Abstract
The study of liberal arts has, from the beginning of higher education in this country, prepared professionals for their practice. Liberal arts studies are essential for defining a career, making a career choice, and developing career skills. Also, liberal arts studies are necessary for occupational therapists to make the appropriate interconnections needed to develop a perspective that allows the therapist to be professionally competent. This perspective equips the therapist with the ability to move appropriately from the individual self-interest level to the occupational therapy community self-welfare level of functioning and behavior. The author believes that the conjoining of occupational theory, occupational practice, and liberal arts studies will ensure continued survival and viability of occupational therapy by preparing future responsive educated practitioners.
