Occupational Therapy
Help people perform daily tasks and live independently
What You'll Study
While PT focuses on movement, Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on function. OTs help people do the things they want/need to do (occupations)—like dressing, eating, working, or going to school—after injury or disability.
- Human Anatomy
- Psychology
- Adaptive Equipment Design
- Neuroscience
- Child Development
- Gerontology (Aging)
- Mental Health in Rehab
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You are a creative problem solver
- ✓You are incredibly patient
- ✓You want to help people with disabilities live full lives
- ✓You see the person, not just the injury
- ✓You are interested in both physical and mental health
- ✓You like variety
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You want to fix the "body" part (That's PT/Med)
- ✕You dislike slow progress
- ✕You aren't creative with solutions
- ✕You want a pure desk job
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
If someone can't hold a spoon, would you invent a handle?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover from injuries and manage conditions through movement, exercise, and manual therapy.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Provide direct patient care, administer medications, and coordinate treatment plans in various healthcare settings.
Management Consultant
Advise organizations on strategy, operations, and transformation to improve performance and solve complex problems.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Occupational Therapist
- •Hand Therapist
- •Rehabilitation Manager
- •Special Education Consultant
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Try to cook a meal using only one hand. See the challenges.
Research "Assistive Technology" devices online.
Design a modification for your house to make it wheelchair accessible.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
PT helps you walk. OT helps you dance (or put on shoes to walk). PT = Movement. OT = Function.
Masters (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD).
Schools, Hospitals, Home Health, Nursing Homes.
Yes, very.
Yes, aging population + autism diagnosis increase = high demand.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Occupational Therapy is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.