My Occupational Therapy Blog

A really important document for the field of occupational therapy is the "Occupational Therapy Practice and Framework". This documents guides and defines what is in the scope of our practice. It was written for the use of students, practitioners, and other health professionals. If you are interested in or applying to occupational therapy school, I would highly recommend you read this framework in order to give you a deeper understanding of occupational therapy. Here is a basic overview of the OTPF before you dive in: OTPF Purpose:  Improve communication and establish a common language- if you become familiar with the terms used in this document you will be a step closer to understanding and speaking the "ot language"  It highlights what is included in the scope of practice- occupational therapist do a lot so reading this document will help you begin to understand what their jobs encompass! OTPF: Some terms to look out for Occupations- meaningful acti

          Dr. Margo B. Holm has contributed to the field of occupational therapy in many ways including spurring practitioners to use evidence based practice in order relay effectiveness to third party payer's and policy makers in her 2000 Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture. Her research enabled the accrediting body for occupational therapy programs to come under the jurisdiction of ACOTE. Dr. Holm also co-authored the Performance Assessment of Self Care Skills. The field of occupational therapy would not be the same without this hardworking, smart, and influential lady! References: 100 influential people. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2018, from http://www.otcentennial.org/the-100-people/holm

One of my favorite things about occupational therapy is the countless opportunities to grow, learn, and develop specialized skills. It is such a large field with opportunities to work with different groups of people with diverse needs. In addition to becoming an entry-level practitioner and providing direct care in a pediatric setting, I have the opportunity to advance my knowledge and specialize within my field of interest. AOTA offers several certifications including a certification in pediatrics. If you are also interested in this certification here are the bench marks you will need to achieve: 1. Five years of experience as an occupational therapist   2. 5,000 hours in the area you are looking to be certified in within the last five years 3. 500 hours of providing OT services as an OT in the certification area in the past 5 years 4. Complete an application and a reflective portfolio that will also be peer reviewed  5. Note that you will need to renew this certification ever