Different types of occupational therapists: Explore your career path in OT

If you’re thinking about a career in occupational therapy, one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll make is choosing your area of specialization. Occupational therapy (OT) is a dynamic and growing field that empowers people of all ages to live more independent, fulfilling lives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is projected at 11% through 2033, making now a perfect time to explore your options.

Whether you’re passionate about working with children, supporting mental health, or helping people recover after an injury, there’s a path in OT that aligns with your strengths and goals. But how do you choose the right specialty — and what kind of degree will get you there?

In this guide, we’ll break down several occupational therapy career paths, the unique impact each has on patients, and how degree programs like the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy at The College of St. Scholastica prepare you to thrive in each setting.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession designed to help individuals of all ages regain the ability to perform everyday tasks — also known as “occupations” — that may have been impacted by injury, illness or disability. The goal of OT is to enable individuals to live as independently as possible, improving their quality of life and promoting physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Occupational therapists work with people to restore or develop skills needed for daily activities, such as:

• Self-care: Bathing, dressing, grooming and other personal care tasks
• Home management: Cooking, cleaning and managing household duties
• Work-related tasks: Returning to work or developing skills for workplace tasks
• Recreation: Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities

OT services are provided in a wide range of settings, which include:

• Hospitals: Treating patients recovering from surgery, illness or injury
• Schools: Helping children with developmental or learning disabilities
• Rehabilitation centers: Assisting individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries
• Patients’ homes: Offering support for individuals with disabilities or aging adults needing assistance to live independently

Because occupational therapy covers so many areas of care, there are several types of occupational therapists, each focusing on different specialties based on patient needs and environments.

Types of occupational therapy specialties

Occupational therapy offers a broad range of specialties, each addressing the specific needs of individuals across the lifespan. With St. Scholastica’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs, students are equipped to pursue their passion in a variety of therapeutic areas. Below, we’ll dive into the different specialties and explain what makes each one unique, along with the degree paths you’ll need to get started.

1. Pediatric occupational therapy: helping children grow and thrive

If you’re drawn to working with kids and want to make a difference early in their lives, pediatric occupational therapy may be your calling. Pediatric OTs help children with developmental, cognitive or physical challenges gain the skills they need for independence and success — whether it’s learning to hold a pencil, tie their shoes, or play with others.

You might work with children who have autism, cerebral palsy, sensory processing issues or learning disabilities. Your role involves designing fun, personalized treatment plans that support progress in areas like fine motor skills, sensory integration and emotional development.

Where you’ll work:

• Public and private schools
• Pediatric hospitals and clinics
• Early intervention programs
• In-home care settings

Why this path matters:

Helping a child master daily skills not only improves their life but can also uplift entire families. Pediatric OTs often build long-term relationships with patients and their support systems, making this one of the most rewarding specialties in the field.

2. Occupational therapy for older adults: supporting independence through aging

With the aging population growing rapidly, there’s increasing demand for OTs who specialize in supporting older adults. These professionals help seniors maintain independence and adapt to challenges like mobility loss, memory decline and chronic health conditions.

As a geriatric OT, you might assist someone recovering from surgery, managing arthritis or coping with dementia. Your work could involve improving safety at home, recommending assistive devices or developing routines that promote independence and dignity.

Where you’ll work:

• Assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities
• Home health care
• Hospitals and outpatient centers
• Adult day programs and senior centers

Why this path matters:

You’ll help people preserve their independence and quality of life, empowering them to stay active and connected to their communities as they age.

3. Mental health occupational therapy: empowering emotional well-being

If you’re passionate about mental health, occupational therapy offers a unique way to support individuals experiencing emotional, cognitive or psychological challenges. Mental health OTs help clients manage stress, build routines and engage meaningfully with their environments.

You might work with people who are navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia or other mental health conditions. Your interventions could focus on life skills, coping strategies and confidence-building — often in close collaboration with other mental health professionals.

Where you’ll work:

• Community mental health centers
• Inpatient psychiatric hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Homeless shelters, transitional housing or private practice

Why this path matters:

Occupational therapy plays a powerful, yet often under-recognized, role in mental health recovery. You’ll help clients develop the tools they need to live more independently and with greater emotional stability.

4. Hand and upper extremity therapy: restoring function and mobility

If you’re interested in anatomy, precision, and working closely with individuals recovering from injury, hand therapy could be the perfect fit. These OTs specialize in the rehabilitation of the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders — helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function after surgeries, accidents or chronic conditions.

This specialty requires deep knowledge of both OT practices and musculoskeletal anatomy. You might use custom splinting, strength training, manual therapy and education to help patients recover after injuries like tendon repairs or carpal tunnel release.

Where you’ll work:

• Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
• Orthopedic or surgical centers
• Hospitals and trauma units
• Private hand therapy practices

Why this path matters:

Even small hand impairments can have a huge impact on quality of life. Hand therapists help people return to work, hobbies and self-care — often restoring not just function but confidence.

5. Occupational therapy in work and ergonomics: creating safer, healthier workplaces

Do you see yourself blending healthcare with workplace design? Ergonomics-focused OTs assess and improve the relationship between people and their work environments to reduce injuries and increase productivity.

From helping office workers reduce strain to advising manufacturers on injury prevention, you’ll be working at the intersection of health and industry. You might also help individuals transition back to work after an illness or injury, or develop corporate wellness programs.

Where you’ll work:

• Corporate offices or industrial settings
• Occupational health clinics
• Insurance companies or consulting firms
• Government agencies or public health initiatives

Why this path matters:

You’ll reduce burnout, prevent injuries and improve productivity — making work better for individuals and organizations alike.

6. Rehabilitation and recovery: helping patients rebuild after injury or illness

This is one of the most traditional and essential OT specialties. Rehabilitation-focused OTs help individuals regain function and independence after major health events such as strokes, surgeries or traumatic injuries.

Whether it’s learning to dress with one hand after a stroke or rebuilding strength after a spinal cord injury, you’ll guide patients through personalized rehab plans that restore daily living skills and mobility.

Where you’ll work:

• Acute and long-term care hospitals
• Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers
• Home health agencies
• Skilled nursing facilities

Why this path matters:

You’ll be a key part of someone’s recovery journey, helping them regain not just physical ability, but hope, confidence and independence.

Difference between a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in OT

When pursuing a career in occupational therapy, you can choose between a master’s degree in occupational therapy (MSOT) or a doctoral degree in occupational therapy (OTD). While both degrees will prepare you for licensure and practice as an occupational therapist, there are key differences between the two.

A master’s degree in occupational therapy typically takes about two years to complete and focuses on the core skills needed for direct practice in OT settings. This degree will give you a solid foundation in clinical practice, but the scope for leadership roles and research opportunities is more limited compared to a doctoral degree.

A doctoral degree in occupational therapy (OTD), on the other hand, is designed for those seeking to take on advanced roles in practice, education or research. Earning a doctorate opens doors to leadership positions, the ability to teach at the university level and the opportunity to conduct original research that can shape the future of the profession. This pathway offers a deeper understanding of the complexities of occupational therapy and allows for more specialized areas of practice.

Both the MSOT and OTD programs at St. Scholastica prepare you to succeed as a licensed occupational therapist, but the OTD provides greater opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

Explore master’s and doctoral occupational therapy programs at St. Scholastica

At St. Scholastica, we offer both Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs to help you reach your professional goals. Our comprehensive, hands-on curriculum is designed to prepare you for the diverse roles in the field of occupational therapy. Whether you choose the master’s or doctoral route, you’ll receive the education, mentorship and clinical experience needed to become a skilled and compassionate occupational therapist.

If you’re ready to start your career in occupational therapy, explore the degree options at St. Scholastica today. Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking to switch careers, our programs provide the foundation to build a rewarding and impactful future in this growing field.

Ready to pursue your occupational therapy career?

The different types of occupational therapists all play vital roles in supporting patients’ health, well-being and independence. From working with children to helping older adults live independently, there are countless opportunities to specialize within this rewarding profession. Whether you’re interested in physical rehabilitation, mental health support or ergonomics, there’s an occupational therapy specialty that aligns with your passions and skills.

With strong job growth and a high demand for skilled professionals, now is a great time to pursue a career in occupational therapy. At St. Scholastica, we offer the education, resources and support you need to make your mark in this fulfilling field. Take the first step toward becoming an occupational therapist.