what is ot therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of healthcare that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regain independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapists help with barriers that affect a person's emotional, social, and physical needs. To do this, they use everyday activities, exercises, and other therapies. OT helps kids play, improves their school performance, and aids adults in their work and daily living skills. Occupational therapists work in many different settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, private practices, and children's clinics. The two professional levels of occupational practice are occupational therapist (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA). An OT has a 4-year bachelor's degree in a related field and a master's degree in occupational therapy, while an OTA has an associate's degree from an accredited OTA program. They can carry out treatment plans developed by an OT but can't do patient evaluations. OTs and OTAs must do supervised fieldwork programs and pass a national certification exam. A license to practice is mandatory in most states, as are continuing education classes.