Occupational Therapy Paper

Words: 1199
Pages: 5

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages gain independence in their lives. This includes evaluating and treating people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. Occupational therapy, often overlooked but still impactful, plays an important role in improving the quality of life for individuals. This includes helping meet client’s goals to develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working. This paper will look at the history of occupational therapy, what the job entails, and the requirements to enter the field. Occupational therapy originated around the mental health movement of the early 20th century. In 1917, the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy was founded. The …show more content…
After an occupational therapist’s coursework, they will do 2-3 Level II fieldwork or clinicals that are typically 3 months in length. This is where more of the hands-on training occurs in an actual clinical setting with patients (Sancken). Candidates must pass the national certification exam by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapists must complete a certain number of hours of continuing education to maintain state licensure and certification (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Overall, one will need to go to graduate school and become licensed to successfully acquire a job in occupational therapy. In conclusion, occupational therapy helps people of various ages and lifestyles live a healthy and independent life. This paper looks at the history of occupational therapy, what the job entails, and the requirements for the job. Occupational therapy has the opportunity to work in many different areas and help different people. Occupational therapists lead with compassion and a drive to help others at every stage of