Occupational therapy month recognizes all the work that occupational therapists do for patients. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is not the same as physical therapy, although many hospitals and other employers group them together in one department. The difference between occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) is that PT focuses on improving a patient’s ability to move their body, while OT focuses on improving a patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as climbing stairs or getting into or out of a vehicle.
Henry Ford defines occupational therapy as “the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (occupations) to enhance or enable participation in roles, habits, and routines in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings.”
Like many healthcare professions, occupational therapy requires significant education and training in order to become a licensed practitioner. Graduates of OT programs must also take the national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). While the requirements vary by location, all states require practitioners to pass the NBCOT exam to earn the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR) and obtain state licensure. You can find information about licensing and certification in Michigan at the Licensing And Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
For occupational therapists who wish to demonstrate their advanced skills in a particular area of practice, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) also offers various board and specialty certifications, including Gerontology, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Physical Rehabilitation, Driving and Community Mobility, and Environmental Modification.
See how Sladen Library supports our occupational therapy staff by browsing our collection of e-books, print books, and journals. Contact Sladen Library with any questions.
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