Occupational therapy is a division of a larger branch of a practical profession. This is physical therapy. According to statistics, these are areas in which employment is going to increase steadily over the next 10 years. The profession requires both education and considerable practical training if the individual wishes to be successful. After obtaining the proper degree or certificate, the therapist must consider further continuing education occupational therapy courses.
The Push for Further Education
After as many as 6 or 7 years, it would seem enough is enough. This is not true in the case of professions such as occupational therapists. Various boards and associations, including the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) strongly adhere to the principle that continuing education in occupational therapy is essential for the development – both personal and professional of the individual therapist and for the profession. In fact, state laws require ongoing education of a practical nature for retaining a license. This is indicative of the importance of continuing education in maintaining professional standards across the industry.
Professional and Personal Advancement
The rationale behind practitioners annually taking courses in continuing education in occupational therapy is a practical and professional one. Organizations, associations and governing bodies recognize that it is essential that professionals have access to current relevant and evidence-based materials, information, research, behaviors and skills. They perceive this to be the means through which occupational therapists can discover and develop the best practices available and possible in their profession.
Continuing education helps occupational therapists. It
1. Provides them with the information to remain current on the latest developments in their field
2. Opens up areas of interest, including specialization, making available sections or divisions to branch out into and/or increase expertise in
3. Works to develops a strong sense of professionalism
4. Extends networks within the field through contacts made in the course
Through learning services and products that encompass but are not limited to workshops, webinars, endorsed and co-sponsored course work, continuing education in occupational therapy helps to expand boundaries within the individual while improving the profession through evidence-based practice.
Taking continuing education occupational therapy courses provides current practitioners with the chance to maintain their licenses. More importantly, it gives them the opportunity to update and expand their knowledge of their profession. As such, it is a tool of personal and professional development.
