Career Center
Discover the World of Occupational Therapy:
A Path to a Rewarding Career
Our Career Center will guide you through the many opportunities in occupational therapy, the growing demand for both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, and how the concept of "occupation" plays a key role in promoting well-being. You’ll also find career outlook information and a list of schools in Connecticut offering programs to help you start your journey in this rewarding field. Whether you're exploring a career in occupational therapy or simply want to learn more about its impact, you're in the right place.
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What is Occupational Therapy? -- Learn about the profession & its impact
What is Occupation? -- Discover the concept of "occupation" in therapy
Where do Occupational Therapy Practitioners Work? -- Explore settings
Dive Deeper with Videos -- Watch videos for a deeper understanding
Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy -- See the growing opportunities
Where to Study Occupational Therapy in Connecticut -- Find schools
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is all about putting the occupation back into life. It’s not just about helping people recover from injuries or challenges; it’s about empowering them to engage in the meaningful activities—whether it's work, leisure, or self-care—that define their everyday lives. As an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, you’ll help individuals return to the occupations they love and need, giving them the tools to thrive in their own way. Here's how occupational therapy makes a difference across key practice areas:
Pediatrics: Helping Kids & Teens Thrive
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Growing Through Play & Exploration – Supporting babies and toddlers, alongside their families, in developing movement, play, and social skills to engage with the world around them.
- Supporting Every Student's Success in School – Helping children and teens navigate learning, social activities, and daily routines in ways that promote independence and success.
- Building Everyday Life Skills for Young Adults – Empowering teens to develop self-care, work, and community participation skills that align with their strengths and goals.
Mental Health: Promoting Well-Being Through Meaningful Activities
Physical Rehabilitation: Restoring Independence & Participation
- Helping Kids & Teens Get Back to What They Love – Supporting recovery from injury so young people can return to play, sports, and school with confidence.
- Supporting Adults in Staying Active & Independent – Helping people adjust daily routines and environments to manage pain, fatigue, or mobility challenges while continuing to engage in what matters most.
- Empowering Older Adults to Age in Place – Working with individuals to make everyday tasks easier and safer, so they can remain independent and active in their communities.
Responding to Societal Shifts in Occupation
As technology advances and the ways we live and work continue to evolve, occupational therapy practitioners are stepping up to help people adapt and stay connected. Whether it's using digital tools to support health, improving safety and productivity in the workplace, or helping individuals manage daily routines in times of change, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are offering practical, evidence-based solutions.
By responding to shifts in society with timely, personalized support, they help people of all ages participate fully in their lives—at home, in school, at work, and in the community. Their work not only improves quality of life but also helps reduce long-term costs by preventing injury, supporting mental health, and promoting independence.
This commitment is reflected in a wide range of focus areas that respond to current and emerging societal needs, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence & Assistive Technology
- Chronic Pain, Wellness, & Energy Conservation
- Community-Based Interventions & Driving/Community Mobility
- Home Modifications & Environmental Adaptations
- Occupational Therapy in Forensic & Correctional Settings
- Pelvic Floor, Reproductive Health & Wellness
- Telehealth & Virtual Care
- Trauma Informed Care & Strength-Based Care
- Veteran & Wounded Warrior Care
- Workplace Wellness & Ergonomics
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are helping people from all walks of life reconnect with their passions and regain independence. It’s all about putting occupation—the activities that matter most—back at the heart of living a full and meaningful life.
If you’re passionate about helping others live with purpose and independence, a career in occupational therapy could be your perfect fit!
Discover more by visiting the American Occupational Therapy Association
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What is Occupation?
Occupation is how we occupy our time—shaping our days, our purpose, & our well-being!
Occupations are the meaningful activities we engage in every day—helping us take care of ourselves, connect with others, and participate in the world around us. They include the things we need to do, want to do, and are expected to do to live a fulfilling life.
These activities cover a wide range of daily experiences, including:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Essential self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, & moving around safely.
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): More complex activities that support independence, such as cooking, cleaning, managing finances, shopping, & using transportation.
- Health Management: Taking care of physical & mental well-being through exercise, medical care, & self-care routines.
- Rest & Sleep: Developing habits & environments that support quality sleep & rejuvenation.
- Education: Engaging in learning through school, training, or personal growth opportunities.
- Work: Contributing through employment, volunteering, or skill-building activities.
- Play & Leisure: Enjoying activities that bring fun, creativity, & relaxation.
- Social Participation: Building & maintaining relationships, engaging in community activities, & fulfilling social roles.
Occupation is more than just tasks—it’s what makes life meaningful! By understanding how everyday activities contribute to our well-being, independence, and overall participation, we can better support ourselves and others in leading fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is having difficulty with everyday tasks—whether due to injury, illness, or other challenges—occupational therapy can help. An occupational therapy practitioner works with you to improve your ability to engage in the activities that matter most to you, supporting your independence and enhancing your quality of life.
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Where do Occupational Therapy Practitioners Work?
Occupational therapy practitioners, that is, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work in a wide range of settings across the lifespan, supporting individuals from early intervention to late adulthood. Below are examples of the diverse environments where they provide services:
Academia & Research
- Colleges/Universities
- Research Institutions
Community & Home Health
- Adult Care Programs
- Group Homes
- Low Vision Programs
- Prevention/Wellness Programs
- Senior Care Facilities
- Home Health Agencies
- Mobile Treatment Teams/Home Care
Early Intervention & Schools
- Early Intervention Programs
- Pediatric Day Care Programs
- Public or Private Schools
- Transitional Programs for Students
Freestanding Outpatient
- Comprehensive Outpatient Rehab Facilities
- Physician/Optometrist Offices
- Private Practice (Office-Based)
- Not-for-Profit Agencies
Hospital (Non-Mental Health)
- General Hospitals (Acute, Inpatient)
- Hospice
- Hospital-Based Outpatient Clinics
- Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
- Rehabilitation Hospitals or Units
Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing Facility
- Hospital Subacute Units
- Long-Term Care or Skilled Nursing Facilities (With or Without Skilled Beds)
Mental Health
- Behavioral Health (Freestanding or Hospital-Based)
- Partial Hospitalization Programs
- Mental Health Day Programs
Other
- Driving Programs
- Industrial Rehab/Work Programs
- Sheltered Workshops
Source: AOTA 2023 Workforce Survey
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Dive Deeper with These YouTube Videos
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy: Experts in Life Function
Occupational Therapy & Health Professionals
Career Outlook for the Occupational Therapy Profession
Occupational therapy is a dynamic and growing field with a strong career outlook and endless opportunities to make a difference. Explore the demand for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, and discover where this rewarding profession can take you!
Curious about where this rewarding career can take you? Explore the demand for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and see why occupational therapy is a career worth pursuing.
Where to Study Occupational Therapy in Connecticut
Explore the diverse educational pathways available in the field of occupational therapy right here in Connecticut. From associate degrees to advanced doctorate programs, this hub connects you with accredited institutions offering a range of options to start or advance your occupational therapy career. Whether you are starting with an OTA associate program or advancing to an OT Masters or Doctorate, these programs are designed to support your professional journey in occupational therapy.
OT Doctorate
Quinnipiac University
University of New Haven (candidacy status)
OT Masters
Quinnipiac University
Sacred Heart University
Southern Connecticut State University (candidacy status)
University of Bridgeport (applicant status)
University of Hartford
OTA Associate
Connecticut State Manchester
Goodwin University
To learn more about accredited programs and other educational opportunities, visit the ACOTE website for a comprehensive list of schools in Connecticut: ACOTE - Schools in Connecticut. Start your educational journey and take the next step in your occupational therapy career today!
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