Bachelor of Ergotherapy (Turkish)

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession focused on promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals to participate in the activities of everyday life through the therapeutic use of various activities.

Unlike other professions, occupational therapy addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive aspects of an individual’s well-being by working in different environments, such as home, work, school, and community. Occupational therapists collaborate with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want, need, or are expected to do. They may also modify the occupation or environment to better support the individual’s participation.

Occupational therapists are equipped with a solid grounding in both medical and social sciences, and they work with people of all ages across the entire lifespan, from newborn infants to elders in hospice care.

Key Services Provided by Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapy services typically involve the following:

1. Individualized Evaluation: Understanding the person’s unique needs and challenges.
2. Goal Setting: Determining the person’s goals with input from the client, family, and therapist.
3. Customized Intervention: Designing a personalized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals.
4. Outcomes Evaluation: Regularly assessing whether the goals are being met and adjusting the intervention plan based on the person’s progress and needs.

Work Environments for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists provide services in a variety of settings, including:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Homeless shelters
• Nursing facilities
• Community clinics
• Private practices
• Corporations
• Executive health centers
• Wellness resorts

With the increasing prevalence of conditions such as autism and an aging population, the demand for occupational therapists is expected to remain strong in the coming years. As a future occupational therapist, you will have opportunities to specialize in areas such as ergonomics, rehabilitation, and wellness.

Requirements for Occupational Therapy Education in Turkey

To pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, students must have completed Turkish secondary education or its equivalent overseas education. They must also obtain sufficient points in the Turkish National Exam (Type MF-3). After completing the 4-year undergraduate program, graduates are awarded the title of “Occupational Therapist”.