Occupational Therapist Health Professionals
SaveWhat Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational therapists assist individuals or groups who have occupational limitations due to diseases, physical disorders, and temporary or permanent mental disabilities, in regaining their ability to perform daily activities. They provide treatment and rehabilitation to enable them to actively participate in society, to live their lives according to their wishes and to perform those activities that are meaningful to them.
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Where Do I Start?
Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Occupational Therapist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialGeriatrics knowledge
Geriatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
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EssentialHygiene In A Health Care Setting knowledge
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialMedical Informatics knowledge
The processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.
Recommended Books
4 books -
EssentialGeneral Medicine knowledge
General medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
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EssentialOrthopaedics knowledge
Orthopaedics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialMovement Techniques knowledge
The various types of movement and physical postures undertaken for relaxation, body-mind integration, stress reduction, flexibility, core support and rehabilitation purposes, and that are required for or underpin occupational performance.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialOccupational Therapy Theories knowledge
The fundamental theories that underlie occupational therapy practice, occupation-based models, and frames of reference used in this context.'
Recommended Books
5 books -
EssentialHealth Care Legislation knowledge
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialHealth Care Occupation-Specific Ethics knowledge
The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialHuman Physiology knowledge
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialProfessional Documentation In Health Care knowledge
The written standards applied in the health care professional environments for documentation purposes of one`s activity.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialSupervision Of Persons knowledge
The act of directing one individual or a group of individuals in a certain activity.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialOccupational Physiology knowledge
The complex physiology of specific jobs and its relation to disorders and medical conditions and the way to optimize health, work ability, and productivity.
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EssentialVocational Rehabilitation knowledge
The rehabilitation process of persons with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health disabilities to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialCommunity-Based Rehabilitation knowledge
The method of rehabilitation which involves the creation of social programs for the impaired or disabled persons to allow them integration into the community.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialErgonomics knowledge
The science of designing systems, processes and products that complement the strengths of people so that they can use them easily and safely.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialHuman Anatomy knowledge
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMedical Terminology knowledge
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialNeurology knowledge
Neurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPaediatrics knowledge
Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPathology knowledge
The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPsychiatry knowledge
Psychiatry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPsychology knowledge
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSociology knowledge
The group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialOccupational Science knowledge
The study of everyday activity including the behaviours, characteristics, and patterns of behaviour and productivity.
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EssentialPhysical Medicine knowledge
The diagnosis and treatment methods applied to individuals with physical impairments or disabilities in order to help them restore their body functions lost because of medical injuries or medical diseases.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialAccept Own Accountability skill
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdhere To Organisational Guidelines skill
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Healthcare Users' Informed Consent skill
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Context Specific Clinical Competences skill
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Health Sciences skill
Apply a broad range of bio-medical, psycho-social, organisational, educational, and societal aspects of health, disease, and healthcare to improve healthcare services and to improve quality of life.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Organisational Techniques skill
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the goals set. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate Effectively In Healthcare skill
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComply With Legislation Related To Health Care skill
Comply with the regional and national legislation that is relevant to one`s work and apply it in practice.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComply With Quality Standards Related To Healthcare Practice skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialContribute To Continuity Of Health Care skill
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDeal With Emergency Care Situations skill
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop A Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship skill
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEducate On The Prevention Of Illness skill
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEmpathise With The Healthcare User skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Safety Of Healthcare Users skill
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Clinical Guidelines skill
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInform Policy Makers On Health-Related Challenges skill
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInteract With Healthcare Users skill
Communicate with clients and their carer's, with the patient's permission, to keep them informed about the clients' and patients' progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialListen Actively skill
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Healthcare Users' Data skill
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPromote Inclusion skill
Promote inclusion in health care and social services and respect diversity of beliefs, culture, values and preferences, keeping in mind the importance of equality and diversity issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Health Education skill
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRecord Healthcare Users' Progress Related To Treatment skill
Record the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRespond To Changing Situations In Health Care skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse E-Health And Mobile Health Technologies skill
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork In A Multicultural Environment In Health Care skill
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork In Multidisciplinary Health Teams skill
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Environmental Alterations skill
Advise on environmental alterations in the home and workplace to accommodate patients, such as wheelchair accessibility.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Techniques Of Occupational Therapy skill
Apply occupational therapy techniques, such as retraining, and splinting in the rehabilitation and recovery of patients, and advising patients on their daily activities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssess Risks For The Elderly skill
Visit the patient`s home to identify environmental factors that contribute to falls or other injuries of the elderly present.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssist Healthcare Users Achieve Autonomy In Everyday Activities skill
Assist healthcare users to achieve autonomy in all types of activity, like dressing, cooking, eating, and using a computer.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate Individual Treatment Programmes skill
Develop treatment programmes to suit each individual patient, helping patients achieve more independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop A Rehabilitation Programme skill
Develop a rehabilitation programme to help patients rebuild their skills and restore their confidence.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEducate Patient's Relations On Care skill
Educate patient`s caregivers, family, or employer on how to accommodate and care for the patient.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEncourage Healthcare User's Self-Monitoring skill
Encourage the healthcare user to engage in self-monitoring by conducting situational and developmental analyses on him- or herself. Assist the healthcare user to develop a degree of self-critique and self-analysis …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExercise Patience skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFacilitate Healthcare User's Engagement In Occupations skill
Identify meaningful and healthy occupations and strategies in partnership with the healthcare user, to enable him to reach his goals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify The Healthcare User's Personal Capacity skill
Identify the healthcare user's personal capacity to act in all spheres of life taking account of environmental factors with regard to the social, cultural, physical and institutional setting, identifying biomechanical, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInstruct On The Use Of Special Equipment For Daily Activities skill
Instruct on how to use specialised equipment such as wheelchairs and eating aids in their daily activities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Patients' Progress Related To Treatment skill
Observe and report on healthcare users' response to medical treatment, monitoring their progress or decay on a daily basis and modifying the treatment procedures whenever necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMotivate Patiens skill
Encourage the patient's motivation to change and promote the belief that therapy can help, using techniques and treatment engagement procedures for this purpose.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Occupation Analyses skill
Perform an occupation analysis and assess how an activity is experienced by an individual, taking into account the influence on their performance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Patient Activity Analyses skill
Perform activity analyses of a patient in the sense of linking requirement and ability analyses. Understand the activity, its demands and context.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Assistive Technology skill
Provide persons with assistive technology to enable them to perform activities more functionally.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRemediate Healthcare User's Occupational Performance skill
Remediate or restore the cognitive, sensorimotor, or psychosocial components of the healthcare user`s occupational performance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUndertake Healthcare Examination skill
Assess the healthcare user's physical state, taking detailed information on previous injuries, surgery, general health, resources and lifestyle into account.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Computer Programs To Improve Patients' Skills skill
Use specialised computer programs to help patients improve skills they use in their daily lives, working on decision-making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, problem-solving, and perceptual skills.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 13 displayed)
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OptionalFirst Aid knowledge
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalOsteopathy knowledge
The type of alternative medicine which manipulates the body`s muscle tissues, joints and bones.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalMechanotherapy knowledge
The medical treatments provided by manual means such as massage or other types of mechanical devices.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalBobath Therapy knowledge
The therapy used to help children and adults after stroke who have movement disorders (cerebral palsy) to improve their ability to move and develop their (lost) skills.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalDisorders Affecting Self-Awareness knowledge
The consciousness process related to various medical disorders and illnesses and its manifestation and treatment options.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPedagogy knowledge
The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAssist Children With Special Needs In Education Settings skill
Assist children with special needs, identifying their needs, modifying classroom equipment to accommodate them and helping them participate in school activities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEmploy Foreign Languages For Health-Related Research skill
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEmploy Foreign Languages In Care skill
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Proper Appointment Administration skill
Set up a proper procedure to manage appointments, including policies related to cancellation and nonappearance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist In Performing Physical Exercises skill
Prescribe and assist physical exercises to help increase strength and dexterity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Occupational Therapy Students skill
Supervise and manage the work of occupational therapy students, students from related professions and assistants.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Early Intervention Therapy To Infants skill
Identify infants and toddlers who suffer from developmental delays, or are at risk, and provide early intervention therapy.
Course recommendations coming soon.