Occupational Therapy Day offers a chance to learn about a vital profession

By Jamesdean Visley, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, ECHM

We celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day on Oct. 27, and if you’re confused about what the profession is, you’re not alone.

While many people mistake us for our colleagues in physical therapy or think that our work only relates to job skills, occupational therapy (OT) plays a critical role for people of all ages seeking to develop, regain or maintain the abilities they need to live and work on their own.

It is a very rewarding profession that gives those of us in the field the satisfaction of seeing our patients lead successful, fulfilling lives.

Every day, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) help patients learn or relearn common tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking or eating, sometimes in addition to skills needed to perform at their job.

We work with patients recovering from a stroke or brain injury, as well as those living with conditions such as dementia, autism or PTSD on skills such as concentration, problem-solving, self-care, and community participation.

We also make recommendations to patients and their families on modifications to the home environment that can improve accessibility and support greater independence for those with an injury or disability.

Challenges in the field

While OT provides satisfaction to practitioners and independence for our patients, there are many challenges facing the profession today.

Like many healthcare professions, the demand for OTPs is growing faster than the supply, particularly in rural or other underserved areas.

Researchers estimate that OT workforce shortages will continue across all 50 states throughout the remainder of this decade.

A 2022 study found about 9% of positions unfilled nationwide and more than half of employers taking six months or more to fill vacant positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth in the profession from 2025 to 2035, creating many opportunities for those entering the field.

As with most healthcare professions, OTPs also have to be prepared emotionally to support patients facing chronic, traumatic or terminal conditions.

Entering the occupational therapy field also takes a significant investment of time and finances into education, which is why innovative programs like Trine University's innovative 3+3 direct-entry pathway are so important.

By allowing students to save a year of time and tuition while moving from undergraduate study into doctoral-level OT education, Trine’s program and others like it can help address workforce needs while making the profession more accessible to future practitioners.

Supporting occupational therapists

Besides reducing obstacles to those entering occupational therapy, what else can we do to better support this essential career? There are too many possibilities to cover in a short article, but here are some initial thoughts.

Employers must consider building stronger support systems, particularly for OTPs who work with patients who have been traumatized or are on hospice who will eventually pass away. OTPs and other healthcare professionals need their own resources to be effective while helping support patients and their families.

We also must continue to educate the public about OT and encourage the next generation of practitioners to consider careers in the field.

Occupational therapy remains one of the most rewarding professions in healthcare, combining science, creativity and human connection to help people live life to its fullest. I welcome students and families interested in learning more to contact Trine University's Brooks College of Health Professions.

Jamesdean Visley is director of Trine University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.