What is National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®)

Occupational therapy is the only health profession that helps people, from birth to older adulthood, do the things they want and need to through overcoming barriers to participation in “occupations.” Occupations are those everyday activities that people use to be independent in all aspects of their daily life. Occupational therapy practitioners help people of all ages live life to its fullest by helping them live better with injury, illness, or disability. This chapter will provide an overview of the occupational therapy profession looking at what they do, who they work with, where they work, and what tools they use in providing treatment. This chapter will also cover how to become an occupational therapy practitioner by reviewing admissions processes, educational requirements, and certification and licensure requirements. The final section will provide an overview of career options, job outlook, and average salaries as well the value of association membership.