April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness about this incredible profession. But what exactly is occupational therapy? Many people have misconceptions about what OTs do, often confusing them with physical therapists or thinking they only work with specific populations. Let's clear up some of the confusion and debunk those common myths, and while we're at it, take a closer look at the exceptional Occupational Therapy Department at Stony Brook University.
Common Myths About Occupational Therapy
Myth 1: Occupational Therapy is Just About Finding a Job.
While "occupation" is in the name, it's not solely about employment. In OT, "occupation" refers to any meaningful activity that fills your time and gives your life purpose. It includes everything from self-care tasks like dressing and bathing to leisure activities like painting or gardening and work-related tasks.
Reality:
Occupational therapy helps people of all ages participate in the activities they want and need to do, regardless of physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
Myth 2: Occupational Therapy is the Same as Physical Therapy.
This is a very common misconception! While both professions aim to improve a person's quality of life, they have distinct focuses.
Physical Therapy (PT):
Primarily focuses on improving movement, strength, and range of motion.
Occupational Therapy (OT):
Focuses on enabling participation in daily activities by adapting tasks, modifying environments, or teaching new skills.
So, what exactly do occupational therapists do? Think of it this way: PT might help you regain the strength to walk, while OT will help you learn how to navigate your home safely with a walker, prepare meals, or dress yourself independently.
Myth 3: Occupational Therapists Only Work with People Who Have Physical Disabilities.
While OTs do work with individuals with physical limitations, they also work with people experiencing:
- Cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia, traumatic brain injury)
- Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- Developmental delays (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy)
- Sensory processing disorders
- And much more.
OTs work across the lifespan, from newborns to seniors, in various settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, and homes.
Myth 4: Occupational Therapy is Only for Children.
While pediatric OT is a significant area of practice, OTs also work with adults and seniors. They help older adults maintain independence, recover from strokes, manage chronic conditions, and adapt to age-related changes. There are also specialty areas of practice such as certified hand therapy, vision therapist, and assistive technology provider to name a few.
Myth 5: Occupational Therapy is Just "Playing" or "Arts and Crafts."
While OTs might use play or creative activities as therapeutic tools, they are always purposeful, meaningful, and goal-oriented. They are carefully selected to address specific functional limitations and promote skill development. For example, playing with blocks can improve fine motor skills in a child, and painting can help an adult with a stroke regain hand-eye coordination.
Stony Brook University's Leading Occupational Therapy Program
Occupational therapists are experts in helping people live their lives to the fullest. They assess individual needs, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide interventions that empower individuals to participate in meaningful occupations.
If you're looking to pursue a career in this rewarding field, Stony Brook University's Department of Occupational Therapy offers a nationally ranked program dedicated to providing a dynamic learning experience. Their three-year entry-level OTD program, starting each June, prepares students to become licensed occupational therapists with exceptional skills in leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and clinical competence.
Stony Brook's program, delivered in a hybrid format at the hospital's main Stony Brook campus in the Health Sciences Center, emphasizes student-centered learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and robust scholarly activities. The school is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusive practices, and its dedicated faculty provides strong mentorship, often continuing post-graduation. Students have access to diverse fieldwork and capstone opportunities and benefit from learning opportunities within the School of Health Professions and the School of Medicine.
Graduates prepare to sit for the national certification exam administered by the NBCOT, and the program's outcomes reflect their commitment to excellence. As New York State's #1 public university, Stony Brook offers the lowest tuition for an entry-level OTD program in New York, making it an accessible and exceptional choice for aspiring occupational therapists.
Take a moment to appreciate the incredible work of OTs and their positive impact on countless lives. If you or someone you know could benefit from OT, don't hesitate to reach out to an occupational therapist in your community. If you're interested in pursuing a career in OT, consider the outstanding program at Stony Brook University.
Follow us at @sbu_ot and at @sbuhealthprofessions on Instagram.
```
