Occupational Therapy

Practice Guidelines

Continuing Competency

Occupational therapy professionals work in a world of evolving technology, increased consumer expectations and other emerging issues. Practice in this changing environment requires ongoing development of knowledge and skills.

While occupational therapy professionals in New York State are not required to complete formal mandatory continuing education or a continuing competency program, you are expected to maintain your competence and update your knowledge base and skills throughout your professional life.

There are many ways you can continue your professional development to remain competent:

• Attend professional workshops and conferences that will support and enhance your practice
• Read articles in professional journals
• Participate in a study group with other health care professionals
• Conduct occupational therapy research
• Study with a mentor who has expertise in a specific area
• Explore distance learning as a way to expand your knowledge base -- Clinical skills are not best learned in this format, although we recognize that clinical skill is based on knowledge.

Continuing education is only useful to the extent that you incorporate new learnings into your practice. Make your learning activities relevant to your practice.