Occupational Therapist Education Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals of all ages maintain or regain the ability to perform everyday activities, regardless of physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Occupational therapists (OTs) work with patients who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. The goal of an occupational therapist is to help patients with medical issues and complications to live more independently. Therapists are skilled in the social, emotional, and physical effects of an illness, injury, or disability. They work with people of all ages, from children with disabilities to adults recovering from injuries, and elderly individuals experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

If you’re passionate about helping people regain independence, overcome challenges, and improve their daily lives, a career in occupational therapy (OT) could be the perfect fit. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become an occupational therapist, including the education, clinical training, certification, and career opportunities that await you.

The Role of an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. An OT’s day is usually spent working with a series of patients on a set schedule. OTs evaluate and assess patient needs, then create and follow therapy plans of care (POCs) consisting of discrete goals for functional recovery. Much of an OT’s job involves troubleshooting patient challenges and determining the right types of interventions to address those problems.

Occupational therapists work with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and other team members to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, offices and clinics, school systems, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They typically work 40 plus-hour weeks during daytime hours, including some weekends and holidays.

OTs are unique in that they use evidence-based interventions to help patients participate in the activities they find most meaningful. That means the care delivered by OTs is extremely holistic and tailored to each individual patient. While other rehabilitation professionals are also trained in helping patients regain function, OTs are unique in their ability to address both mental health and social determinants of health.

Qualities of a Successful Occupational Therapist

Individuals interested in becoming an occupational therapist typically have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Occupational therapists blend science with a healthy dose of compassion and creativity. OTs need to be somewhat analytical, but also patient and encouraging. They should enjoy science (especially anatomy and kinesiology) and like working with the general public. Much of what an OT does involves educating patients, family members, and caregivers-so it’s vital that OTs understand how to effectively teach and communicate. OTs also need to be very safety-oriented.

A good OT should be able to work collaboratively with others on a multidisciplinary team. Much of an OT’s work involves providing a holistic perspective on what a patient truly wants out of the recovery process.

Educational Path to Becoming an Occupational Therapist

To pursue a career in occupational therapy, individuals must complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, along with passing the necessary licensure exams. Typically, the educational journey involves around six to seven years of study: four years for the undergraduate degree and an additional two to three years for the graduate degree (for full-time students).

Here are the 5 basic steps for becoming an occupational therapist:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Although a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy isn’t required, earning a bachelor’s degree is the first major step toward becoming an OT. Most graduate schools require you to have this foundation before applying to a graduate-level occupational therapy degree program.

The first step is obtaining a bachelor's degree, preferably in a field related to health sciences or psychology. Common majors include biology, kinesiology, psychology, and health science. These programs typically provide the foundational knowledge necessary for advanced studies in occupational therapy. If you received a degree in another area, don't worry, OTD programs require specific prerequisite courses that anyone can complete. Prerequisite courses are typically in subjects like anatomy, physiology and psychology, among others. As you can see, these courses may lend themselves to a psychology or science major as an undergraduate. There is a good chance you can get all of the prereqs in regardless of your major.

While you are working on your undergraduate degree, you may need to start logging the required volunteer/observation hours for occupational therapy school. Each program has its own requirements, but you’ll generally want to work in at least a few different settings, and it’s also wise to explore different types of patient populations.

In addition to earning relatively high marks in your undergrad program, you will likely need to take the GRE (graduate record examination) and pass with a decent score.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

Volunteer or work experience in a healthcare setting is invaluable. Many, but not all, OT programs require or highly recommend applicants to have hands-on experience. This can be achieved by volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or schools where you can observe and assist OTs.

3. Pursue a Graduate Degree

After completing your bachelor's degree, the next step is to enroll in an accredited graduate program in occupational therapy. This is a big step. You’ll need to decide whether you want to pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate degree.

Read also: Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

To become a licensed OT, you must complete an accredited occupational therapy degree program. When looking for an occupational therapy degree, it’s important to choose a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This ensures the education you receive meets the quality standards needed for certification and state licensure. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the accrediting agency for occupational therapy schools and programs.

As you start your occupational therapy school search, there are a number of degree programs to consider. A master’s degree is the minimum standard for becoming a practicing occupational therapist, and admission to occupational therapy degree programs is competitive.

Here are some common degree options:

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Degree: Direct-entry MOT programs, also called graduate entry, direct entry, or master’s entry programs, are designed for students who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD): Some universities offer a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree, which focuses on advanced clinical practice, research, leadership, and advocacy. UM-Flint offers a distinguished Occupational Therapy Doctorate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in OT. The OTD program at UM-Flint offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of OT, including advanced clinical practice, research and leadership. UM-Flint provides access to advanced facilities and resources. The OTD faculty at UM-Flint consists of experienced professionals who are leaders in the field of occupational therapy.

4. Complete Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a vital part of any occupational therapy degree. Fieldwork is where future occupational therapists put their training into action. The first year and a half is usually devoted to completing required coursework in a classroom setting. You’ll also be required to do six months of supervised fieldwork in clinics or community organizations in order to gain hands-on experience before completing their program. These experiences might take place in schools, hospitals, outpatient rehab centers, mental health clinics, or skilled nursing facilities. In addition to this intensive fieldwork, which will give you hands-on experience in the types of places you’ll eventually work, you may also need to complete a master’s project or similar Capstone learning experience.

5. Pass the National Certification Exam and Obtain Licensure

Once you complete your occupational therapy degree and fieldwork, the next step is to pass the national certification exam. After completing your graduate-level occupational therapy program, you must pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam in order to become certified as an occupational therapist. Passing the NBCOT exam earns you the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR).

Create your NBCOT online account. Schedule your exam with Prometric. Prepare for the exam. Arrive on time with required identification. Pass the exam, or you may retake the exam on a specific schedule. All states require occupational therapists to become licensed. After becoming an OTR, you must apply for a license to practice in your state. Some states may require continuing education or jurisprudence exams to keep their licenses current. You will then need to take continuing education courses throughout your career to keep your license active.

Licensing in California

Becoming an occupational therapist in California requires you to pass the Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR) examination, which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Show proof that you meet the minimum education requirements within California for obtaining your occupational therapist license. Register for an account with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) BreEZe Online Services and fill out your online application. It usually takes about three to four weeks for a California OT license application to be processed and issued. Once the Board approves your application, you will be notified in writing. There is an $850 (USD) application fee. All OTED approvals are valid for 7 years from the date of approval. This means you must take and PASS the exam within the 7-year period.

Career Growth and Specialization

With additional training and experience, some occupational therapists move into management roles with more responsibilities or start their own practices. Some therapists complete a doctorate degree and become professors while others earn specializations to increase career opportunities.

After getting licensed, many occupational therapists decide to focus their skills on a specific area of care. If you choose to work within a specialized area of occupational therapy, you should consider earning a specialty certification. There are numerous organizations that offer specialty certification programs (depending on the area of focus). One example is the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Specializing can open up more career opportunities, improve patient outcomes, and align your work with your interests.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapy jobs are on the rise, with employment of OTs projected to grow 14% between 2024 and 2034.

As you weigh your earning potential, keep in mind that numerous factors may impact your salary as an OT. Years of experience, specialization, location of practice, and setting all affect your compensation. Also, some employers pay hourly rates, while others pay salaries. Based on data we pulled from numerous sources-as well as our own calculations-we found a national average OT salary of $98,833/year.

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Occupational therapy assistants and aides play a vital role in helping patients heal. Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients. In an occupational therapy assistant career, you will see patients with a wide variety of challenges. As an occupational therapy assistant, you can put your skills and knowledge to use in other industries. For instance, you may work with architects and contractors on how to improve building design and accessibility; or, you could consult with companies on ergonomic concerns for product construction.

Occupational therapy assistants and aides work primarily in occupational therapists’ offices, in hospitals, and in nursing care facilities. Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. Occupational therapy assistants usually need a state-issued license. The median annual wage for occupational therapy aides was $37,370 in May 2024. The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $68,340 in May 2024.

Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help clients develop, improve, and maintain everyday skills. In addition, an occupational therapy assistant might help injured clients return to the workforce by teaching them to compensate for lost motor skills. Occupational therapy assistants are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes occupational therapists and other healthcare specialists. These assistants help to coordinate client care by monitoring activities to make sure that clients do them correctly, recording client progress, and providing feedback.

Occupational therapy aides usually prepare materials and assemble equipment used during treatment. They may greet clients and assist clients in moving to and from treatment areas. They may take and record client vital signs prior to a therapy session. Occupational therapy aides also may assist an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant by retrieving or removing therapy equipment. Occupational therapy aides may help clients complete insurance forms and other paperwork. Occupational therapy assistants may work with children who have developmental disabilities.

Associate’s degree programs generally require 2 years of full-time study and include coursework in subjects such as anatomy, psychology, and kinesiology. Occupational therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. They are trained on the job under the supervision of experienced assistants or aides. Licensure requires completing an accredited occupational therapy assistant education program, fieldwork, and passing an exam. Some states have additional requirements, such as a background check. Occupational therapy assistants must pass the exam to use the title “Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant” (COTA). Other credentials for occupational therapy assistants are available. Both occupational therapy assistants and aides may need certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS). With additional education and licensure, occupational therapy aides may advance to become occupational therapy assistants or occupational therapists.

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