How to Become an Occupational Therapist

Unlike most people, Guerline Jean discovered her dream job at a young age.

The real challenge? Figuring out how to become an occupational therapist.

Born into a single-parent home in Haiti, she grew up with limited access to the opportunities that could get her there.

And yet Guerline prevailed.

Her family moved to the United States.

She gained experience with the patient population that interested her.

Guerline found an accredited institution that helped her affordably get into an occupational therapy program.

And as graduation nears, she represents the possibilities for those drawn to the career.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapists (OTs) improve a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.

You work with ill, injured, and disabled patients to identify issues related to life and work, then develop treatment plans aimed at addressing those challenges. For example, you could:

Teach someone with a broken wrist how to type using voice-to-text software.
Train a stroke survivor to use a walker safely while carrying groceries.
Adapt a computer workstation for a person with carpal tunnel syndrome to prevent strain.
Organize a kitchen with tactile labels and high-contrast markers for a visually impaired individual.

Occupational therapists should be able to think creatively, solve problems, and demonstrate:

Empathy
Clear communication
Flexibility
Patience

Guerline believes she encompasses those skills, and thinks they will serve her well as a pediatric OT.

“I am a compassionate individual – an empath,” she explains. “I love to build individual relationships with people, especially kids, and see what makes them unique and really captures their eccentricity.”

Guerline’s interest in occupational therapy began while she worked as an applied behavior analysis therapist.

“I saw OTs helping children with traumatic brain injuries, those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, and other conditions gain the independence to do daily activities we otherwise take for granted such as brushing our teeth or putting on a shirt,” Guerline says. “I want to do that too.”

How Long Does It Take to Become an Occupational Therapist?

You need a master of science in occupational therapy (MSOT) to practice.

It equates to six years of schooling after factoring in the time required to earn the degree, clinical rotations, and your undergraduate education.

Upon graduation, you must become licensed and registered. The process can tack on a couple more months.

MSOT vs. OTD

Some students pursue a doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) rather than an MSOT.

It takes one more year to finish, which entails a semester of additional coursework followed by a capstone project.

An OTD may open opportunities in research, leadership, and academia. However, in clinical practice, most employers do not offer different salaries based solely on degree type. An OTD also costs more to earn since it requires you to be in school longer.

Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists advance through five stages.

Earn a bachelor’s degree

Examples of what students major in at the undergraduate level include:
- Biology
- Kinesiology
- Sociology
- Psychology
These degrees allow you to take many of the courses OT programs require for admission.

You can also earn these prerequisites through Portage Learning. The accredited institution offers online college courses that can be completed on a self-directed schedule, including many needed for careers in the medical field such as:
Guerline completed five courses with Portage Learning to get into her MSOT program at St. Bonaventure University.

Portage Learning’s tuition remains significantly less than the average four-year public university charges in-state residents and includes all text and video materials needed.
Decide between, apply, and graduate from an accredited MSOT or OTD program

Choose whether you want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.

From there, consider the following when determining where you will earn it:
- Costs and financial aid
- Curriculum
- Clinical education
Some programs require observation or volunteer experience for admission. You can find these opportunities by calling hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes in your area. Future OTs make these requests often, and most facilities will be accommodating.

Pass the NBCOT

All states require occupational therapists to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

Obtain state licensure

After receiving a passing score, you will be considered a registered OT and may apply for licensure in your state.

Requirements depend on where you live but generally you need to:
- Complete an application and pay the submission fee
- Submit a state and/or federal criminal background check
- Share your official transcripts

Find a job

You can practice once you receive your license.

Occupational therapists typically work in a hospital but may also find roles in:
- Schools
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient clinics
After gaining professional experience, some OTs choose to earn American Occupational Therapy Association certification in one of the following specialties:
- Gerontology
- Pediatrics, or
- Physical rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist Employment Opportunities

More occupational therapists will be needed as the size of the older adult population increases.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities will grow 14 percent through 2034 – much faster than the projected three percent rate for all occupations.

Choosing a career in high demand will provide you with:

Job security
Competitive salaries
Career growth

How Much Do Occupational Therapists Make?

OTs average $98,340 annually, according to the BLS.

Entry-level professionals earn closer to $67,000 while those with more experience may net about $129,000.

OTs often work around their clients’ schedules, so it may require night or weekend shifts.

Your Next Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist

Becoming an occupational therapist takes persistence and purpose – and with the right preparation, you can pursue a meaningful career while making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

The path may not always be straight.

But as Guerline’s story shows, it’ll remain within reach.

(Take online prerequisite courses that help you become an occupational therapist with Portage Learning. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 institutions nationwide.)

Still looking for answers?

Check out the FAQs about this article below.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists improve a person's ability to perform daily tasks. OTs work with ill, injured, or disabled patients to identify issues related to work/life, and develop treatment plans that will address those issues.

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

To practice occupational therapy, you need a master of science in occupational therapy (MSOT.) To obtain your MSOT, it takes about six years of schooling. Some students pursue a doctor of occupational therapy (OTD), rather than an MSOT, but this takes 1 extra year.

What should I major in undergrad to become an occupational therapist?

There is not a specific major you need to have to become an occupational therapist, but most students have biology, kinesiology, or psychology as their major. These programs include a lot of the prerequisites needed to get into a OT program.

What prerequisites are needed for an occupational therapy program?

Some common prerequisites needed for an occupational program are:

All of these can be completed on a self-directed schedule through Portage Learning.