Voices of Vital Care

Ep. 16 Episode 7: What Does an Occupational Therapist Do? Why This Career Is Taking Off


What does an occupational therapist do and why are more people discovering this career later in life?

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore occupational therapy (OT), a healthcare career focused on helping people regain independence, rebuild daily life skills, and return to what matters most.

Chris Sorrells, Senior Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in Denver at Pima Medical Institute, breaks down:

What “occupation” really means in occupational therapy

The difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy

How OTs help patients recover from stroke, injury, and life-changing conditions

Why this is one of the most diverse and flexible careers in healthcare

How people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond are switching into OT

From working with newborns and children to helping adults adapt after injury or illness, occupational therapy is about more than recovery. It is about restoring independence, dignity, and confidence.

If you are exploring healthcare careers, considering a career change, or looking for meaningful work with real impact, this episode gives you a clear look into the world of occupational therapy.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for real stories, career insights, and a deeper look into the roles shaping the future of healthcare.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

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