Home2026-08-28T12:36:48-04:00

Occupational Therapy

A life-changing career for both OTPs and their patients.

Careers in OT are

InspirationalCreativeEmpoweringFunLimitless

Want to help people live their best lives? Occupational therapy (OT) is all about helping individuals—whether they have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses—gain independence and do the things that matter most to them. OT professionals use creative problem-solving, cool technology, and hands-on strategies to help people reach their goals. If you love making a difference, OT might be the career for you!
What is Occupational Therapy?2025-03-20T16:42:40-04:00

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people do the everyday activities that matter most to them—like getting dressed, eating, playing sports, learning, or even using technology. OT professionals work with people of all ages to overcome challenges, regain independence, and participate fully in life!

Learn more about occupational therapy and its benefits.

How do I become an occupational therapy practitioner?2025-03-19T22:34:45-04:00

After finishing high school, you’ll go to college and study occupational therapy. Then, you’ll need to pass a national board certification exam to become a professional occupational therapy practitioner and start helping people in hospitals, schools, or other places where they need support.

Lean more about how to become an occupational therapy practitioner.

What schools offer programs in Occupational Therapy?2025-03-19T22:34:57-04:00

If you’re thinking about studying occupational therapy, there are plenty of schools that can help you get started. Many community colleges, universities, and colleges have programs for aspiring occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. These programs vary, offering associate degrees, entry-level master’s programs, and even doctoral programs. Use our Occupational Therapy Programs directory to search and find OT and OTA programs in the United States that might be the right fit for you.

Are You Someone
Who Likes to…

Be Creative

Occupational therapy is like a puzzle-solving game! OTPs use creativity, imagination and problem-solving to help people reach their goals. They find clever ways to match abilities and preferences, making therapy fun and exciting while improving lives.

Help Others

In occupational therapy, you can truly make a difference. Help people overcome challenges, regain independence, and rediscover what matters to them. Whether it’s pursuing passions or daily activities, you’ll be there to empower and support them on their journey back to a fulfilling life.

Be Passionate

Being an occupational therapy professional is like having a remarkable superpower. Your passion fuels your desire to help, inspires personal growth, and influences those around you. Every day, you’ll experience the fulfillment and meaning that comes from making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Solve Problems

Occupational therapy professionals face diverse challenges and tricky situations. Quick thinking and creative problem-solving skills are vital. You become a problem-solving superhero, identifying individual needs, removing barriers, and crafting specialized plans. It’s like preparing a unique recipe that helps people achieve their goals.

 OT Could Be the Career for You!

OT is a Field That’s GROWING–

and much faster than other occupations

Occupational Therapists

Employment rates are projected to grow by 15% leading up to 2035.

0%

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Employment rates are projected to grow by 20% leading up to 2035.

0%

Source: U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2026

There’s an OT Program for YOU!

There are currently more than 600 accredited occupational therapy study programs in the U.S. alone.

Need help applying to OT school?

Explore the World of OT

We’re still thinking about @ezrafrech performance on Tuesday night. 🔥

Ezra hit the Dancing with the Stars ballroom for the first time alongside partner @daniellakaragach and absolutely delivered, landing near the top of the leaderboard with their first dance.

And yes, we see a little occupational therapy in this moment too. 👀

Adapting. Finding what works. Taking on something new. Participating fully in something that matters to you.

We love watching Ezra and Daniella figure out together what works for them on the dance floor, while Ezra brings disability representation to one of the biggest stages on TV.

But mostly? We’re here to cheer them on.

Consider @WhyChooseOT officially #TeamFootloose. 👏🕺

#WhyChooseOT #DWTS #EzraFrech #TeamFootloose
Thinking about becoming an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant?
This step-by-step guide walks you through the application process, from exploring programs to preparing for your first day.

Swipe through the 8 key steps, then check out the full guides for everything you need to know:
🔗 OT school: http://hoot.WhyChooseOT.com/mS3q50ZwHrY
🔗 OTA school: http://hoot.WhyChooseOT.com/CeTq50ZwHrW

#WhyChooseOT #OccupationalTherapy #FutureOT #FutureOTA #OTJourney #OTSchool #OTASchool #OTInAction #OTCareerSteps
53w
🌊✨ Did you know occupational therapy can take place in the water? Water has the power to reduce gravity and help stroke survivors regain arm movement and mobility. In the pool, patients can move more freely and build strength safely. Special thanks to Dr. Heather Panczykowski, OTR at East Carolina University for explaining so well how water can help regain mobility. #AquaticTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #StrokeRecovery #RehabJourney #WaterTherapy
🎓 Things I Wish I Knew Before Entering OT School

💭 Going into Occupational Therapy school, often students have no idea what was in store. Here are a few things that are helpful tips:

1️⃣ It’s not just science; it’s people. You’ll study anatomy and neuroscience, but the real learning comes from understanding human stories.

2️⃣ Time management is everything. Between labs, fieldwork, and exams, your planner becomes your best friend.

3️⃣ Imposter syndrome is real. Everyone feels lost sometimes. Trust the process and give yourself grace.

4️⃣ Self-care isn’t optional. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make rest and balance part of your routine.

5️⃣ It’s worth it. The late nights, stress, and hard work lead to a career that changes lives every single day. 💚

✨ To anyone starting OT school, keep going, stay curious, and remember why you chose this path.

👉🏾 Visit http://hoot.WhyChooseOT.com/c36q50XC4JI to explore resources that inspire your OT journey.

#OccupationalTherapy #OTStudent #FutureOT #WhyChooseOT #OTSchoolTips #OccupationalTherapyLife
We’re still thinking about @ezrafrech performance on Tuesday night. 🔥

Ezra hit the Dancing with the Stars ballroom for the first time alongside partner @daniellakaragach and absolutely delivered, landing near the top of the leaderboard with their first dance.

And yes, we see a little occupational therapy in this moment too. 👀

Adapting. Finding what works. Taking on something new. Participating fully in something that matters to you.

We love watching Ezra and Daniella figure out together what works for them on the dance floor, while Ezra brings disability representation to one of the biggest stages on TV.

But mostly? We’re here to cheer them on.

Consider @WhyChooseOT officially #TeamFootloose. 👏🕺

#WhyChooseOT #DWTS #EzraFrech #TeamFootloose
Thinking about becoming an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant?
This step-by-step guide walks you through the application process, from exploring programs to preparing for your first day.

Swipe through the 8 key steps, then check out the full guides for everything you need to know:
🔗 OT school: http://hoot.WhyChooseOT.com/mS3q50ZwHrY
🔗 OTA school: http://hoot.WhyChooseOT.com/CeTq50ZwHrW

#WhyChooseOT #OccupationalTherapy #FutureOT #FutureOTA #OTJourney #OTSchool #OTASchool #OTInAction #OTCareerSteps
53w
🌊✨ Did you know occupational therapy can take place in the water? Water has the power to reduce gravity and help stroke survivors regain arm movement and mobility. In the pool, patients can move more freely and build strength safely. Special thanks to Dr. Heather Panczykowski, OTR at East Carolina University for explaining so well how water can help regain mobility. #AquaticTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #StrokeRecovery #RehabJourney #WaterTherapy
🎓 Things I Wish I Knew Before Entering OT School

💭 Going into Occupational Therapy school, often students have no idea what was in store. Here are a few things that are helpful tips:

1️⃣ It’s not just science; it’s people. You’ll study anatomy and neuroscience, but the real learning comes from understanding human stories.

2️⃣ Time management is everything. Between labs, fieldwork, and exams, your planner becomes your best friend.

3️⃣ Imposter syndrome is real. Everyone feels lost sometimes. Trust the process and give yourself grace.

4️⃣ Self-care isn’t optional. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make rest and balance part of your routine.

5️⃣ It’s worth it. The late nights, stress, and hard work lead to a career that changes lives every single day. 💚

✨ To anyone starting OT school, keep going, stay curious, and remember why you chose this path.

👉🏾 Visit http://hoot.WhyChooseOT.com/c36q50XC4JI to explore resources that inspire your OT journey.

#OccupationalTherapy #OTStudent #FutureOT #WhyChooseOT #OTSchoolTips #OccupationalTherapyLife

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