Occupational Therapy
Overview
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people learn or regain daily living or work skills. They help people who have mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. These disabilities are often caused by birth defects, injuries, illnesses, or aging.
Occupational therapists write treatment plans that set specific goals for patients. They discuss their plans with other workers such as doctors, physical therapists, or social workers. They also train nurses and other health care staff in therapy techniques so they can help with the therapy.
Therapists conduct many different activities with their patients. Some activities are designed to improve physical strength and coordination. Other activities are designed to improve vision, memory, or reasoning. They teach some patients to use wheelchairs and other physical aids. Therapists may also design or make special equipment that patients need at work or home and recommend ways for patients to change their homes to meet their needs.
Therapists may specialize in working with patients of a certain age or specific disability. This includes:
- Elderly patients who want to live independently
- Children with developmental delays
- Adults with permanent disabilities
Some therapists help patients find and keep jobs. They arrange jobs, plan work activities, and follow patients’ progress. Occupational therapists often lead programs in schools, hospitals, community settings, and other institutions. Often these programs are designed to promote health and awareness of disabilities.
Occupational therapists are similar to physical therapists in that both types of workers are concerned with physical movement. However, occupational therapists are also concerned with psychological and social factors.
Source: www.wois.org
Applications
Primary Applications
Students should apply the year prior to their intended start date. Deadlines for application vary by program.
- Take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), if needed
- Submit the OTCAS application (Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service)
Visit the Apply page for more on prerequisite coursework and grades, transcripts, activities, personal statements and letters of recommendation in general.
Secondary Applications
When you are invited, submit secondary applications as necessary for the schools to which you are applying. These typically involve school-specific writing responses and interviews.
Resources
- OTCAS – Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service
- EduMed’s Getting into Occupational Therapy School: An Admissions Guide
- EduMed’s Guide to Online Occupational Therapy Programs
Most Occupational Therapy schools will conduct interviews as part of the secondary application process. Students are advised to prepare for their interviews by scheduling a mock interview with the Natural Science & Pre Health Professional Pathways Advisor. Students should also become familiar with the type of questions that may be asked during their interview.
- Eastern Washington University
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington – NOTE UW’s program is shifting from a Master’s level to a Doctoral program in 2026. More information to come!