# Tasks & work activities — occupational therapist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1122.00 (Occupational Therapists).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
- **[Core]** Complete and maintain necessary records.
- **[Core]** Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
- **[Core]** Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- **[Core]** Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- **[Core]** Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- **[Core]** Recommend changes in patients' work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.
- **[Core]** Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
- **[Core]** Help clients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perceptual skills, using computer programs.
- **[Core]** Develop and participate in health promotion programs, group activities, or discussions to promote client health, facilitate social adjustment, alleviate stress, and prevent physical or mental disability.
- **[Core]** Provide training and supervision in therapy techniques and objectives for students or nurses and other medical staff.
- **[Core]** Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
- **[Core]** Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- **[Core]** Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
- **[Core]** Advise on health risks in the workplace or on health-related transition to retirement.
- **[Core]** Conduct research in occupational therapy.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide patients with assistance in locating or holding jobs.

## Detailed work activities

- Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues.
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Assist clients in handling details of daily life.
- Assist patients with daily activities.
- Clean medical equipment or facilities.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
- Design medical devices or appliances.
- Design public or employee health programs.
- Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies.
- Direct healthcare delivery programs.
- Encourage patients or clients to develop life skills.
- Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
- Fabricate medical devices.
- Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
- Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Supervise patient care personnel.
- Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel.
- Train medical providers.