What Is Occupational Therapy (OT)? Definition & Examples

What Is Occupational Therapy?

By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: AOTA definition of occupational therapy; clinical experience

Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all ages do the everyday activities they need and want to do, called “occupations,” when an injury, illness, disability or life change gets in the way.

Examples

A child who struggles with handwriting, dressing or sensory processing at school.
An adult relearning to cook, bathe and return to work after a stroke.
An older adult whose home is adapted to prevent falls.
A person with depression building routines that support daily functioning.

What an occupational therapist does

An OT evaluates what a person can and cannot do, sets goals with them, and uses activities, skill training, adaptive equipment and changes to the environment to help them reach those goals. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) carry out treatment under an OT’s supervision.

How to become one

OTs complete an accredited master’s or doctorate, pass the NBCOT exam and get a state license. See the full path or browse accredited OT schools.

For clinical topics (pediatrics, sensory integration, mental health, frames of reference), see our sister site Occupational Therapy OT.

Frequently asked questions

What does “occupation” mean in occupational therapy?

Any everyday activity that is meaningful to a person: getting dressed, cooking, playing, studying, working, caring for others, or taking part in community life. It is not limited to jobs.

Who needs occupational therapy?

People of any age whose ability to do everyday activities is affected by injury, illness, disability, development or aging, for example a child with sensory or motor delays, an adult recovering from a stroke, or an older adult who wants to stay safe at home.

Is occupational therapy the same as physical therapy?

No. They often work together, but physical therapy focuses on movement and physical function, while occupational therapy focuses on the activities of daily life and the many factors (physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and environmental) that affect them.