Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapist
What occupational therapists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an occupational therapist?
Evaluate a stroke patient in the hospital. From there, the day usually includes evaluate patients’ abilities and needs, set therapy goals, and teach daily living skills. Most work full-time during the day; some work evenings or weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an occupational therapist working full time.
- Evaluate a stroke patient in the hospital.
- Practice dressing skills with a patient.
- Assess a kitchen for safety in a home visit.
- Work on handwriting with a child at school.
- Fit a splint for a hand injury.
- Meet with a family about equipment.
- Write notes.
Where occupational therapists work
OTs work in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, nursing facilities, clinics and patients’ homes.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time during the day; some work evenings or weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Evaluate patients’ abilities and needs
- Set therapy goals
- Teach daily living skills
- Recommend adaptive equipment
- Suggest home and workplace changes
- Work with children on development
- Track progress and adjust plans
Tools you’ll use every day
- Adaptive equipment
- Splinting materials
- Fine motor kits
- Assessment tools
- Mobility aids
- Electronic health records
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people regain independence
- Faster-than-average growth
- Creative problem solving
- Many settings
What’s hard
- Graduate degree required
- Physical demands
- Documentation
- Slow progress for some patients
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help people live independently
- I’m creative with solutions
- I’m patient
- I like hands-on work
- I enjoy working with all ages
- I’m willing to earn a graduate degree
Not sure? Take the free Occupational Therapist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Guard patients during transfers
- Follow infection control
- Check skin with splints
- Use proper body mechanics