The American Occupational Therapy Association website contains a moving story from an OTA student about how occupational therapy saved a friends life.
A student name Erin Cokeh describes her tells the story of her friend Jennifer. To summarize:
When Jennifer, my sister’s best friend and a talented honors student, was hit by a car after school, her life hung by a thread as she lay in a deep coma. Miraculously, she woke up, but with significant motor impairments from a brain injury.
Her family’s unwavering support and the creativity of her occupational therapist played a crucial role in her recovery, incorporating activities Jennifer loved, like baking and even dancing, to regain her motor skills and rebuild her life.
Against all odds, she not only recovered but returned to high school, graduated, and became a full-time student at the University of California, Irvine, showing me the profound impact of occupational therapy in transforming lives.
It is for a similar reason that we created this website, experiencing first hand how occupational therapy can change people’s lives AND connect young people with a fulfilling career opportunity.
Suffice it to say, we love occupational therapy for many reasons.
Why We Love Occupational Therapy
The Satisfaction of Helping Others
Occupational therapy is a career rooted in compassion and a commitment to improving lives, making it a perfect fit for those who feel drawn to helping others. Occupational therapy practitioners work with people of all ages to assist them in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional challenges, guiding them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Making a Difference in People’s Lives
From children with developmental delays to seniors recovering from injuries, occupational therapists empower their clients by helping them build skills for daily living, work, and recreation. The opportunity to create real, lasting change in people’s lives is deeply rewarding, and it’s a big reason why so many professionals are passionate about this field.
The Future is Bright
Beyond the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others, occupational therapy is also a field with strong job security and opportunities for growth. As healthcare continues to evolve, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of therapeutic services in rehabilitation and wellness, leading to high demand for occupational therapists and assistants.
Career Growth
This growing need means that those who choose this path can look forward to a stable career with many areas for specialization, from working in schools with children to practicing in rehabilitation centers with adults and the elderly. As therapists gain experience, they can pursue advanced certifications, leadership roles, and even research opportunities, making it a career with substantial upward potential.
Flexible Work Conditions
Moreover, occupational therapy offers a variety of work settings and flexible options, allowing practitioners to shape their careers according to their interests and lifestyle needs. Many OTs and OTAs find fulfillment not only in their client work but also in the collaborative environment they work within, interacting with other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care.
This field is both challenging and inspiring, requiring creativity, patience, and empathy, but those qualities are often what makes the journey rewarding. The combination of personal fulfillment, career flexibility, and upward potential is why occupational therapy is not just a job but a passion for so many.