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What is an average day like for an occupation therapist?

One of the careers I'm looking at for the future is Occupational Therapy. To help me decide, I was wondering what an average day at work is like for an occupational therapist. #medicine #science #therapy #occupational-therapy


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Lisa’s Answer

There is no average day! That is one of the things that makes the job unique. The purpose of someone receiving Occupational Therapy is to help them gain independence with the tasks they perform in a typical day so your day will depend on what your client needs to do and what their obstacles are. You may help a child with cerebral palsy learn to throw a ball or draw a square. You might be in a hospital helping someone relearn to dress themselves after a stroke. You could be in rehabilitation teaching someone how to use a prosthetic hand. No matter what setting you choose to work in you will need certain qualities like empathy and patience, and should be comfortable working with people of all different backgrounds and cultures. Every day no matter if you're in a school, psychiatric setting, hospital or in elder care, you will use your analytical skills and creativity to help people become as independent as possible. The job is one where you are constantly learning new things and solving new problems.

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Kaitlyn’s Answer

I love that you are already exploring what a future in OT might look like. An “average” day really depends on where you work. That’s one of the best parts of this career. In a hospital, your day might start with team meetings. You’ll review new patients, check goals, and then spend the day helping people regain independence. That could mean teaching someone how to dress after surgery or helping them practice walking safely. In a school, the day looks different. You may work with kids on handwriting, classroom focus, or social skills. Sessions often feel playful because children learn best through fun. In outpatient clinics, you might see people who need help after an injury. You’ll guide exercises, recommend adaptive tools, and cheer them on as they reach milestones. My own days vary, and honestly, that keeps the job exciting. No two clients are ever the same. Some days are busy and hands-on. Others are more about planning, documenting, and collaborating with families or other providers. So the “average day” in OT is full of variety. You use creativity, compassion, and problem-solving every single day. If you enjoy helping people in meaningful ways, you’ll find that it’s a career with a lot of heart.
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