
Graduates of accredited programs may take the national certification examination for occupational therapists administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. All OT students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months after completing academic preparation. The Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27% growth in occupational therapy employment opportunities through 2024, a much faster than average growth. News & World Report named occupational therapy #17 on its list of Best Healthcare Jobs 2016 and #23 on its list of Best Jobs overall. Growing opportunities exist in private practice, consultation, research and higher education. The field offers rapid advancement into supervisory and administrative positions for therapists with advanced experience and education.

Some of the settings where occupational therapists are employed include hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, community mental health facilities, public school systems, home health agencies, private practice, industry and the community. Through the use of rehabilitation/habilitation strategies, task or environmental modification, assistive technology, advocacy, and other strategies, occupational therapists assist the clients and families they work with in a wide variety of medical, educational and community settings.

Occupational therapists work with individuals across the lifespan who are experiencing barriers to their participation in desired life activities.

Occupations commonly addressed through occupational therapy include self-care activities, work or school tasks, driving, leisure, home maintenance and community activities. Occupational therapy is a dynamic health care profession that promotes engagement in meaningful daily and routine occupations, those activities that give meaning and purpose to our lives.

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