How to become an occupational therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists (OT) primarily work with people who have problems with movement and coordination due to an illness, injury, or congenital deformities. Those who come to an OT often feel discouraged about their physical limitations. It is the role of the OT to instill both strength and confidence.

An OT working with arthritis sufferers may, for instance, devise tailor-made splints to alleviate joint stress, equipping clients to carry out everyday activities such as opening doors, buttoning clothes, or brushing teeth. For individuals with brain injuries, an OT’s targeted interventions may include the use of a walker, visual cues for patients to remember their responsibilities, and customized adaptations to aid the completion of personal care tasks.

While each patient requires a unique treatment plan, a common goal is to help clients regain the physical strength and motor skills needed for daily tasks and independent living. Occupational therapists often report a deep sense of satisfaction from finding creative solutions to help patients improve their quality of life.

Among the key education requirements for an occupational therapist is earning a master’s degree in the field. Read on to learn the exact steps for how to become an occupational therapist.

Below are the steps to becoming an occupational therapist. Depending on your current professional and educational status, not all steps might be applicable to you.

Step 1 – Earn a bachelor’s degree

You’ll need at least a master’s degree to become an OT, but first you’ll have to earn your bachelor’s. Majoring in occupational therapy isn’t usually required, but many students opt for it as it can shorten the overall study period by 1-2 years.

Students not enrolled in a specific occupational therapy program often choose to major in health sciences, biology, or psychology. A science-based major is a solid choice, as it can help you acquire technical knowledge for coursework at the master’s degree level. Taking courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, sociology, psychology, and human development is often required or recommended.

Step 2 – Get some pre-professional experience

Local rehabilitation centers and hospitals frequently post openings for volunteers and interns to assist regular staff with their duties. Typical departments requiring help from volunteers and interns include fitness and aquatics, sports and recreation, and transitional rehabilitation. Volunteering is optional, but it can increase your chances of acceptance into a graduate OT program.

Step 3 – Earn a graduate-level occupational therapy degree

Students can choose between a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). An MOT takes around 2 years to complete, and an OTD approximately 3-4 years. A doctorate might be preferred or even required for those interested in academia, research, or high-level administrative roles. Employers expect applicants to have graduated from programs accredited by ACOTE.

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The curriculum for OT programs usually includes study in physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as the application of occupational therapy theory and skills.

Step 4 – Earn occupational therapist certification

Once you’ve completed your degree, you must become certified to practice as an occupational therapist. Certification requirements vary by state, but all states require OTs to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

Step 5 – Choose an OT specialty

After you are licensed and practicing as an OT, you may want to consider continuing education opportunities to specialize in a field such as pediatrics, mental health, or gerontology. Some OTs also pursue additional certifications to demonstrate their expertise in a specific area. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers advanced certification programs to OTs with at least 3,000 hours of experience in the certification area.

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

At least 6 years. Students spend 4 years obtaining their bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, and 2-3 additional years earning their master’s. Earning a doctorate can take another 3-4 years. Some schools offer combined bachelor’s/master’s and master’s/doctorate programs that can reduce the total time you spend in school.

Typical occupational therapy requirements

Admission requirements for occupational therapy (OT) school can vary depending on the institution and whether you’re aiming for a master’s or doctoral degree. However, some common requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree – degrees in health science, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, or a related field are preferred
• Prerequisite courses – usually anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics
• Minimum GPA – around a 3.0
• GRE
• Observation hours – many programs require around 30 or more OT observation hours, sometimes referred to as “shadowing”

Where do occupational therapists work?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 30% of occupational therapists work in hospitals.

Below is a rundown of where other occupational therapists work:

• 26% work in the offices of audiologists, physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists
• 12% work in elementary and secondary schools
• 7% work for home healthcare providers
• 8% work in skilled nursing facilities

Some occupational therapists choose to work with specific patient populations, such as gerontology, pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, or mental health.