What Is Occupational Therapy?

History Of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy dates back to the late 1800s. At that time, arts and crafts were used as a way of engaging patients in hospitals. In the early 1900s, occupational therapy was typically used in mental health facilities, and it included routine activities such as cleaning, crafts, and farming. Eleanor Clark Slagle organized the world's first training program for occupational therapists, and she is regarded today as the 'mother of occupational therapy.' The American Occupational Therapy Association was formed in 1917, and occupational therapists helped provide care and rehabilitation for soldiers injured in World War I. Occupational therapists were originally known as reconstruction aides, and their work was concerned with rehabilitating the mind and the body so patients could perform tasks that were meaningful for them. Occupational therapists helped patients with cooking, dressing, hygiene, and activity modifications as needed. Today, they continue to provide personalized care for every patient, giving them tools and techniques to carry out activities at home and work.

Get familiar with the regulations occupational therapists must adhere to next.

Occupational Therapist Regulations

Occupational therapist regulations vary by state, and occupational therapists will need to be licensed in the state in which they wish to practice. To obtain a license, candidates must meet education requirements and pass a certification exam. Candidates will need to have graduated from an occupational therapy program accredited by the state in which they intend to practice. They must also have completed all fieldwork requirements; this usually involves the completion of six months of supervised occupational therapy experience. Once these requirements have been met, the candidate is required to pass a certification exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The examination is a four-hour written test, and scores of 450 or above are classified as passing. After passing the exam, occupational therapists will need to pay a fee and apply for a license in every state in which they intend to practice. In many states, temporary licenses or limited permits will be issued so occupational therapists can practice while they wait for the results of their certification exam. If candidates do not pass the certification exam the first time, they can retake it after thirty days.

Continue reading to learn about occupational therapy treatment approaches next.