Occupational Therapy

An educational program in occupational therapy is located on the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis campus.

Description of the Profession Occupational therapy is the ‘‘therapeutic use of self-care, work, and play activities to increase independent function, enhance development, and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance quality of life’’ (American Occupational Therapy Association, 1986). Occupational therapists can choose to work in mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, physical disabilities, or other specialty areas.

Graduates of the Program The baccalaureate degree program in occupational therapy is designed to prepare the graduate to meet professional standards for occupational therapy practice. Upon completion of the program a graduate will be expected to demonstrate entry-level competence in basic knowledge and application of physical, behavioral, and medical sciences to the practice of occupational therapy. Graduates of the program will be able to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).

Credential Required to Practice OTR, Occupational Therapist Registered.