The profession of Occupational Therapy (OT) is grounded in the fields of science and psychology. Occupational Therapy is a health profession that utilizes every-day life activities to help people of all ages prevent, lessen, or overcome challenges that interfere with their ability to lead independent and satisfying lives.

Occupational Therapy practitioners help people gain independence and to enjoy life to its fullest when suffering from developmental or other disabilities, or after experiencing a life-altering event such as a stroke, injury, or depression, for example. These conditions and experiences can make everyday tasks difficult or lessen people's ability to be active and as independent as they would like. Learning, growing, playing, working, managing our homes, and caring for our families and ourselves are among the "occupations" of life.

With a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, you can positively impact the lives of children, young people, and adults, giving them the help they need to live their fullest, most independent lives.

For additional information about Occupational Therapy, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association website and the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association website. For more information about the Technical Standards required to complete the Associate in Occupational Therapy degree, please see our Technical Standards Form (PDF).