Pre-Occupational Therapy Profession

Occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and those with a doctorate in occupational therapy receive between two to five years of education in anatomy and physiology, psychology, biology, the mind-body connection, spirituality, neurobiology, kinesiology, cognition, psychosocial components, sensory integration, biomechanics, ergonomics, disease, and illness, and how the environment can affect health and healing. The entry-level degree for an occupational therapist is a Master of Science in occupational therapy. Some OTs may have a doctoral degree in occupational therapy or additional certifications. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed or registered, meaning they have passed a national exam and meet continuing education requirements. OTs are joining other healthcare providers in incorporating yoga into their treatment offerings. OTs bring a unique perspective to yoga and can guide you deeper into your practice for personal health, well-being, and prevention of disease.

Occupational therapists work in many settings such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, private practice, home health and psychiatric hospitals. OTs are trained to utilize therapeutic activities to impact your physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory health. Many therapists will go on to specialize treatment areas, including but not limited to hand therapy, lymphedema management, sensory integration, pelvic health, myofascial release, holistic mindfulness techniques, wound management.
OTs determine if the activity needs to be modified. Such activity modification is often where an occupational therapist's creativity shines. A basic example of activity modification would be utilizing a wheelchair to help you get from place to place. Areas of specialization include splint fabrication, adaptive technology, adaptive driving, adaptive equipment, wheelchair modification. OTs will take a step back to look at the big picture by observing the environment in which the activity is being performed, making recommendations to the environment to support your participation in activities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, schools, academia. When working with an OT trained in yoga, they can assist you with the eight limbs to help you reach your health goals and live a meaningful and purposeful life.

Thus, an occupational therapist is a health professional concerned with restoration and maintenance of function following disease or injury. An occupational therapist may work with a variety of patients such as stroke victims, amputees, spinal cord or head injury patients and developmentally disabled children. The goal of therapy is to reduce limitations, improve self-care skills, maintain function, and prepare for employment. 

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is your go-to place when considering occupational therapy. Information on education and careers for OTs can be found here.