What Can You Do with a Degree in OT?
The better question is…what can’t you do? Let’s talk about all the amazing areas you can work in and cool things you can do with a degree in occupational therapy.
With a degree in OT, you can
Work in skilled nursing facilities helping older adults recover from illness or surgeries to get their life skills back on track
Work in a dementia unit, helping those struggling with their memory be able to complete tasks such as eating and dressing
Work with children with Autism to help them with social situations and playing
Work with individuals who have had breast cancer to help them regain their range of motion, energy, and endurance to return to life roles
Work within office and manufacturing environments to ensure the areas are set up safely for the employees to prevent injury or disability
Work in an outpatient setting helping individuals who have experienced a stroke recover skills needed to return to driving
Work in a hand therapy clinic helping an athlete with a torn rotator cuff recover and return to sports
Work in aquatic therapy, helping individuals retain motion in a comfortable and supported environment
Help individuals with arthritis or limited range of motion learn to use adaptive equipment to dress themselves independently
Work with individuals experiencing mental health concerns to help them regain their daily life skills
Work in a wellness clinic promoting healthy life behaviors
Work in a horse stable using horses as a therapeutic way to work with children with movement disorders
Provide support groups to educate individuals and their caregivers on their conditions (such a Parkinson’s disease)
Help individuals with disabilities learn to drive using an adaptive car or van
Fit an individual with a wheelchair that meets their goals of playing basketball
Help individuals dealing with lymphedema decrease their swelling so they can wear shoes again
Complete the proper Kinesio Taping procedure to help a soccer player return to the game with less pain
Assist individuals with incontinence to help them regain bladder control
Work with individuals in the hospital to help them get up and move around to prevent pneumonia
Work to teach individuals healthy work habits such as stretching and moving more frequently
Work with children to help them be able to hold a pencil and write their name
Complete assessments in individuals’ homes, making recommendations to keep them safe in their homes
Work with homeless shelters teaching life skills such as what to wear to an interview and how to fill out a job application
Working with an individual who cannot sleep to alter their environment and bed positioning to help them sleep better
Did you sense a theme? Regardless of the specifics of their job description, occupational therapists help others. With that goal in mind, the career options are endless. If this sounds like the field for you, learn more about earning an OTA bachelor’s degree at huntington.edu/OTA.
