Where Do Occupational Therapists Work? Exploring Career Settings

Where do occupational therapists work? The answer might surprise you. Unlike many healthcare professionals who are confined to hospitals or clinics, occupational therapists practice in a wide variety of settings, helping people regain independence in environments that fit their needs—whether that’s a school, a rehab center, community or even their own home.

Traditional OT Workplaces: A Look Inside the Most Common Settings

From pediatrics and elder care to mental health and workplace ergonomics, occupational therapists improve lives across a wide range of settings. Each environment shapes the patients they serve, the challenges they address, and the skills they apply.

SCU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in California prepares students to thrive in any of these settings through a curriculum grounded in real-world application. With one-to-one faculty mentorship and hands-on experience using advanced tools like virtual reality, 3D printing, and simulation-based training—our graduates are equipped to meet the demands of the profession wherever it takes them. Your setting will shape the care you deliver, and the OTD ensures you’re ready.

Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers

Who OTs Work With: Stroke survivors, post-surgical patients, and individuals with spinal cord injuries or other serious conditions.

Common OT Roles:

• Helping patients regain motor skills and relearn daily activities.
• Assisting with adaptive equipment and home modifications.
• Working alongside physical therapists, doctors, and nurses.

Pros & Cons:

• High patient variety—great for building diverse skills.
• Fast-paced environment—perfect for those who thrive under pressure.
• Strict schedules—often require long shifts and structured routines.
• Emotionally demanding—working with critically ill patients can be tough.

Schools & Pediatric Therapy

Who OTs Work With: Children with developmental delays, autism, and sensory processing disorders.

Common OT Roles:

• Developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to support student success.
• Assisting with fine motor skills, handwriting, and classroom adaptations.
• Training teachers and staff on inclusive learning strategies.

Pros & Cons:

• Rewarding long-term impact, as OTs help children develop skills that last a lifetime.
• Family-friendly work schedule with summers and holidays off.
• Limited career advancement in some school systems, requiring additional certifications for higher roles.

Pediatric therapy is the most common path in OT—and for good reason. It allows you to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life during their most formative years.

Mental Health & Behavioral Therapy

Occupational therapy has deep roots in mental health. The profession began in the early 20th century, supporting WWI veterans with what we now recognize as PTSD. Today, OTs continue that legacy—playing a critical role in behavioral health across diverse settings. OTs in this field work with individuals facing anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, and other mental health challenges.

What OTs Do:

• Help clients develop coping strategies, manage stress, and improve daily routines.
• Work in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, and community programs.
• Collaborate with therapists, social workers, and healthcare teams to provide holistic care.

Pros & Challenges:

• Meaningful, impactful work helping clients regain independence.
• Opportunity to shape evolving mental health policies and intervention strategies.
• Requires specialized psychiatric OT training and experience in mental health care.

Outpatient Clinics & Private Practices

Who OTs Work With: Individuals recovering from surgery, chronic pain patients, and those with orthopedic injuries.

Common OT Roles:

• Creating customized treatment plans for long-term rehabilitation.
• Specializing in hand therapy, orthopedic rehab, or chronic pain management.
• Working in sports medicine or post-injury recovery programs.

Pros & Cons:

• More flexibility—often offers better work-life balance than hospitals.
• Opportunity to specialize—OTs can focus on specific types of rehabilitation.
• May require business skills—especially if opening a private practice.
• Patient caseloads vary—less predictable than a hospital setting.

Home Health & Telehealth OT

Who OTs Work With: Patients recovering at home, elderly clients needing fall prevention strategies, individuals with disabilities adapting to their living spaces.

Common OT Roles:

• Conducting home safety assessments to prevent falls and injuries.
• Teaching adaptive strategies for daily living tasks.
• Increasingly using telehealth to provide remote therapy sessions.

Pros & Cons:

• High flexibility and independence, allowing OTs to set their own schedules.
• Direct, personal impact on patients in their everyday environments.
• Requires travel, and working alone can feel isolating compared to team-based clinical settings.

Occupational therapy is about helping people live better lives wherever they are. Whether in a classroom, a patient’s home, or a senior living community, OTs are making a difference. If you’re looking for a career that’s flexible, rewarding, and constantly evolving, these OT career paths might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The Future of OT: Exploring Specialized & Emerging Fields

Occupational therapy is constantly evolving. While traditional settings like hospitals and rehab centers are still in demand, specialized & emerging OT fields are opening up new career paths in mental health, workplace ergonomics, adaptive sports, and beyond.

Corporate & Workplace Ergonomics

As remote and hybrid work environments become the norm, the demand for workplace ergonomics expertise is surging—especially in innovation hubs like California, where companies prioritize employee wellness and productivity. Occupational therapists are increasingly called upon to design healthier, more adaptive workspaces.

What OTs Do:

• Design ergonomic office setups to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
• Help employees recover from work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
• Advise companies on workplace safety and injury prevention strategies.

Pros & Challenges:

• High salary potential due to increasing demand for corporate wellness programs.
• Growing need in remote work environments and hybrid office setups.
• Less direct patient care—requires networking and business acumen to build a client base.
• Ideal for OTs with an entrepreneurial mindset and interest in prevention-focused care.

At Southern California University of Health Sciences, our Doctor of Occupational Therapy program equips students with the tech-savvy tools to lead in this growing field. With training in virtual reality assessments, simulation labs, and 3D modeling,

SCU graduates are prepared to innovate where they studied—whether they’re consulting for Bay Area tech firms or launching ergonomic initiatives for SoCal startups.

Adaptive Sports 

For OTs passionate about movement, recovery, and performance, adaptive sports is a high-impact field that blends clinical expertise with athletic rehabilitation. California—home to top-tier training centers, Paralympic programs, and veteran initiatives—offers one of the most dynamic environments in the country for OTs entering this space.

What OTs Do:

• Design custom prosthetics, adaptive equipment, and exercise programs.
• Work with paralympic athletes, wounded warriors, and individuals recovering from injuries.
• Provide rehabilitation and skill training in specialized sports settings.

Pros & Challenges:

• Exciting, fast-paced field—great for sports enthusiasts.
• Potential for travel opportunities and working with elite athletes.
• Requires specialized training and experience in adaptive sports rehabilitation.

From Hospitals to High-Tech Home Therapy: SCUHS Prepares You for Any OT Path

Occupational therapy isn’t a one-track career, and our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is designed to prepare graduates for any OT career path, whether they’re working with stroke patients, designing adaptive sports programs, or leading workplace ergonomics initiatives.

With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on clinical training, and cutting-edge learning tools, we make sure students are ready for the diverse and evolving world of occupational therapy. No matter where your career takes you, you’ll have the skills to succeed.

Blended Learning Format: Online + Hands-On Training

Flexibility matters, but so does hands-on experience. SCU’s blended learning model combines 80% online coursework with four short in-person sessions (three weeks per term) to ensure students get real-world training while maintaining the convenience of remote learning.

During these in-person sessions, students gain:

• Clinical skills training in labs and simulation environments.
• Interprofessional education alongside other healthcare students.
• Mentorship and hands-on practice with experienced faculty.

Cutting-Edge Training Tools

Modern OT practice goes beyond textbooks and lectures. That’s why we integrate advanced learning technology to ensure students graduate ahead of the curve.

• Virtual reality systems for immersive patient intervention.
• 3D printing to design adaptive devices and prosthetics.
• Driving simulators to prepare students for mobility rehabilitation.

These tools give students practical, real-world experience with innovative therapy techniques, setting them apart in a competitive job market.

Capstone Project & Licensing Preparation

Every SCU OTD student completes a doctoral capstone project, allowing them to dive deep into an area of interest—whether it’s neuroscience rehabilitation, pediatric sensory integration, or OT in public health policy.

In addition, our program is ACOTE-accredited, ensuring graduates meet all requirements to sit for the NBCOT exam and become licensed occupational therapists.

Fixed Tuition Guarantee

Higher education costs shouldn’t be a guessing game. That’s why we offer a fixed tuition guarantee, so students know exactly what they’ll pay from start to finish—no surprise fees, no tuition hikes. It’s a commitment to transparency, making the investment in an OT career as straightforward as possible.

More Than a Degree: A Jumpstart on Credentials

We designed our OTD program at SCUs helps build real career momentum. 

From the start, you’ll be working toward certifications that many therapists don’t pursue until years into practice. Our curriculum includes Physical Agent Modality (PAM) training that can be applied toward California’s PAM certification, giving you advanced skills in therapeutic modalities. 

You’ll also complete Lifestyle & Wellness coursework that satisfies a key requirement for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Certification Exam. It’s one of the ways we help you graduate not just ready—but ahead.

Your OT Career, Your Choice—We’ll Help You Get There

Many OTD students begin their careers in hospital or rehab settings, gaining clinical confidence through fieldwork placements arranged near their homes. Our program blends foundational training with advanced simulation tools and expert mentorship to prepare graduates for fast-paced, high-impact care environments.

At SCU, we believe your education should be as versatile and dynamic as the career itself. With blended learning, hands-on clinical experience, and cutting-edge training tools, we make sure you’re ready for any OT path you choose. Take a look at our admission requirements and apply today!

FAQs

Where do occupational therapists work, and what settings are most common?

OTs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, home health, skilled nursin facilities, and mental health centers. They also have roles in emerging fields like corporate ergonomics, adaptive sports, and telehealth, making OT one of the most versatile healthcare careers.

Do occupational therapists only work in hospitals?

No! While hospitals and rehab centers are common starting points, OTs also work in schools, home health, community programs, and even corporate offices. The field is incredibly diverse, with opportunities far beyond traditional healthcare settings.

Can occupational therapists work remotely?

Yes, telehealth is a growing area for OTs. Many provide virtual therapy sessions, ergonomic consultations, and patient education remotely. However, since OT is hands-on, most roles still require some in-person interaction.

How does SCU’s OTD program prepare students for different career settings?

Our program covers both traditional and emerging OT fields, giving students the flexibility to work in hospitals, private clinics, mental health, adaptive sports, telehealth, and more. Hands-on training and advanced technology ensure graduates are prepared for any career path.

How do I apply to SCU’s OTD program?

Applying is simple—just check our admission requirements, submit your transcripts, and complete an online application. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to reach out!