April is when spring kicks off into full gear and Occupational Therapy Month. This month is a time to recognize the hard-working and sometimes overlooked profession of Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapists help the entire person, operating holistic methods connected with scientific evidence and recent research to deliver thorough therapy. They do an excellent job assisting patients to recover and function to the best of their ability. Here is a rundown of their profession:
The OT Origins
William Rush Dunton Jr., "the father of occupational therapy," was a decisive champion for occupational concentration and ultimately created the National Society for Promotion of Occupational Therapy (now known as AOTA). Occupational therapy was officially established by three men and three women in 1917, a few years before women earned the right to vote. Occupational therapy does not precisely belong to other medical treatments and is categorized as physical therapy due to the resemblances, therapeutic procedures, and vital settings.
What It Takes
Occupational therapy school is challenging, like pursuing many medical professions. A bachelor's degree in psychology, biology, or science can help OT students prepare. Since 2007, occupational therapists have been required to attain a master's degree. Advanced training and specialty procedures include sensory integration, feeding, and eating. Occupational therapists treat hurt, sick, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of daily activities. They allow these patients to develop, recuperate, enhance, and support the skills required for everyday living and working, enabling assistive technology, hippotherapy, aquatic therapy, hand therapy, seating and mobility, low vision, and environmental transformations.
Their Work
Occupational therapists are specialists in movement analysis. To achieve optimal outcomes, they recognize personal and environmental strengths and obstacles to determine the proper level of activity needs and skills. Specialties Occupational therapists work with various conditions, including traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum condition, stroke, cerebral palsy, burns, fractures, spinal cord injury, orthopedic impairments, sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, and more! OTs work with their patients to teach them how to perform daily tasks, use assistive aids, inform caregivers how to help, and serve to strengthen and stretch.
Why Important?
Occupational therapists help people of all ages who typically struggle to perform routine daily activities. They work with children to help them overcome challenges and older adults to maintain cognitive skills. It is challenging and impactful work that patients and their families appreciate.
WSi has been staffing Occupational Therapists since 1988. Their work truly aligns with our values of helping change lives one person at a time. If you are a healthcare professional looking for your next role, please contact us.