Abstract
Jaycie Theis- Professional Practice Areas of Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a dynamic healthcare profession focused on promoting independence, functional skills, and quality of life for individuals across the lifespan. This poster outlines the professional practice areas of occupational therapists, including hospitals, schools, home health, and long-term care facilities, highlighting the unique roles, responsibilities, and client populations in each setting. Core job tasks such as patient assessment, individualized treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, and caregiver education are emphasized, along with essential skills like communication, adaptability, and clinical reasoning. The poster also reviews common goals of OT, including improving physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning while supporting participation in daily activities. In addition, the educational pathway to becoming an occupational therapist is presented, including typical prerequisite coursework and the importance of observation hours in strengthening graduate school applications and professional readiness. Current workforce data indicates strong job growth, driven by an aging population and increased demand for rehabilitation services. Overall, this poster demonstrates the breadth of occupational therapy practice and its vital role in enhancing health, safety, and independence for diverse populations.
Faculty Advisor
Justin Montney
Department/Program
Health and Human Performance
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-9-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Theis, Jaycie
(2026)
"Professional Practice Areas of Occupational Therapy,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 45.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/45
