An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who assists people across the lifespan in engaging in the activities of daily life. OTs use the therapeutic application of everyday tasks to help individuals overcome physical, mental, or developmental obstacles to full participation.
Understanding the Role of an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy focuses on improving a person’s ability to perform routine daily activities, referred to as occupations. This approach is holistic, considering an individual’s physical, psychological, and social needs to develop a personalized intervention plan. OTs work with diverse populations, including children with developmental delays, adults recovering from injury, and older adults experiencing age-related changes.
OTs practice in various settings, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public and private school systems, and skilled nursing facilities. They also establish private practices or work in community-based mental health programs. In all settings, OTs apply activity-based interventions to foster independence in living, learning, and working.
The Essential Educational Requirement
Entry into the occupational therapy profession requires the completion of a graduate-level degree program. The minimum educational standard for entry-level practice is either a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
While the MSOT was the established degree for many years, the industry is shifting toward the OTD as a preferred entry point. This transition enhances the professional’s capacity for leadership, advanced practice, and research. Both degrees qualify a graduate to sit for the national certification examination.
Prerequisites for Occupational Therapy Programs
Prospective students must first complete a bachelor’s degree before applying to a graduate-level OT program. While the degree can be in any field, programs require specific prerequisite coursework to ensure a foundational understanding of human biology and behavior. These typically include classes such as human anatomy, physiology, statistics, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology. Many science courses must include a laboratory component. Applicants must maintain a high grade point average in these prerequisites, with some competitive programs setting a minimum GPA as high as 3.2.
A mandatory component of the application process is documenting observation or shadowing hours with a licensed Occupational Therapist. These hours provide direct exposure to the profession in various settings, such as outpatient clinics or school-based programs. Most institutions require a minimum number of hours, often ranging from 40 to 100, to demonstrate an understanding of the OT role.
Selecting an Accredited OT Program
Selecting a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is necessary for any aspiring therapist. ACOTE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for OT educational programs. Graduation from an ACOTE-accredited program is the only pathway that makes an individual eligible to take the national certification examination.
The choice between the MSOT and the OTD is the most significant educational decision. An MSOT program typically takes two to three years and focuses on the core theory, assessment, and intervention techniques required for entry-level clinical practice.
The OTD program generally extends the length of study to three or three and a half years, leading to a higher overall cost. OTD curricula incorporate the same foundational clinical content as the MSOT but include advanced coursework in areas such as:
- Research methodology
- Program development
- Policy advocacy
- Leadership training
A major distinction is the requirement for a 14-week doctoral capstone experience, which allows the student to specialize in a niche area or take on a leadership project.
Steps to Becoming Licensed
After completing an ACOTE-accredited graduate program, the next mandatory step is to pass the national certification examination. This exam is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and measures the entry-level competence of candidates. Passing the NBCOT exam grants the professional the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) credential, which is recognized across the country.
Once certified, the therapist must apply for a state license in the jurisdiction where they intend to practice. State licensing requirements vary but often include submitting to a criminal background check, paying a fee, and demonstrating completion of required continuing education units to maintain licensure.
Occupational Therapy Assistant vs. Therapist
A common area of confusion is the distinction between an Occupational Therapist (OT) and an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). The roles differ significantly in educational requirements, responsibility, and scope of practice.
The OT must hold a graduate degree (MSOT or OTD) and is responsible for conducting initial comprehensive patient evaluations. The OT analyzes assessment results, interprets the data, and develops the individualized treatment plan.
Conversely, the OTA must complete a two-year Associate’s degree from an accredited program. The OTA works directly under the supervision of the OT, implementing the treatment plan through hands-on interventions and activities. OTAs play a direct and hands-on role in patient care, adapting activities and monitoring progress during therapy sessions. They report their observations and the patient’s response back to the supervising OT, who then makes decisions about modifying the overall plan. The two roles are collaborative, with the OT leading the evaluation and planning and the OTA executing the therapeutic activities.
Career Outlook and Job Growth
The occupational therapy profession demonstrates a robust career outlook with strong projected growth over the next decade. The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $98,340 in May 2024, placing the profession in a favorable economic position within the healthcare sector. Employment is projected to grow 14 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations in the United States.
This high demand is driven primarily by an aging population, which increases the need for rehabilitation and therapeutic services for age-related conditions. Greater public awareness and recognition of occupational therapy’s effectiveness in treating various chronic conditions also contribute to the positive job market.