Category: Occupational Therapy

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in occupational therapy is the integration of current research evidence, clinical expertise, and the client’s preferences and values to inform professional decision-making.¹ Rather than selecting an assessment or intervention solely because it is familiar, occupational therapy practitioners critically consider the available evidence alongside the client’s occupational goals, clinical presentation, environment, and individual […]

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exams measure whether candidates have the knowledge needed for entry-level occupational therapy practice. The OTR exam emphasizes evaluation, analysis, intervention planning, clinical decision-making, and professional practice. The COTA exam reflects the occupational therapy assistant role, with greater emphasis on gathering information and implementing interventions under OTR […]

Pediatric and adult occupational therapy share the same goal: helping people participate more fully in meaningful daily activities. However, practice changes across the lifespan. Pediatric OT often emphasizes development, play, school participation, and self-care, while adult OT may focus more on rehabilitation, activities of daily living, work, community participation, and maintaining or regaining independence.¹  Pediatric […]

Stanbridge University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student Leslie Bergado recently turned 58 hours of community service into a hands-on leadership experience through LEAD California’s Community Engagement Student Fellowship (CESF), working alongside Triumph Foundation to support adaptive recreation and community programming for individuals with disabilities. During the four-month fellowship, Leslie helped plan and lead […]

Occupational therapists can develop expertise in many areas of practice, including pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, gerontology, mental and behavioral health, hand therapy, low vision, driving and community mobility. The right specialty depends on the populations you want to serve, the occupational performance challenges that interest you, and the clinical environments in which you want to practice. Entry-level occupational therapy education prepares […]

If you have an interest in occupational therapy, shadowing an occupational therapist can help you better understand what the profession looks like before committing to occupational therapy education. Whether you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, observing patient care, asking questions, and learning about different practice settings can help you decide whether the career aligns […]

A graduate program in occupational therapy combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, collaborative learning, patient cases, research, and supervised fieldwork. As you progress through a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) graduate program, you will learn how to evaluate patients’ needs, develop individualized intervention plans, use evidence to guide care, and support participation in meaningful daily […]

Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work in a variety of healthcare and community settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilities, in-home healthcare settings, and community organizations. Although specific daily responsibilities can vary depending on the environment and patient population, in all of these settings, OTs and OTAs help individuals improve independence […]

Basic Overview  Occupational therapy and physical therapy both help people improve their health, independence, and quality of life, but they focus on different aspects of recovery. Occupational therapists help individuals participate in daily activities, while Physical therapists focus on improving movement, strength, balance, and mobility. Understanding these differences can help you determine which healthcare career aligns with your interests and goals.  Understanding Occupational […]

Basic Overview  Rehabilitation therapy helps people improve function, mobility, independence, and quality of life after illness, injury, surgery, or other health conditions. Occupational therapy and physical therapy are two common rehabilitation professions, each with a different focus but a shared goal of helping patients achieve meaningful recovery and participation in everyday life.  Understanding Rehabilitation Therapy  Healthcare […]