Occupational therapy practitioners promote success in the workplace by improving the fit between the person, the job tasks, and the environment. They work with employers and employees to adapt or modify the environment or task, facilitate successful return to work after illness or injury, and help prevent illness or injury to promote participation, health, productivity, and satisfaction in the workplace. They may work with children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities to help them prepare for work and transition into the workforce. Occupational therapy practitioners also provide services related to ergonomics, accessibility, the aging workforce, and workplace health and wellness issues.
Occupational therapists must have a master’s degree for entry-level practice, and occupational therapy assistants must have an associate’s degree. Both must pass an initial certification exam.
The Fact Sheets below provide information on occupational therapy’s role with a variety of conditions related to work.
Work & Industry
Work Rehabilitation
Occupational Therapy Services at the Workplace: Transitional Return-to-Work Programs
Returning to Work With Cognitive Impairments
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Ergonomics
Occupational Therapy Practitioners & Ergonomics
Ergonomics and Occupational Therapy: Improving Workplace Productivity
Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
Supporting Community Integration and Participation for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Facilitating Employment of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities - pdf, 764 kb
Other Resources
Occupational Therapy and the Care of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury - pdf
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Sleep - pdf, 603 kb
Occupational Therapy's Role in Health Promotion - pdf, 3.1 mb
The Role of Occupational Therapy for Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity - pdf, 889 kb