Selecting an occupational therapy educational program from the many available can be a difficult decision. Occupational therapy is a health profession that helps people participate fully in life. Participation in a wide range of human occupations is seen as a health determinant, promoting and adding meaning to life. When people have strokes, sustain injuries, or have chronic mental or physical health problems, occupational therapists help them engage in occupations or everyday activities that are personally meaningful, socially satisfying, and culturally relevant. A career in occupational therapy offers a wide range of opportunities and choice. Occupational therapists work with individuals across the age span, and with groups, organizations, and communities. Occupational therapy is an allied health profession critical to helping people achieve function, meaning, and satisfaction in all aspects of their lives.

OT is a creative, challenging, helping profession. Occupational therapists help people throughout the lifespan accomplish their daily living tasks, learn new skills, adapt to permanent losses, fulfill their life roles, and participate fully in life. Occupational therapists help people “do” what they want to do, which improves their sense of satisfaction and fulfillment and contributes to their subsequent health and well-being. Occupational therapy practitioners work with people of all ages – newborns, children, adults and older people - helping them to successfully perform the tasks they want to do or need to be able to do. Occupational therapists work with clients who may have experienced trauma, illness, or developmental issues or who may simply want to improve their health and happiness. Occupational therapy is a field in which one can bring together a variety of interests — medicine, psychology, psychiatry, work activities, music, art, dance, and crafts.