The impact and scope of occupational therapy By Rebecca Wilder, DrOT, LOTR, and Morgan VanBuren

Occupational therapy is a profession dedicated to helping individuals live life to the fullest by using everyday activities to promote independence, health and well-being. These activities, known as daily occupations, encompass everything people do to fill their time — whether essential tasks, personal interests, or roles and responsibilities. However, when illness, injury or disability disrupts a person’s ability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, bathing or attending school, life can become challenging.

This is where occupational therapy steps in. Taking a holistic approach, occupational therapists consider not just physical challenges but also emotional, psychological and environmental factors. By tailoring interventions to each individual’s unique needs, occupational therapists help people regain the ability to participate in meaningful activities, leading to greater independence and an improved quality of life.

A Wide Scope of Practice

Occupational therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, schools, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, home health agencies and mental health facilities. Because each setting serves a different population, the types of conditions occupational therapists treat vary widely. They work with individuals across their lifespans, from newborns to older adults, supporting them in regaining independence and enhancing participation in daily activities.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

In pediatric settings, occupational therapists address a broad range of needs. They may assist a premature baby in learning to breastfeed, help a child develop hand strength to write their name confidently or support a child in managing emotions to foster friendships and social interactions at home, school and in the community. Common diagnoses treated in pediatric occupational therapy include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, developmental delays, and other neurological or orthopedic conditions.

Through early intervention and targeted strategies, occupational therapists equip children with the skills needed to thrive in their environments.

Occupational Therapy for Adults

When working with adults, occupational therapists support individuals with conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, arthritis, fractures, chronic illnesses, dementia, traumatic brain injuries and cardiopulmonary disorders. Their work may involve:

1. Helping a construction worker rebuild strength and coordination to return to work post-surgery.

2. Providing a father recovering from a stroke with adaptive tools to dress independently.

3. Modifying a home with grab bars and using durable medical equipment to improve accessibility for a person in a wheelchair.

By addressing these challenges, occupational therapists empower adults to regain independence, adapt to new circumstances and enhance their overall well-being.

The Occupational Therapy Process

Occupational therapists follow a structured process to ensure client needs are met effectively. This process includes:

1. Evaluation – Conducting an occupational profile to understand the client’s history, roles and daily routines and assess their overall performance.

2. Goal Setting – Collaborating with the client to establish personalized therapy goals that focus on improving function and independence.

3. Intervention Planning – Developing a customized treatment plan incorporating strategies and activities to enhance participation in meaningful tasks.

4. Progress Monitoring – Continuously assess the client’s improvement and make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.

5. Discharge and Follow-Up – Once clients achieve their goals or reach their highest functional level, they are discharged with a personalized plan to maintain progress.

More Than Health Care Providers

Occupational therapists are not just clinicians but problem-solvers, creative thinkers and compassionate advocates. Each day, they help individuals overcome barriers and reclaim the activities that matter most to them.

Pathways to a Career in Occupational Therapy

There are multiple pathways to entering the field of occupational therapy, each offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Aspiring occupational therapists must first earn a bachelor’s degree before pursuing either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). For those seeking a shorter educational route, becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) is another option, requiring less schooling while still playing a vital role in patient care.

After completing their respective programs, OTs and OTAs must pass a national board exam to obtain licensure and begin practicing.

In Louisiana, several institutions offer occupational therapy programs, with LSU Health Shreveport being home to the state’s first doctoral degree/program in occupational therapy.

A Profession of Empowerment

At its core, occupational therapy is about helping individuals reclaim their lives despite obstacles. Occupational therapists break down barriers, develop creative solutions and make everyday activities possible again. This profession is both rewarding and impactful, ensuring that no one has to give up the life they love. By making a difference in lives, big and small, occupational therapists truly embody the belief that everyone deserves to live life to the fullest.

Morgan VanBuren is an occupational therapy student at the LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions, and Rebecca Wilder, DrOT, LOTR, is an assistant professor of occupational therapy.