why occupational therapy essay

Instructions >  Personal Statement

Your personal essay should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you to achieve your goals.

Do NOT make your essay program specific as the same essay will be sent to each program that you applied to.

Technical Requirements You are encouraged to compose your essay in a text-only word processor (e.g., Notepad), review your essay for errors, then cut and paste the final version into the text box above. Click the Save button and then return to the Personal Essay to review the formatting of your text. You are limited to approximately 1 page (7500 characters, including spaces). Some formatting characters used in programs like Word (angled quotes, accents, special characters) will not display properly. Take care to review your final text and to make the necessary corrections to the format. Some formatting characters used in programs like Word (angled quotes, accents, special characters, bold, underline or italics) will not display properly. You can NOT make any edits to your personal statement after you have e-submitted your completed application to OTCAS. OTCAS does not review your essay response for grammar or content.

Complete Personal Statement Guide for Pre-OT Occupational Therapy School Programs

Introduction.

This detailed guide will provide you with tips, do’s, don’ts, examples, and other helpful things along the way to write your personal statement for OT school.

You may be thinking:

• Where do I even start with writing a personal statement?
• Maybe I can look for some more examples online.
• My story does not seem as exciting as these examples.
• These examples don’t really relate to me.
• I don’t like the writing style or “feeling” that these examples give me.
• How do I even go about this?

Or maybe you didn’t have any of these thoughts and you are just looking for some extra tips to polish up your personal statement before you send it to the world. This guide will still help!

While this guide was written with Pre-OT’s for occupational therapy personal statements in mind, it of course can apply to other professions such as physical therapy, speech therapy, PA, RN, even undergraduate programs.

I am not part of any admissions committee or affiliated with them in any way. However, as a graduate of an occupational therapy program, I also read and edited many other personal statements for friends and family. This guide is not a guarantee that you will get accepted or a guarantee that you will produce the best personal statement. This is just my opinion and unfortunately, the writing is all up to you!

Fortunately, you already have the hard part done – building your education, experiences, personal character, and goals!

Not quite there yet, that’s okay too – this guide will give you a preview of how to prepare to write your personal statement.

The Process

The process of writing a personal statement may involve something like:

Reflecting, getting something typed on the screen, getting writer’s block, getting distracted, taking a break, editing it, reflecting, typing some ideas, deleting those ideas, repeat, have it proofread, reading it out loud, reflecting, make more edits, and you’re done! While this sounds like a lot, it’s doable.

Set-up and Preparation

Start Early

When you feel like you are ready to write your personal statement, start writing! Don’t wait until the last minute to write. Personal statements require editing, giving it some time for your mind to clear to re-read, having it proofread by someone else, and making more edits.

Install Grammarly

We use Grammarly as a browser extension for its spellcheck and grammar check. It is really good at catching mistakes as you go and the free version is all you really need to get some basic editing done. This allows you to focus on the writing and not the spelling. Software like Grammarly also helps if you especially have a hard time with writing in general. While it can suggest edits for errors, it is up to you to write the content.  AI is not quite there yet, but we are close!

Cheating & plagiarizing

I just have to say it. Don’t cheat or plagiarize. Don’t hire someone to write for you. I hear stories of students cheating here or there, so it must still be happening. Grad school is not the time to jeopardize all the hard work you put in.

Have a back-up system for your document

It would be a huge set-back to lose all your hard work. These days, you can easily use the cloud such as Dropbox or Google Drive/Docs for storing your files. This goes for your personal statement document as well as your graduate school application files such as notes, deadlines, resumes, etc. All it takes is a coffee spilled on your laptop for you to lose all your hard work (it happened to my classmate in OT school). Better yet, back up all your data that is important to you. Lectures, recordings, assignments.

Write in a place you feel productive

It doesn’t have to be a quiet library. It just has to be what works. If it’s a coffee shop, then go there. Write in a place you associate with positive work (but also don’t get distracted too easily, e.g. a cat cafe) – like to your favorite study area.

It’s okay if it doesn’t seem perfect or even good at first

After all, you are writing something like this probably for the first time, with a unique set of experiences for a specific intention of impressing the OT’s admissions panel. It can be difficult for artists to create art or music, or write a book in one session. So don’t stress it!

• Re-research the profession, job description, duties, etc. BLS.gov is my favorite go-to for profession research. We have a video on it here .
• Follow the personal statement prompt and instructions. Read it several times to make sure. If there is a word limit, don’t go over. Double-check before you submit.
• Pay attention to the file format that is requested from the programs. Word doc? PDF? Make sure your file actually opens after you upload it and is not corrupt, if possible. If you are uploading to a central application like OTCAS, make sure you meet those guidelines.
• Write in the same tense and person throughout (“I”, first-person is fine).
• Write in an order that makes sense and flows to the reader, e.g. chronologically.
• Write with a purpose. Each sentence should be there for a reason and not be filler. Exclude extra information or too specific of information that doesn’t contribute to your story.
• Example: Nowadays, I want to be an occupational therapist first and foremost because I want to help people and really make a difference in each of their lives.
• Better example: My goal is to become an occupational therapist who makes a difference in people’s lives.
• Warning : I wouldn’t you use this specific example in your personal statement because it’s probably been overused. Try to be creative by saying how you want to “help” people in  other ways .
• Be honest, try to copy an example’s voice, do not write over-the-top or fabricate the story.
• Be politically correct and culturally sensitive.
• My personal statement didn’t have big GRE words or fancy syntax. It told a great story that was (in my opinion) to the point, compelling, persuasive, and driven.
• Describe your values and goals while highlighting your strengths.
• In my opinion, it is best to talk about college, work, and other achievements and experiences in your “adulthood”.
• Even traveling experience (shows cultural awareness) as an adult is more noteworthy than say winning a basketball game in high school (less relevant to OT)
• Tip: think about when you first were motivated to become an OT and start from there, not earlier.
• Don’t use cliches or minimize them as much you can. Readers see this a lot and it does not make a big impact on their impression of you.
• Don’t use slang/informal speech, e.g. “sticking with it” -> perseverance.
• Don’t make jokes and be careful if you decide to use humor (what may be funny to you may not be to the reader). It’s safe to leave humor out and just get to the point.
• Avoid being sarcastic.
• Pay attention to your use of OT – it can be occupational therapy or occupational therapist, but personally, I get confused when people use “OT” interchangeably.
• In my final submitted personal statement, I only abbreviated “MSOT” and “EMT” and did not “OT” once.
• Example: I got accepted to shadow at [facility] and was observing observed patients do their rehab exercises.
• Pay attention to these verbs in sentences that run longer. Consider shortening them to make it less tiring to read, avoiding avoid run-on sentences. (see what I did there?)
• Don’t abbreviate or hyphenate too often or incorrectly . If you do it one way, be sure you are at least consistent throughout. e.g. evidence-based, not evidenced based.
• O ccupational therapist is capitalized like this correctly.
• However, an Occupational Therapist is not correct if capitalized like this.
• This is the correct capitalization for an occupational therapist.
• The same goes for the field of occupational therapy.
• O ccupational therapy is capitalized correctly in this sentence.
• Abbreviations are always capitalized, e.g. OT.
• Don’t write anything negative about anyone, organization, place, etc .
• Don’t write in a negative tone, be a “Debbie Downer”
• “OTs make a lot of money.”
• “I will be the best occupational therapist because…”
• “I am the best candidate because”
• “Since I am… , therefore”
• “Unlike others”, or
• “Other professions” talking down, avoid talking about other professions in general. No one profession is better than another, the same applies to OT. Think about why OT over other professions leading to your decision to become one).
• Think about how someone in another profession, say a PT would feel after reading your personal statement. They should not feel offended after reading your personal statement, but instead think, “wow, such and such would make a great OT.” Not that OT is better than PT, that kind of thing.
• When I become an occupational therapist. If I become an occupational therapist.
• Don’t repeat yourself, you only need to say something once in its context. Of course, the bigger message can be repeated, e.g. intro and conclusion. Just don’t sound repetitive.
• Don’t use the same phrases (especially close to each other), try using different words. That doesn’t mean you should just look up words in a thesaurus. Really think about what’s the point you are trying to make.
• Don’t use profanity.
• In everyday speech we say things like, “that’s crazy”. Someone with a mental illness who really is crazy could be offended. I had a teacher whose pet-peeve was people who said things were crazy . Remove crazy from your personal statement.
• “He probably was abused since he was in a recovery program/”
• I would avoid using “ normal” too. “Occupational therapists help patients get back to their normal.” This implies the patient was abnormal before. Better words: recover, improve, rehabilitate, strengthen, adapt, overcome, etc.
• Other labels: retarded, slow, crippled, mental, insane
• You can include a facility name, e.g. Standford hospital – as long as you don’t talk about it in a negative context.
• “Standford hospital treats a lot of poor patients.” Standford hospital is a valuable asset to the community for the underserved.
• Don’t include anything that can be seen as a weakness, e.g. low GPA, took a semester off, DUI, unexplained career changes.
• This is your chance to “say” what you want to say and include your story that is not apparent in the other pre-requisites. All the other candidates likely have high GPAs and had to take the same pre-requisite courses, but they did not shadow at your facility with your patient , so here’s your chance to distinguish yourself.
• What experience may be unique to you ?
• For example, I included my experience of being an EMT to make myself stand out.
• This could backfire and show your lack of research into how broad OT can be. Don’t forget about mental health too! OT’s study to be  generalists , not specialists.
• While it’s okay to want to work with a specific population as a goal, don’t accidentally make it sound like you think OT’s only do one thing. Hope this one makes sense.

Question’s to address or reflect on

Reflect. Write. Take a break. Repeat.

• What is your experience with other backgrounds and cultures in your pre-OT journey?
• How did you realize that OT was for you? Why not PT? (Reflect, but don’t answer this directly.)
• What or who were the influence(s) or influencers?
• This is a rich opportunity to mention your specific OT shadowing experience at the stage in which you want to be an OT.
• I would include at least 1 example from this, 2 is better, but not too much either.
• Not just becoming an OT (graduating) but afterwards. e.g. 1 year post-grad, 5 years, where you see yourself 10 years out.
• What challenges did you overcome in your pre-requisite pre-OT journey?
• What sets you apart from other applicants? Why should I not pick person A or person B over you?
• Tip: research the school’s website for their mission statement, OT program background, etc. to get familiar with the specifics. If you can include and relate to some of this, even better!
• “My motivation to help others and my passion for occupational therapy will guide me to be successful in the [program].” or

Since [school] strives to “[OT program mission statement]”, I firmly believe that [school] will help me reach my goals of becoming a successful occupational therapist.

Recommendations

• Talk about why you want to be an OT, but not just to “help” people. How? Which population/community/background? Conditions? Why? Tip: three major categories of OT are: mental health, pediatrics, and adults/older adults. Nurses help people too. How is OT different for you?
• Hint: occupations ! meaningful, client-centered.
• Check out the OTDUDE Podcast and other podcasts for ideas; Episode 1: What is OT
• Reflection tip: other professions may be based on the medical model or helping people become healthy, but OT is different because…
• Check out AOTA.org for some phrasing of the profession to inspire you.
• If you are comfortable, use OT related terminology or phrases, but don’t go overboard, e.g. occupation, intervention, treatment, activities of daily living, evidence-based, collaborative, interdisciplinary, client-centered, holistic, functional. Plain English is fine, you don’t have to sound like a journal article.
• As mentioned, highlight why you would be a valuable candidate (fit) to their program. Think about not only your experience but your character and quality traits . Examples: creativity, leadership, patient, resourceful, reliability? Teamwork and communication?
• Show indirectly through your stories or experiences why you will be successful in the program and not “drop-out”. Perseverance.
• Psychologically, readers tend to remember the beginnings and end more than the middle.
• How will being an OT help you achieve your goals, career? Not just short-term, but think bigger. While this sounds cliche – OT is not just a job, it will become your life. A person’s job (and career) is a large part of their identity.
• The reader should feel like they read about a person they would want to meet in the program and in real life, someone who can contribute something to the cohort, school, faculty, alumni – long term relationship. You will not only graduate as a student but a colleague in the field of occupational therapy to the faculty.

Here is a template I created to get you started. This is of course not a magic template that works for everyone or neither was it created by any OT entity for students. Copy & paste this into your favorite word processing program and write away.

Paragraph 1

Sentence 1: Attention-grabbing sentence. Hook into your story.

Supporting sentences: Support the above story with specifics.

Concluding sentence: “Thesis statement” stating why you chose (or) may be a successful OT.

Body Paragraphs (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)

Opening sentence: As a , I [did this, and that] at [place or company or school]

Supporting sentences: strengthen your narrative in the opening sentence. These sentences should not deviate from the opening sentence topic or story, otherwise start a new paragraph. Should answer a [ Question’s to address or reflect on] section (see above).

Concluding sentence(s): wrap everything in this story up, optionally include a transition sentence.

Concluding Paragraph

Opening sentence: restate why you will be a successful OT.

Supporting sentences: start wrapping things up. Big picture. If applying to a specific program, consider answering why this program (e.g. does its mission statement appeal to you?).

Final sentence: end strong stating that you want to be an OT. Mention because it is in your long-term goals.  Consider ending everything with the words “occupational therapist” (identity), e.g. “…be a successful occupational therapist” OR “occupational therapy”, e.g. “… to pursue a career in occupational therapy”.

Here are some examples. All identifying information and some facts were fabricated for example sake.

After graduation, I did a lot of soul searching in terms of the career I wanted to pursue. Did I want to appease my parents and pursue [career]? Should we expand [business name] and take it to the next level? I knew I wanted a career that could help people in my day-to-day, but none of those paths fulfilled that desire. After my [family member] injured her arm and was unable to return to work or help out around the house, I saw her frustration and loss of dignity. Our family took a significant financial toll. When my [family member] finally saw an occupational therapist, I motivated her to do the exercises from her care plan and she eventually regained upper arm function. My [family member’s] perseverance inspired me to become an occupational therapist to help people develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living, working, and leading active lifestyles .

• This excerpt, although really did happen, sounds cliche with phrases like soul searching, take it to the next level.
• While the reflection part and figuring out what to do may seem important, it can be shortened to and still get the message across.
• Using the family member is a good example especially since it related to a story with an occupational therapist.
• The last two sentences highlight that I know what OT is (and why I want to become one) but can be cleaned up.

I was inspired by a personal experience with an occupational therapist when my [family member] suffered a rotator cuff tear and was unable to perform her activities of daily living . My [family member] became discouraged and did not do the recommended home exercises , but I saw the value in them and helped my [family member] complete them daily to recover. I learned the value of occupational therapy and how important it is to take a holistic approach by involving caregivers .

• Mentioning ADL’s shows I know what OT’s do.
• Shows my direct involvement with OT intervention.
• Shows my understanding of OT’s holistic approach.
• Words like “value” are strong. The word caregiver is often used in OT documentation.

I was hired as a EMT at [employer] in [city] for a small business that reminded me of our own [business name]. My role as a EMT at [employer] involved caring and treating for the sick and injured that involved tasks such as CPR or patient comfort and advocacy. As an EMT I again found that I was a valuable asset to the company having known how to speak some Spanish. Patients and staff members challenged me and tested my patience. My contact with patients out in the field was a unique experience that exposed me to the reality of what a healthcare profession involved. Due to the physical demands of the job and the high stress environment, many EMTs “burned out” and quit. I admit that I have thought about quitting, but I found the interactions with my patients far more rewarding and continued to work close to two years as an EMT. Working closely with these patients taught me to be sensitive to each person and their unique experiences. As an EMT, I developed my critical thinking skills to adapt the environment to my patients in order to safely transfer care, as well as educate patients on how to minimize hazards and prevent further injuries. Hearing my patients personally thank me for my care and education reassured me that I was pursuing the right career in helping patients resume their activities of daily living and accomplish their own goals.

• How would you improve this example?
• Lots of specifics can be taken out like employer name, city.
• Role as EMT is well-known, better to include more significant things such as experience, outcome, or relevance to OT.
• Being bilingual is nice, but more for a resume than a personal statement as it does not add to the story.
• Leave out specific thought process of thinking about quitting (weaknesses). Perseverance was also already shared in a previous example – talk about another quality instead, e.g. stress management, working with diverse population, fast-paced environment, patient education as an EMT and how it translates to OT.
• Reflect on how one story can share multiple strengths you have not mentioned so far in previous examples.
• The example does not translate or relate back to OT in a clear manner, but alludes to the qualities of one. This can be written to be more obvious because EMT and OT have very similar qualities that are needed to be good practitioners.

As an EMT, I developed my critical thinking skills with my patients in order to safely transfer care and educate patients on how to prevent further injuries. Hearing my patients personally thank me for my care and education reassures me that I am pursuing the right career by helping patients resume their activities of daily living and accomplish their own goals .

Much shorter, to the point, and use of effective words that highlight what OT’s also do – educate, doing it safely, prevention of disease and injury, and meeting client’s goals.

FAQ and Self-Doubt

Addressing negative self-talk and negative beliefs about yourself.

“This is my 100th time applying…”

Maybe it will be your 101st that you get in. You see this all the time with graduates taking the board exam who fail X number of times. Don’t give up!

“I was never good at writing.”

Writing takes practice. I never liked writing in grade school. Now I enjoy writing about OT. So use your resources, e.g. spell-check, someone to proof-read, reading other examples. You CAN do it.

“My experience is not that special.”

Not everyone did CPR on their patient, observed a miraculous rehab recovery, etc. It’s what you make of the moments, how you interpret it, become inspired by it, how it changes you, and make you want to be an OT. It’s all from YOUR perspective. You can take 2 people who watch the same movie. One person could be moved by it and the other not be interested, right?

“The more I read this, the more I feel like it is not good enough.”

Take a break, put it down, and come back to it. Have someone else read it and get their opinion. Sometimes, we get stuck in our own thoughts and they can trick us and lead us down a negative path of thinking.

“I have the opposite problem, I have too much to write about and not enough room.”

You can probably take our your younger experiences. Leave the “resume” stuff out. Try to pick the most “OT” related or healthcare moments. If you do not have these examples to draw from, choose ones that fit the characteristics of a good OT. Each example should not be a repeated theme of another and highlight something profound.

“Now I am not so sure what OT’s do anymore, after writing all this.”

Go on BLS.gov for OT’s, listen to OT podcasts (to become inspired), watch some YouTubers on OT.

“I am having doubts about OT vs. (other profession)”

Avoid reading forums, facebook groups, Reddit for OT. These are often skewed towards OTs who may be burned out (which could happen for any other profession on social media). Dig deep into why you wanted to be an OT in the first place! If still in doubt, maybe you should observe some more, talk to some more OT’s and listen to some OT podcasts (because they are positive about the profession usually). I would avoid YouTube as many who are burned out could make videos.

“No one can proofread my personal statement.”

Try writing workshops, a school or public library, or similar resources. A simple google search could help and you won’t necessarily need to pay. Avoid suspicious websites and  uploading  your work to avoid others from plagiarizing you. Use people or resources that you trust.

“This is my 100th draft, it’s not perfect yet”

Deadlines will often help with this. Don’t let them catch you off guard. Consider going back and making an outline and seeing if you covered everything you want to talk about. A timer may help. Get the approval of at least 2 readers to give you support for how awesome your personal statement is.

“I don’t know where to start in writing”

That’s okay, start writing about a story or experience you have in mind and build around it. Start in the middle as intros and conclusions can be very difficult to begin writing.

• Read some other examples online, but don’t stress about it. If possible, have someone who may have been accepted to a graduate program send you theirs. You can use it as a template or for inspiration to the types of stores, tone, conclusion paragraph used, etc.
• Set a timer (e.g. Pomodoro method) so you won’t stress out and remind yourself to take breaks, move-on, just get something out and fix it later. Exact grammar, spelling, and other “writing” can be fixed later – focus on content.
• Get into a habit of writing, set a schedule …or do it randomly, no-schedule (whatever works for you ). Maybe it’s writing every other day in the morning, after a nap, after playing video games, after a meal, after walking your dog, or whatever sets you up for success.
• Have at least 2 people read (and edit) your personal statement. Don’t take it personally and not all suggestions are necessarily correct.
• In the earlier stages of writing, if deciding between two stories or segments in your writing, consider having two drafts and see which one your proof-readers prefer.
• Read your personal statement out loud, spaced out, e.g. 1 week later (when it is no longer fresh and you forgot some of what you wrote). Make edits as needed.
• Candidates come from all walks of life, have different personalities (e.g. type-A vs. B), extroverted vs. introverted, outspoken vs. quiet – so some of these tips (or your editor suggestions) may not appeal to you or seem unnatural, etc. This can be your strength. Follow your gut. It’s not like OT schools are only looking for outspoken, extroverted candidates. It’s how you use those qualities to better the world with OT. This is what makes you unique, special, and distinguished. Highlight those features!
• Take care of yourself – eat well, exercise, manage your stress, breathe.

Thank you for reading this long guide. I wish you the best in your journey to becoming an occupational therapist (or whatever career). See you all in the field!

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Why I Chose to be an Occupational Therapist

A collection of interviews to encourage others to join the occupational therapy community. 

We interviewed several OTs from around the United States to give you a personal look into why some occupational therapists have chosen this exciting and emerging field. Could you be choosing this field for the same reasons? Scroll down to find out.

Emily Jo Kyburz

Emily Jo Kyburz, MS, OTR, a pediatric occupational therapist for Motor Milestones, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado, says she chose occupational therapy because she knew she wanted to work with people. “I was very excited about a field that uses the activities that are most important to people as the basis and end goal of therapy. OT has many diverse opportunities, so there are many great options for careers within the field of OT. It is a field that encourages creativity and lets me do what I love.”

Sarah Tucker

Sarah Tucker, MS, OTR/L, the OTA Program Director at Brown Mackie College – Birmingham and member of the Alabama State Licensing Board, had this to say when asked why she decided to become an occupational therapist: “My grandmother was an OT and graduated from OT school in 1946. In junior high, I learned about OT and asked my grandmother about it. I started reading professional OT journals at twelve years old and never wavered [in my belief] that I was going to become an OT.”

She continues “I always knew I wanted to work with children and families and was able to find… a five-year combined BS/MS program. I graduated from Ithaca College and worked at Children’s Hospital doing many different things [before] becoming a Program Director. I always loved helping people and empowering others to help themselves… discover their strengths and confidence in themselves to succeed. OT is a profession that has never felt like a “job.” It has always been a part of who I am.”

Cindy Clark

Cindy Clark MS, OTR, BCP, CIMI/L, from Amaryllis Therapy Network in Denver, Colorado, says, “It allows me to follow my passions of science and art and work with children.” She goes on to say, “I play every day and learn something new every day.”

Jennifer Olenwine

Jennifer Olenwine MOT, OTR/L, the clinical coordinator and clinician at Amaryllis Therapy Network, says, “After college, I tried entering several business models. Nothing was a fit for me. I then did some volunteer hours at an OT clinic and right then I knew that OT was the fit for me. I applied for two rounds to get into grad school. Never gave up. Grad school for OT was life-changing.”

Joshua Springer

Joshua Springer, OTS, the Founder of  brOT Movement Inc . gave us a different perspective. He explains, “What if there was a job that allowed someone to have endless flexibility and creativity; a profession that is respected and is in overwhelming demand.  A job where you aren’t “stuck in the office” and get the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life. What if there was a profession that allowed freedom of choice and gave you the ability to connect with patients on an individual level.”

He continues “Most importantly, wouldn’t it be nice to find a job in which you could make an impact, big or small, on the lives of each individual person you worked with?  I found this job and that is why I decided to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. I wanted a job where I could think out of the box, and create individual-specific treatments based upon their interests and needs. Job security and availability was a top priority, and found that occupational therapy is on the rise and will continue to be in demand for many years to come.”

“Lastly and most importantly” Joshua sums up “I wanted to pursue a career in which I could make an impact on each individual person I worked with, regardless if it was big or small. No money or gift will ever replace the feeling I get when I see/help someone succeed and smile after accomplishing an activity or task they couldn’t do before.”

Susan Coppola

Susan Coppola, the AOTA delegate for the WFOT, says, “When I discovered the importance of occupation in people’s lives, including my own, I knew OT was for me. I am fascinated [with] how people function physically, mentally, and emotionally. These are all parts of Occupation, and therefore part of our clinical reasoning process that I am drawn to. OT embraces the mind-body connection more than any other field, and actually uses that understanding systematically to help people achieve their goals.”

Mindly Wolff

Mindy Wolff MA, OTR/L, who works at both Amaryllis Therapy Network and Tennyson Center for Children, didn’t want to be an occupational therapist at first. “I chose to be an OT because I was interested in helping people and originally wanted to be a psychologist. But then I realized I wanted a field [in which I could see] more tangible results. I was interested in development, neurology, and psychology, and OT seemed to be a great fit! The field is such that you can never get bored. The scope of practice is so big!”

Dave Bockhorn

Dave Bockhorn, a COTA from Mountainview Care Center in Las Vegas, said he chose to become an occupational therapist assistant “as a result of taking the Myers Briggs Personality Type indicator.” According to the  Myers-Briggs Foundation , the purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful in people’s lives.

The Foundation goes on to say, “Type is more than just the sum of the four preferences. The four-letter MBTI® type formula is a shorthand way of telling you about the interaction of your four mental functions and which ones you prefer to use first.” It’s a great way to see whether or not you are up for the challenges of occupational therapy, and it’s available online or it can be administered by a certified practitioner.

Christina M Toohill

Christina M Toohill, MOT, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington, chose occupational therapy as a career because of her brother. “I am one of five children, and my youngest brother has cerebral palsy. I can remember being told he had cerebral palsy and my parents trying to explain that to all of us kids—we were in early grade school—riding with my family to his therapy appointments or getting in the way when his OT came to the house for his sessions, playing therapy with my sisters. And yes, Brian was our only client. We loved the fact that everyone in our family was involved in helping him achieve new milestones!” 

She continues “I told my fifth-grade class I was going to become an OT when we went around the classroom to say what we wanted to be when we grew up. I decided on OT before I fully understood what this meant. I may have decided in grade school, but my decision never changed as I learned what an occupational therapist does and the variety of settings they can work in.”

Christina sums up “I wanted to work with not only children, but their families. From my own experience I learned that when a child has special needs, not only the child receives therapy—the whole family is involved. Brian is now 27, and I can still picture him with his therapist. I hope that I can have as positive an impact on a family as his therapists did on our family.”

Angie K DeLost

Like her colleague Christina, Angie K DeLost, MOT,OTR/L, ATP from Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington, also chose OT because of someone close to her.

When asked why she chose occupational therapy as a career she said, “One of my friends experienced a traumatic brain injury from a three-wheeler accident when I was a sophomore in high school. She was in a coma for months, and at times not expected to live. I participated in many of her therapy sessions and really liked the holistic and functional approach provided by the OT.”

She continues “My friend now lives in an assisted-living environment and does quite well given the extent of her injuries. I saw how all the therapists were so passionate about helping her, and what a significant impact they made in my friend’s life and her family’s. I wanted to have a career that had the potential to change lives in a positive way!”

Heather McKay

Heather McKay, MS, OTR/L, a nationally recognized Dementia Care Specialist and team member of Hospice Palliative Care of Alamance and Caswell Counties in North Carolina, says, “Like many OTs, I remember learning about the principles of occupational therapy and feeling an immediate match with my own values and personal goals. In my own life, I experience the wide range of occupations in work, self-care, and leisure.”

She continues “I believe those occupations support who I am and what I want to accomplish in my life. I appreciate the healing power of occupation and one’s ability to maintain wellness through occupational engagement. So applying those principles to help people has always excited me.”

Becoming an occupational therapist will not only change your life; it will make a positive impact on others’ lives too. According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, OT is one of the fastest-growing careers, and it is almost recession-proof.

All the occupational therapists interviewed above have unique situations that helped them choose OT as a career. Do you see yourself in these scenarios? Are you ready to take the next step toward becoming an OT? If so, look into  occupational therapy schools  in your state to see which one is best for you.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Children — What is Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy

• Categories: Children Development Therapy

About this sample

Words: 1523 |

Published: Dec 12, 2018

Words: 1523 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Table of contents

What is occupational therapy, occupational therapy activities for children, works cited, role of occupational therapist.

• self-esteem
• self-confidence
• independence
• social interaction.
• Fine Motor Skills Development of small muscles needed for fingers to pick up small items. For example, picking up colourful beads from bowl using fingers.
• Visual Motor Integration Hand eye coordination, such as picking up small pieces of food from the plate and getting it to the mouth.
• Gross Motor CoordinationWalking, standing, running, jumping
• Cognition and perception Thinking and problem solving. For example, trying to figure out how to get a book off a shelf
• Sensory Processing Integration of information coming in from the different senses, such as adjusting your walk from the boardwalk to the sand and into the water on a summer day at the beach)
• Environmental modifications/adaptive equipment Changing the environment so a child can “do” the “work” such as sliding a special pencil grip onto the pencil so it can be held securely for writing.

For Toddlers and Infants:

Sensory integration activities, coordination activities, visual perception activities, activities for fine and gross motor skills, research behind intervention, focus of research.

• Is Handwriting interventions effective to improve the legibility of school aged children?
• Are Cognitive and Performance based measures used effective for the prevention and wellness among older adults in fall prevention?
• How cognitive interventions to promote neuroplasticity and improve verbal memory and attention
• Research on school based interventions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in inclusive classrooms
• Are school based yoga programs on adaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with disabilities efficient
• Exploration of strength based practices to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum DisorderReliability and validity of assessment tools used by occupational therapists
• Validity of computerized visual perceptual motor measures for school aged children
• Outcome measure for children’s occupational repertoire development

Who conducted the Research?

• Yu-Lun Chen is a PhD student in the Department of Occupational Therapy at NYU. She has clinical experience which includes home-based intervention for children and families with neurological and developmental disorders. Yu-Lun’s research focuses on participation of children and adolescents withdisabilities in schools, home activities and in their communities. Her main objectives are to identify the determinants of participation outcomes and to improve current services and interventions.
• Ellen Modlin is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Occupational Therapy at NYU. She has worked in the NYC public schools, Early Intervention, and the Nassau County school district. She is currently serving on the school district’s assistive tech committee for the development of screenings and interventions with technology to support students in the classroom. Ellen’s focus of interest is using assistive tech to assist students with visual-perceptual deficits.
• Researches that was involved in the research are experienced (Based on their work experience in the field)
• Research does not only focus on young children but it also focuses on adolescents and adults (not age biased as it has a wide age range)
• Research was conducted in various settings such as classrooms, homes and communities
• It focuses how Occupational Therapist can serve better to help people with disorders Areas of improvement:
• Duration of the research – It should be done over a longer period of time
• Although it focuses on how to improve Occupational Therapist, it would be better if they focus more on how the OTs can help the people with disorders function better in their everyday lives
• Getting parents, guardians or family members of people with disorders to be part of this research Future Directions for Occupational TherapyIt is important for everyone (parents, teachers, therapist, healthcare personnel etc) to begin focusing on the long-term health and education needs for people of all ages and how Occupational Therapy can benefit people with disabilities achieve these needs. On a greater scale, more and more people are accepting the view that disability results from the daily interaction between the individual and his environment, rather than coming from within the person himself. This perspective stresses how the ability to carry out activities and participate in life situations is an essential component of a person’s daily living. Participation is described as involvement in a person’s daily life and represents the highest level in the hierarchy of functioning. Participation is the ultimate long-term objective of occupational therapy and more focus should be placed on it. More research should be conducted on how to help people with these disabilities to integrate themselves into society. The individualized treatment approach implemented by occupational therapists enables people with disabilities to meet the demands of their occupations, promotes well-being, prevents disability and helps people of all ages maintain optimum health.
• American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Suppl. 1), S1-S48.
• Chen, Y. L. (2019). Participation outcomes of children and adolescents with disabilities in schools, home activities, and community: A scoping review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(3), 1-10.
• Chen, Y. L., & Modlin, E. (2020). Assistive technology interventions for students with visual-perceptual deficits: A scoping review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 1-10.
• College of Occupational Therapists. (2017). Sensory integration therapy and sensory processing disorder. Retrieved from https://www.rcot.co.uk/children-and-young-people/sensory-integration-therapy-and-sensory-processing-disorder
• Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Occupational therapy in early intervention. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/occupational-therapy-in-early-intervention
• New York University Steinhardt Department of Occupational Therapy. (n.d.). Research.
• Occupational Therapy Australia. (2015). Occupational therapy and sensory processing.
• Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa. (2020). Occupational therapy in schools. Retrieved from https://www.otasa.org.za/page/occupationaltherapyinschools
• World Federation of Occupational Therapists. (2018). Occupational therapy in school settings. Retrieved from https://www.wfot.org/resources/occupational-therapy-in-school-settings
• World Health Organization. (2021). Rehabilitation in health systems.

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Why I Chose Occupational Therapy Essay?

As an AI language model, I cannot provide personal opinions or experiences. However, I can suggest some possible reasons why someone might choose to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a rewarding profession that focuses on helping people of all ages overcome physical, mental, or emotional challenges that prevent them from participating in daily activities. Occupational therapists work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals.

They help patients improve their motor skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being, which can lead to increased independence, confidence, and overall quality of life. Additionally, occupational therapy is a growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals, which can provide job security and opportunities for career advancement. Overall, choosing occupational therapy as a career path

Why you selected occupational therapy as a career?

As an occupational therapist, my goal is to provide individuals with multiple opportunities to improve their overall well-being and lead a fulfilling life. By treating the whole person and incorporating work, self-care, and play into therapy sessions, we can minimize the impact of any deficits or disabilities. This approach allows individuals to regain their independence and achieve their goals, ultimately leading to a more purposeful life.

What is unique about being an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that aims to prevent, treat, and manage both chronic and acute illnesses and injuries that occur in the workplace. What sets it apart is its holistic approach, which combines physical, occupational, speech, recreation, and environmental therapies into one comprehensive program. By addressing all aspects of a patient’s health and well-being, occupational therapy can help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall quality of life.

What is the best part about being an occupational therapist?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a highly rewarding career choice that offers numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a career in OT is the flexibility it provides in terms of scheduling. This means that you can work part-time or full-time, depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Additionally, OT professionals enjoy a comfortable salary, which is another reason why this career is so appealing.

Another benefit of working in OT is the ability to choose where you work. Whether you prefer to work in a hospital, school, or private practice, there are plenty of opportunities available. While it’s true that you may encounter setbacks and challenging situations, the satisfaction of helping people and making a difference in their lives makes it all worthwhile.

Research has shown that OT can be highly effective in reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being.

By incorporating mindfulness techniques and meditation into their practice, OT professionals can help their clients manage stress and anxiety. This is particularly important in today’s fast-paced world, where stress levels are on the rise.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a career that offers flexibility, a comfortable salary, and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives, then OT may be the perfect choice for you. With the added benefit of stress reduction techniques, this career can also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What occupational therapy means to me?

Occupational therapy is a valuable tool that empowers individuals to engage in activities that hold personal significance. These activities can range from self-care and caregiving to employment, volunteering, and participating in social events and hobbies. By providing support and guidance, occupational therapy helps individuals overcome physical, emotional, or cognitive barriers that may prevent them from participating in these activities. Ultimately, occupational therapy aims to improve an individual’s overall quality of life by promoting independence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.

Why is occupational therapy different from other professions?

The field of occupational therapy boasts the broadest range of practice areas when compared to other rehabilitation professions. This includes addressing both physical and mental health concerns, working in clinical settings as well as community-based environments, and serving individuals across the lifespan – from children to older adults. Additionally, occupational therapy serves individuals with disabilities as well as those without.

What do you love about being an occupational therapist?

As an occupational therapist, there are many things that I love about my job. However, the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to have a positive impact on someone’s life. It all starts with a functional assessment to determine their specific needs, and from there, I can help them develop the fine motor, self-care, and independent living skills they need to thrive. Seeing my patients make progress and achieve their goals is truly fulfilling, and it’s what motivates me to continue doing what I do.

What are the strengths of an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists have a unique set of strengths that make them valuable in the healthcare field. They are skilled in assessing a patient’s physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities to develop personalized treatment plans that help them achieve their goals. Occupational therapists are also trained in adapting environments and equipment to make them more accessible for patients with disabilities. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which enable them to work effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Additionally, occupational therapists are knowledgeable about the latest research and techniques in their field, allowing them to provide evidence-based care. Overall, the strengths of an occupational therapist lie in their ability to empower patients to live their lives to the fullest, despite any physical or mental challenges they may face.

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