes online.
