I-SHOU UNIVERSITYDepartment of Occupational Therapy

**Occupational Therapy (OT)** is a skill-based therapeutic approach that uses carefully designed activities to help patients prevent or correct disabilities, improve functions, and enhance their ability to adapt to daily life. The goal of occupational therapy is to assist individuals in achieving independence in all aspects of life, ultimately promoting a fulfilling and independent quality of life. The professional scope of occupational therapy services includes individualized treatment for daily living skills, home and occupational environment assessments with recommendations for modifications, evaluation and training of work and activity skills, suggestions and training for adaptive equipment, and guidance and training for family members and caregivers, all aimed at enabling patients to engage in meaningful daily activities and improve their quality of life.

With the advancement of healthcare in Taiwan, the increasing life expectancy, and the changing social pressures and dietary habits, there has been a rise in chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and other ailments. As a result, the cultivation of professional occupational therapists has become an essential issue. In response to this, our university began establishing the Department of Occupational Therapy in 2000 and officially began enrollment in 2003. The program is designed as a four-year academic program aimed at cultivating professional occupational therapists with a broad vision and strong ethical foundation.