Paths to Professions: What Careers Can I Pursue with an OT Degree?

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree at Spalding University helps prepare students to become successful occupational therapists. The three-year program combines rigorous academic coursework, hands-on fieldwork, and community engagement opportunities in Louisville, Kentucky.

Here is a list of practice settings you can work in with an entry-level OTD:

Occupational therapists in hospitals help patients regain independence in daily activities after illness, injury, or surgery. They assess a patient’s abilities and create personalized therapy plans to improve motor skills, cognitive functions, and coordination. They often assist with tasks like eating, dressing, or using adaptive equipment, and collaborate with medical teams to support recovery and discharge planning. Their work ensures patients can transition safely to home or to another patient-care setting.

In schools, occupational therapists help students develop the skills they need to succeed academically and socially. They work with children who have physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, focusing on tasks like handwriting, fine motor skills, self-regulation, and classroom participation. They also provide strategies and adaptive tools to support learning and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other specialists to create an inclusive environment that meets each student’s needs.

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in long-term care nursing facilities by supporting residents in maintaining or regaining their independence and quality of life. Their work focuses on enabling residents to perform daily activities, adapting the environment to meet their needs, and preventing further physical and cognitive decline. Key responsibilities include mobility support, dementia and cognitive care, and fall and safety management.

In home health care, occupational therapists create individualized plans to help patients regain independence in daily living activities like dressing, cooking, and social engagement. They recommend home modifications, provide adaptive tools, and educate both patients and caregivers on techniques to ensure safety and functionality. By addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional needs, they enable patients to manage chronic conditions, recover from surgeries, and improve quality of life. Occupational therapy is a vital component of home health care, promoting autonomy and holistic well-being.

We’re the first entry-level OTD program in the state of Kentucky. Over 96% of our school’s graduates are employed within six months of graduation. The Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy (ASOT) will enroll a single cohort each fall. Visit our Entry-Level OTD page to learn more.