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What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapists are health care professionals with a minimum of a Bachelors degree. Advanced degrees in Occupational Therapy include Master’s, Doctorate or PhD in Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists are trained to work with people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability. Academic coursework includes but is not limited to human development across the life span, neuroanatomy, physiology, kinesiology, psychology, human disease process, sensory motor function, activity analysis and practical experience in clinical settings. In addition to academic coursework, a minimum of two, three month clinical rotations is required as part of every accredited program. To practice as an Occupational Therapist, one must pass the National Occupational Therapy Certification examination and meet licensure requirements for the state in which one is employed. For some specialty areas, additional certification may be needed, i.e. Alaska requires Department of Education certification to work in the schools. Occupational Therapists work in a variety of environments which may include: schools hospitals rehabilitation centers outpatient clinics mental health facilities community settings homes industrial settings assistive technology programs correctional facilities Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) have an Associate’s degree and work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapists work with individuals of all ages to enhance their performance in important everyday activities (occupations) despite the effects of illness, disability, or injury. Occupational Therapists believe that for people to be healthy and happy, they must be able to engage in a wide variety of occupations. These occupations may be as basic as caring for oneself (grooming, personal hygiene, eating) or as complex as learning to play with other children, participating in school activities, holding a job, caring for one's children or an aging parent, participating in sports, or maintaining meaningful relationships with others.		OT Menu OT Home What is Occupational Therapy? What is school based Occupational Therapy? Frequently asked questions Helpful links

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