Occupational Therapy
What does an Occupational Therapist do?
Occupational therapists (OTs) are licensed health care professionals who help people of all ages participate in the activities (or “occupations”) they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
More specifically, they work with individuals experiencing physical, developmental, cognitive, or emotional challenges to improve their ability to perform daily tasks. OTs may help clients develop fine motor skills, adapt their environment, use assistive technology, and build routines that support independence and well-being.
Choosing This Field
When considering whether occupational therapy is the right profession for you, it’s important to explore a variety of resources to learn about the field, engage in regular self-reflection, and seek out hands-on clinical and service experiences that align with the values of the profession.
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The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers a wealth of resources to help you explore the field, including the “Become an OT” page, the OT Career Guide, and inspiring “Real Stories” from practicing occupational therapy professionals.
Additionally, the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) provides helpful information about the application process and what to expect when pursuing a degree in occupational therapy.
Find a Program
AOTA provides access to tools and information regarding occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant school. Find an accredited school to kickstart or advance your career in occupational therapy.
The difference between a Master’s degree and Doctoral degree
A master’s degree is still sufficient to become a licensed occupational therapist in the US. However, this often is a question from applicants on which they should decide on: a Master’s or a Doctorate degree.
A brief overview of the benefits between both are listed below:
Doctorate (OTD):
- Leadership & advocacy: prepares students for leadership roles in clinical practice, education, and policy.
- Expanded curriculum: includes advanced coursework in research, program development, and systems-level thinking.
- Capstone project: offers a unique opportunity to complete a doctoral capstone focused on a specialized area of interest.
- Future-proofing: may offer a competitive edge in the job market.
Master’s (MOT):
- Shorter duration: typically takes less time (2–2.5 years) compared to a doctorate (3–3.5 years).
- Lower cost: generally more affordable in terms of tuition and living expenses.
- Same licensure: graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam and become licensed OTs, just like OTD graduates.
Required Preparation
Like many other health professions, occupational therapy programs vary in their prerequisite coursework, so it’s important to research each program individually.
Most programs require a bachelor’s degree and expect foundational coursework in:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Psychology (including Developmental or Abnormal Psychology)
- Statistics
- Sociology or Anthropology
- Medical Terminology
- Biology or Human Biology
- Some programs may also require or recommend courses in Kinesiology, Physics, or Ethics.
To explore school-specific requirements, visit the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) and individual program websites. The AOTA Program Admissions and Formats page also provides helpful guidance on entry-level OT degrees and pathways.
In addition to academic preparation, most programs require:
- Observation hours (typically 20–40 hours) in at least two different occupational therapy settings.
- A minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher).
- Completion of the OTCAS application, which includes personal statements, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
There is no standardized admission test like the OAT for occupational therapy programs.
Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs typically take 3 years to complete, while Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programs take about 2–2.5 years. Both include extensive clinical fieldwork and, in the case of the OTD, a capstone project.