6 occupational therapy specialties that can empower patients and strengthen communities

Occupational therapists play an influential role in maintaining the healthcare and quality of life within our communities. Many people confuse occupational therapy (OT) with physical therapy but, rather than specializing exclusively in rehabilitation and motion, OT’s primary focus is on enabling patients to engage in the meaningful activities of daily life. Specifically, OT is necessary when a person’s ability to live independently is disrupted by illness or injury.

As awareness grows around the value of holistic, client-centered care, the demand for occupational therapists continues to rise. According to national projections, demand for OTs is expected to increase by 22% — reaching up to 127,260 full-time positions by 2030. That’s well above the national average for all professions, signaling a strong and stable career outlook for future practitioners.

If you’re searching for your perfect OT path, see below for a breakdown of common areas of occupational therapy and their corresponding niches, as identified by American Occupational Therapy Association. You may find yourself drawn toward a specific occupational therapy specialty as a result!

If you feel called to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, occupational therapy could be the path for you. Explore how the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs at The College of St. Scholastica can help you take that first step.

6 of the most common occupational therapy practice areas

1. Children and youth

Examples: childhood obesity; bullying; driving for teens

Occupational therapists in the pediatric sphere work with infants, children and youth in a variety of settings, from schools and clinics to working with the patients and their families in their own homes.

These healthcare professionals help children adjust to physical, emotional and mental challenges that can impair functional performance and participation. The range of conditions can span from developmental disabilities to brain injuries. Pediatric occupational therapists develop strategies to:

• Physically strengthen their young patients
• Assist in performing daily life skills in new ways
• Utilize assistive technology effectively

This OT practice area supports early intervention and developmental success, making it a vital occupational therapy specialty for those passionate about child development.

2. Productive aging

Examples: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; low vision; driving; community mobility

With increased life expectancy and a growing aging population in the United States, according to the PRB, occupational therapists specializing in productive aging help older adults maintain independence and enhance quality of life. Their focus areas include:

• Fall prevention
• Home and community safety
• Mobility support

They specialize in modifying tasks and environments to allow safe and comfortable access to daily activities. This is one of the most impactful areas of occupational therapy for promoting dignity and autonomy in aging.

3. Mental health

Examples: depression; recovery and peer support; and veterans’ and wounded warriors’ mental health

Mental health conditions are a significant global concern; in the U.S., one in five adults live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This growing need has brought mental health to the forefront of occupational therapy practice areas, emphasizing its critical role in supporting individuals’ well-being and participation in daily life.

Occupational therapists provide:

• Education and advocacy
• Coping strategy development
• Support for meaningful routines
• Environmental and social adaptation

Occupational therapists address mental health wellness with all clients. Strategies to ensure mental health wellness may include addressing the barriers to mental stability, assisting clients in developing effective coping strategies and developing interpersonal and social skills.

These healthcare professionals provide education, adaptations and advocacy for individuals with mental illness in home, work and school environments all with the goal of promoting meaningful and productive daily routines. This occupational therapy specialty underscores OT’s role in emerging practice areas especially with growing attention to mental wellness.

4. Rehabilitation and disability

Examples: autism in adults; telehealth; hand transplants and bionic limbs; cancer care

AOTA considers rehabilitation and and habilitative services to be a core tenet of OT, as it addresses the needs of individuals with injuries, illnesses, disabilities or health conditions that may impact a person’s occupational performance in daily routines and activities. This key practice area aims to return individuals to satisfied levels of participation in the activities they need and want to perform.

The focus on rehabilitation, disability and participation leads occupational therapists to work with a wide range of patients, including those recovering from strokes or those living with:

• Brain injuries
• Cancer
• Chronic disease
• Developmental and physical disabilities
• Post-operative recovery

This specialty is especially relevant for students pursuing an advanced degree in occupational therapy. Learn more about how the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at St. Scholastica supports this focus.

5. Health and wellness

Examples: chronic disease management; obesity; prevention

A growing amount of research supports the positive impact of physical health on emotional strength and well-being. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve sleep, alleviate symptoms of various mental health disorders and elevate mood, leading to a better quality of life. Occupational therapy in health and wellness emphasizes proactive, preventive care. They work with employers and employees to restore or develop skills and implement modifications for successful transitions back to work after illness or injury. As research increasingly links physical health with emotional well-being, OTs help individuals build healthy routines and manage chronic conditions.

Their expertise includes:

• Pain rehabilitation
• Sleep hygiene
• Arthritis management
• Diabetes self-care

Occupational therapists provide valuable expertise in pain rehabilitation, diabetes self-management, modifications for managing arthritis and sleep routines for all individuals. By incorporating health and wellness strategies into their practice, occupational therapists can support clients in achieving improved physical, mental and overall well-being. This is one of the fastest-growing occupational therapy specialties, serving diverse populations across settings.

6. Work and industry

Examples: the aging workforce; new technology in the workplace

Occupational therapists who specialize in workplace health aim to improve the connections individuals have to their job tasks and work environment. Workplace-focused OTs help individuals return to or thrive in their professional environments, making this a practical and high-impact occupational therapy practice area. They also specialize in proactive measures to prevent illness or injury within the work environment and maintain workplace health and wellness.

They collaborate with employers and employees to:

• Design task or environmental modifications
• Support return-to-work transitions
• Prevent workplace injuries
• Increase overall productivity and satisfaction

As technology and work environments evolve, this specialty remains a critical and emerging practice area in occupational therapy.

Are you drawn to a specific occupational therapy specialty?

Occupational therapy offers a wide range of practice areas and specialties, giving you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in settings like hospitals, schools and community programs. Whether you’re drawn to working with children, supporting mental health or helping adults return to work after injury, the right OT path is out there.

If you’re considering a career that supports health and wellness across the lifespan, now is the time to explore the different types of occupational therapists and find your fit.

At St. Scholastica, you can take the next step with our Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD). Each program prepares you with the skills and clinical experience needed to thrive in the specialty that inspires you.