About the Profession

The profession of occupational therapy views humans as complex beings in a process of continuous adaptation, influenced by the environment, the roles and tasks an individual chooses, personal capabilities, and the individual capacity for intrinsic motivation. Purposeful activity, as utilized by the occupational therapist, enhances this adaptation process.

The Occupational Therapy program's philosophy of education uses the above concepts to involve the student learner in an active process. Within a supportive and motivational context, it is through the diverse ways of reading, listening, thinking, discussing, modeling, exploring, and doing that humans learn. Through high quality educational experiences, Puget Sound students learn such abilities as precise, thorough, and insightful evaluation; realistic and collaborative goal setting; creative program planning; versatile problem solving; and tactful and effective communication. Essential educational components include a theoretical knowledge base, technical skills, professional and ethical standards, and the application of occupational therapy principles to practice.

For more information, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association's Web site.