What Is an Occupational Therapist Health Writer (And Why You Might Need One)?

Since I started my health writing business, the most common question I get is, “What does an occupational therapist do as a health writer?” Some of my colleagues upon reading some of my previous assignments have even said, “Why are you writing about topics that aren’t related to therapy?” It seems there is huge lack of understanding about the profession of health writing and especially how it relates to my occupational therapy degree.

An occupational therapist (OT) health writer combines clinical expertise with writing skills to create clear, accurate, and engaging content related to health, wellness, and rehabilitation, especially through the lens of occupational therapy.

Health writers translate complex concepts into clear content. Here’s a breakdown of what health writing as an OT looks like:

Occupational therapists understand complex topics like:

o   Sensory processing

o   Fine and gross motor development

o   Activities of daily living (ADLs)

o   Neurological, orthopedic, and developmental conditions

o   Adaptive equipment and therapeutic interventions

As writers, they translate this clinical knowledge into:

o   Blog posts and articles for parents, patients, or caregivers

o   Educational handouts or guides for clients

o   Continuing education (CE) materials for therapists

o   Marketing content for clinics, therapy tools, or healthcare companies

o   Website copy or newsletters for therapy practices or organizations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What are some common project types for OT health writers?

·       Blog articles and SEO content for therapy practices

·       Pediatric toy reviews or developmental activity guides

·       Instruction manuals or educational materials

·       Continuing education courses or clinical toolkits

·       Brochures or promotional content

·       Grant proposals or policy briefs (for those in advocacy or research)

What audiences do OT health writers write for?

·       General public or parents (e.g., “How to Help Your Toddler Build Fine Motor Skills”)

·       Other clinicians (e.g., evidence-based summaries or professional education modules)

·       Companies (e.g., product descriptions, white papers, or brand content for therapy tools or services)

Why are OT health writers valuable over a general health writer?

·       They write with clinical accuracy, avoiding misinformation.

·       They understand therapy goals, outcomes, and client needs.

·       They bring a credible voice to health-related writing, especially in rehab, mental health, pediatrics, or geriatrics.

·       They are skilled at reading and interpreting complex research studies.

·       They help bridge the gap between research and real-life application.

Do OT health writers focus only on content related to occupational therapy?

Absolutely not! OT health writers are skilled at writing content in any health or wellness-related field because they are adept at translating complex medical topics into easy to process information for the layperson.

How can I find out more about your health writing services?

You can either email me at jessica@neveshealthwriting.com or fill out the contact form on my website by clicking the “Get in Touch” tab. I cannot wait to talk to you about how Jessica Neves Health Writing can help you engage your target audience!