Ethics for Occupational Therapists
Course Abstract
Ethics for Occupational Therapists is a 3-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that teaches OTs how to address ethical and moral dilemmas in practice.
Ethical and moral issues pervade our lives and healthcare professionals are constantly confronted with a variety of ethical and moral dilemmas. Decisions can have long-range effects professionally and personally, not only for the healthcare professional, but for patients, clients, healthcare entities, and society. Why does one decision win out over another? What constitutes the decision-making process? How do decisions impact those involved?
Occupational therapists are engaged in an “ethic of care,” where activities of daily living are not just a function, but also an expression of values. Helping people maintain their maximum possible functioning is seen in relation to society and the common good of all persons. This is an abstract ideal that must be put into practice in an imperfect world. How does the OT make decisions about what is best for the person when there are difficult choices to make?
This course will discuss the common moral and ethical dilemmas that occupational therapists face and is based on the 2020 Code of Ethics of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and research that offers evidence-based practice strategies.
Course #31-44 | 2022 | 56 pages | 20 posttest questions
Learning Objectives
- Describe two sources of ethical dilemmas in healthcare
- Identify core principles of the AOTA Code of Ethics
- Identify solutions to bioethical issues and dilemmas
- List two models of decision-making processes for solving ethical dilemmas
- List six obligations that an OT must address when faced with an ethical dilemma
- List two resources for further study of ethical issues
Course Directions
This online course provides instant access to the course materials (PDF download) and CE test. The course is text-based (reading) and the CE test is open-book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course document).
Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test (80% required, 3 chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a brief course evaluation.
About the Author(s)
CE Information
Occupational Therapy
Professional Development Resources is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course provider ID# 3159. This distance learning-independent course is offered at 0.3 CEUs, introductory level, Professional Issues]. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion).
Customer Testimonials
Always a great guide to professional OT.
This was an excellent course, much better than expected, and I would highly recommend to others.
PDR courses have always been thorough and informative, easy to follow as well as reasonable. After the pandemic and being limited on finances due to decreased work availability, this is greatly appreciated.
Always a great guide to professional OT. Important reminder and guide for every clinician actively delivering patient care.
