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Mission Opportunities for Occupational Therapists

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Around the world, people experience physical and emotional trauma that leaves them hurting and helpless. And while doctors and nurses can provide a measure of healing, some patients need more. That’s where occupational therapists come in.

And that’s also why occupational therapy mission trips are a growing avenue for providing hope and help across the globe. People need the services and attention only occupational therapists can provide. And many medical mission organizations recognize the importance of providing these resources, especially in areas where they have been lacking in the past.

 

Occupational Therapy & Medical Missions

While it’s easy to lump them together, it’s important to understand the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy. One helpful way to think about it is the difference between movement and adaptation. In general, physical therapy focuses on helping people move better. Meanwhile, occupational therapy gives individuals the skills to adapt when a health crisis makes what was once normal difficult or impossible.

Occupational therapy also focuses on the daily activities of life. Therapists teach patients how to relearn some of the basic skills that many take for granted, such as using a fork or spoon, buttoning a shirt, brushing their teeth, or driving a car. In addition, they can provide mental health services by sharing coping skills with individuals who may suffer from anxiety or disability.

Through occupational therapy mission trips, professionals have the opportunity to use their knowledge and skill for a higher purpose. Occupational therapists can be the hands and feet of Jesus uniquely, touching the lives of people who struggle just to make it through each day. 

 

Organizations that Sponsor Occupational Therapy Mission Trips

More and more medical mission groups are creating opportunities for short-term occupational therapy mission trips. The list below identifies three agencies that sponsor mission trips for occupational therapists. This is not an exhaustive list; for more great organizations for occupational therapy, check out this organization board.

 

Christian Physical Rehab Professionals.

Part of a larger network called Christian Medical and Dental Associates (CMDA), Christian Physical Rehab Professionals emphasizes the work of occupational and physical therapists who strive to integrate their faith and their calling. Through a short-term mission emphasis called Global Health Outreach, occupational therapists can choose from dozens of opportunities in a variety of locations. 

 

Mission of Hope.

Focusing on ministry that touches the whole person, Mission of Hope offers occupational therapy mission trips in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The agency’s mission involves meeting basic human needs, which include medical care and therapy. Occupational therapists work on projects within the organization’s network of local partner churches, so missionaries are supporting ongoing work.

 

Medical Ministry International.

Based in Canada, Medical Ministry International encourages applicants from anywhere. The agency’s trips typically last a week or two and focus on underserved communities. These groups living on the fringe of society struggle with the availability of medical resources, including occupational therapy. What’s more, a lack of education means they may not even understand why such health care attention is important. 

 

 

Your gifts and God’s glory

If you’re an occupational therapist with a heart for missions, you may consider medical missions as a career. If so, a job board with medical missions opportunities would be a great place to start your search. You also may consider a short-term occupational therapy mission trip to better understand what’s available and where God might be moving you.

Even if you aren’t looking for a career position, mission trips for occupational therapists can give you the chance to make a massive difference in the lives of so many people in some of the most desperate settings in the world. Even more, it can transform your life forever.

Incredible things can happen when you use your gifts for God’s glory. And a short-term occupational therapy mission trip could give you a front-row seat to His work in the world.

 

Discover Medical Missions.

Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

 

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