Navigating the Education Requirements for a Career in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) are integral to the healthcare system, enabling people to do what they want to do. They work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have disabilities, injuries, or illnesses, evaluating their unique needs to help them develop skills to complete daily and vocational tasks. OTs are considered allied health professionals and work alongside physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and many other health practitioners to help patients achieve the best possible care outcomes and overall health and well-being. If this resonates with you, you may be curious about the specific occupational therapy degree requirements, including OT prerequisites and the application process for programs like the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).

Occupational therapists meet clients where they’re at to encourage health, well-being and a higher quality of life. 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.

Educational Pathways to Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Undergraduate Education

The first step to becoming an occupational therapist is completing the educational requirements for acceptance into OT school. Students begin by earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with no required specific major. 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. During their undergraduate studies, they complete essential prerequisite courses such as human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology, establishing a strong foundation for graduate-level occupational therapy education. These courses aim to equip students with the foundational knowledge to excel at the graduate level. 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.

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. Observation hours aren’t always part of occupational therapy degree requirements. If you choose to contact one of these facilities, communicate that you’re a student looking to shadow an OT professional.

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. Graduate schools that require the GRE provide a minimum score requirement for applications to be considered.

Graduate Education

Maryland requires completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program. 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. These accredited occupational therapy programs in Maryland or other states provide rigorous training, typically spanning 2-3 years for master's and around three and a half years for doctoral studies, ensuring graduates meet licensing criteria.

USAHS is a leading choice for aspiring OTs - we offer two graduate occupational therapy programs: a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). USAHS’ OT programs boast expert faculty practitioners, compassionate support, cutting-edge technology, progressive learning models and a flexible curriculum. MOT and OTD programs can be completed in a few years*.

A master’s degree is required to become a registered occupational therapist. Effective master's programs in Occupational Therapy prepare graduates to pass NBCOT’s certification exam, receive state licensure, and thrive in the profession. McDaniel College’s developing master’s program in Occupational Therapy will prepare competent, entry-level practitioners with necessary skills in assessment, intervention, and management of services.

However, another pathway is through a doctorate program, which require a greater time commitment and cost compared to master's programs. Students can enroll directly into a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program after earning their bachelor's degree, or, master’s degree-holders go on to enroll in doctorate programs to deepen their expertise and pursue research or advanced leadership in the field. 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 program was the first OTD program in the state of Michigan to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, ensuring that it meets the highest educational standards. The OTD program at UM-Flint offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of OT, including advanced clinical practice, research and leadership. The program emphasizes interprofessional education, allowing students to collaborate with peers from other healthcare disciplines. One way this happens is through the Health Equity, Action, Research, and Teaching pro bono clinic. 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.

You’ll work in hands-on environments that mirror the settings where you’ll one day practice. You will also gain hands on experience at the Occupational Therapy Center and the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism, both located within Towson's Institute for Well-Being. Our faculty members excel in teaching, research and service.

Fieldwork Experience

Fieldwork education embeds real-world experiences in classroom instruction. This hands-on practice allows students to take what they’ve learned in coursework and apply it to a clinical setting. As part of their graduate education, students must complete a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork under licensed occupational therapists. This hands-on experience across settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers is crucial to developing practical skills and confidence needed for independent practice in Maryland. Fieldwork is a vital part of any occupational therapy degree. Fieldwork is where future occupational therapists put their training into action. These experiences might take place in schools, hospitals, outpatient rehab centers, mental health clinics, or skilled nursing facilities.

The Application Process

You will then need to take continuing education courses throughout your career to keep your license active. (This is the case in nearly all states, though there are a few exceptions. You can use the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) to apply to multiple schools. Admission requirements for graduate occupational therapy programs vary by institution. For example, at USAHS, our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program requires students to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. During the admissions process, you’ll usually be asked to provide proof of your undergraduate education in the form of an official transcript submitted by your college or university. It’s important to note that the University of St.

Supplemental questions give OT program boards the opportunity to gain more insight into your experience, knowledge and professional goals.

Creating a great application isn’t just about meeting occupational therapist education requirements. The application also provides the opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for the field. Your personal statement is a chance to talk about your observational experiences, volunteer work and career goals. Start your personal statement early to allow time for revision. It’s usually not required to pick an OT specialty before applying to a graduate program.

Read also: Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

The last step of the application process is often the applicant interview. Below are a few tips to help prepare you for a successful interview experience.

Practice potential questions you may be asked in your interview. Why are you interested in our OT program? What are your career goals? View these sessions as a real interview so you can feel more comfortable when the time comes.
The interviewer will likely ask you if you have any questions.
If you start to feel nervous or anxious during the interview, try to be honest about it with the interviewer.

Licensure and Certification

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. Once you complete your occupational therapy degree and fieldwork, the next step is to pass the national certification exam. Passing the NBCOT exam earns you the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR). Obtaining a state license is a vital milestone for occupational therapists in Maryland, signaling both professional integrity and compliance with legal practice requirements.

You will use the online OTED application. You can check on your status, message NBCOT about your application, and upload documents through this system. 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.

The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Maintaining Licensure

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. Maintaining an active license is a cornerstone of professional integrity for occupational therapists in Maryland. Regular renewal not only confirms a therapist’s commitment to ongoing competency but also reinforces accountability to the public and adherence to the latest clinical and regulatory standards.

In Maryland, occupational therapists are required to renew their licenses every two years. Renewal deadlines fall on June 30 of either even or odd years, depending on when the original license was issued. There is no official grace period; thus, renewal by the deadline is crucial to avoid lapsing.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years. This allows ample time for professionals to plan their learning activities effectively within the renewal period defined by their license issuance. At least 16 of the required hours must focus on core occupational therapy competencies including clinical skills and therapeutic interventions. Implicit Bias Training: First-time renewals require completion of an implicit bias training course. Those holding current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) credentials may fulfill state requirements through this national certification’s ongoing professional development activities, offering flexibility while maintaining rigorous standards. Practitioners must keep detailed records of their continuing education efforts, including certificates and course descriptions, ready to submit if audited. Licenses expire on June 30 of the renewal year based on original issuance. Maryland provides an accessible online renewal portal to ease the administrative process, encouraging early planning to meet all continuing education and reporting obligations timely.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

After getting licensed, many occupational therapists decide to focus their skills on a specific area of care. Specializing can open up more career opportunities, improve patient outcomes, and align your work with your interests. Occupational therapy jobs are on the rise, with employment of OTs projected to grow 14% between 2024 and 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is due to the growth in the number of people with disabilities who require therapy services and as the large baby-boom generation ages and remains active later in life.

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. If you become an OT, you will have opportunities for advancement in your career. You can become a clinic owner, or you can opt to specialize and remain an employee. You can also pursue a number of different non-clinical (or alternative) OT careers.

Occupational therapists also enjoy a decent amount of flexibility in their jobs. Many professions pretty much require you to work full-time. Otherwise, you’ll have a very difficult time finding work. However, OTs who need more flexibility in their schedules are often allowed to go part-time or PRN (i.e., working as-needed shifts).

Financial Considerations

The total cost of becoming an occupational therapist in Maryland depends on various factors including the chosen educational path, exam fees, and required licensing expenses. Tuition and Fees for OT Programs Typically, pursuing a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) involves significant tuition expenses, often ranging between $80,000 and $100,000 over two years. For those considering an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) route, program costs are much lower but still vary by residency and institution. For example, OTA programs in Maryland can range from around $9,000 to over $27,000 depending on the college and residency status. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam fee is approximately $540. Maryland requires a licensure application fee of about $200 paid after passing the NBCOT exam, which is mandatory to legally practice as an occupational therapist within the state. Beyond tuition and fees, candidates should budget for background checks, drug screenings, and optional professional memberships. These can add around $100 or more to overall costs and contribute to meeting professional and regulatory standards.

Financing occupational therapy education in Maryland can present challenges, but a variety of financial aid options exist to ease this burden. Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) offers up to $4,000 annually for full-time OT students at four-year institutions, with lower amounts for community college students.

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