Division of Occupational Therapy

About Occupational Therapy

How can I learn more about occupational therapy?

There are a number of ways to learn more about Occupational Therapy:

  • Access the American Occupational Therapy’s web site
  • Search the web using “occupational therapy” or use “occupational + therapy.”
  • Contact the occupational therapy department of a hospital, rehabilitation center, clinic or other facility and ask to observe or volunteer.
  • Interview an occupational therapist.
  • The University of Utah has a class: OC TH 3000 Introduction to Occupational Therapy.
  • Talk with a career counselor.  U of U students can visit Career Services. 
  • Visit the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the difference between a degree as an occupational therapist (OT) and a degree as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA)?

In a statement by the Joint OTA and OT Program Directors, they said: "Technical (OTA) and professional (OT) level occupational therapy programs are two distinct paths of study leading to complementary, but different practice roles." The program at the University of Utah is a program leading to an OT at the master's entry-level. The State of Utah has an OTA program at Salt Lake Community College.