Occupational Therapy is the therapy that treats injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Occupational therapists help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed to participate in the activities of everyday life.
Occupational therapy is a treatment for problems with movement and coordination. It helps people improve the motor skills involved in everyday tasks, like writing and getting dressed. These skills include fine and gross motor skills and motor planning. Therapists also work on coordination, balance, and self-regulation skills.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Occupational Therapy courses in the following subject areas:
There are many Occupational Therapy courses that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like
Courses will cover all theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification
You could also consider work experience or volunteering to help with an occupational therapy unit, within a hospital or social services. Contact your local hospital or local government social services department for more information on how to arrange a visit.
Work shadowing a qualified occupational therapist will provide an insight into the role. You could also try speaking to occupational therapists working in residential homes, homeless shelters or charities. Experience of working in health, social care, charity or a related area in either a paid or voluntary role is also beneficial.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a course in Occupational Therapy you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of movement and coordination.
Some occupational therapists work in educational settings with children one-on-one or in small groups. They evaluate disabled children’s abilities, modify classroom equipment to accommodate certain disabilities, and help children participate in school activities.
Occupational therapists who work with the elderly help their patients lead more independent and active lives. They assess the patient’s abilities and environment and make recommendations, such as using adaptive equipment or identifying and removing potential fall hazards in the home.
Occupational therapists also may work in mental health settings where they help patients who suffer from developmental disabilities, mental illness, or emotional problems. They help these patients cope with and engage in daily life by teaching skills such as time management, budgeting, using public transportation, and doing household chores. Additionally, therapists may work with individuals who have problems with drug abuse, alcoholism, depression or suffer from other disorders.
Some occupational therapists, such as those employed in hospitals or physicians’ offices, work as part of a healthcare team, along with doctors, registered nurses, and other types of therapists. They also may oversee the work of occupational therapy assistants and aides.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full time but may need to be flexible over a seven-day period and shift work is common. In private practice, you may work evenings and weekends to suit client needs. Travel within a working day is common if you work in the community.
After completing a course in Occupational Therapy you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as medicine, orthopaedics, research into new techniques in occupational therapy or working in education, either training in a department or lecturing in an educational institution.
It is also possible to go straight into a chosen specialism such as alcohol and substance abuse, burns and plastic surgery, mental health or stroke rehabilitation.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
Occupational therapists and physical therapists are different but work closely together. Physical therapy involves focusing on movement and regaining strength after an injury.
Are there different areas that Occupational Therapists train in?
Generally there are 8 areas of occupation that OTs are trained in:
What can I expect from occupational therapy?
Explore your options here
