Occupational therapy is a growing field that combines science, compassion, and problem-solving to help people live more independent and fulfilling lives. Whether you’re exploring a new career or planning your education path, understanding what degree do you need to be an occupational therapist is the first step. This article explains the required education, degrees available, certification and licensure process, and the skills that help you succeed in this rewarding profession. You’ll also learn about workplace options, career growth, and how to start your journey toward becoming a licensed occupational therapist.
To become an occupational therapist, you must earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program. After completing your degree, you must pass the national certification exam from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and meet state licensure requirements to practice legally. Most programs also include supervised fieldwork, which provides hands-on clinical experience before licensure.
| Degree Level | Program Length | National Exam | Fieldwork Required | Licensure | Entry Level Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) | 4 years | No | Observation or volunteer experience | Not applicable | Prepares for graduate study |
| Master’s in Occupational Therapy | 2–3 years | NBCOT required | Level I & II Fieldwork | Required in all states | Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) |
| Doctorate in Occupational Therapy | 3–4 years | NBCOT required | Level I & II Fieldwork + capstone | Required in all states | Advanced clinical or leadership roles |
Occupational therapy helps people perform everyday activities and daily living tasks through the therapeutic use of occupations. Occupational therapists treat patients of all ages who have physical injuries, developmental disorders, or mental health conditions. Their work improves function, safety, and independence across home, school, and work environments.
Occupational therapists work in:
They often collaborate with speech therapists, nurses, and physicians to coordinate patient care.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) establish education standards for all occupational therapy programs.
Only graduates of an accredited program can sit for the national exam. All states require occupational therapists to hold an active license, and licenses must remain current through continuing education.
To become an occupational therapist, students follow a structured education path that begins with undergraduate study and advances through graduate-level training. Each degree level builds the academic knowledge and clinical skills needed for safe and effective patient care.
A bachelor’s degree is the foundation for entering an occupational therapy graduate program. Many students choose majors such as psychology, kinesiology, biology, or health science, as these disciplines cover anatomy, physiology, and human development, key subjects that support future occupational therapy education.
Some students also pursue degrees in child development or education if they are interested in working with children. Regardless of major, applicants must complete prerequisite courses in areas like anatomy, statistics, and abnormal psychology, which prepare them for the academic demands of graduate occupational therapy programs.
A master’s degree in occupational therapy (MOT or MSOT) is the current entry-level degree for most practicing occupational therapists. These programs typically last two to three years and include:
Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam and apply for state licensure, becoming an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
A doctoral degree (OTD) offers additional coursework and advanced training in leadership, research, and program development.
The program includes:
Both master’s and doctoral paths meet the requirements to become an occupational therapist.
An ACOTE-accredited program provides the structured academic and clinical foundation required for competent practice. Students begin with Level I fieldwork, where they observe clinical environments and learn basic client interaction. The experience expands with Level II fieldwork, which involves full-time supervised placements that allow students to apply their knowledge directly with patients in hospitals, schools, or community settings.
Throughout the OT program, students develop interpersonal skills, practice documentation, and learn to use adaptive equipment and special equipment safely and effectively alongside other students.
If you’re preparing to enter the field or are already a licensed occupational therapist, Flagstar Rehab can help you find career opportunities that match your skills and goals. Visit our Occupational Therapist Staffing Agency page to explore current openings and start your next assignment.
After completing your occupational therapy degree, the next phase involves meeting national and state requirements to begin practicing. Licensure and certification confirm that you’re qualified to provide safe, professional patient care.
Graduates must pass the national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
This exam evaluates clinical reasoning, patient care, and understanding of occupational therapy practice. After passing, professionals can use the title Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
Each state has its own licensing requirements, but all states require occupational therapists to hold a valid license.
Typical steps include:
Continuing education and specialty certifications from the American Occupational Therapy Association help therapists stay competitive and improve career opportunities.
Occupational therapy professionals work at different levels depending on their education and certification. Each role, from therapist to assistant or aide, contributes to patient care by supporting daily living activities and promoting recovery.
| Role | Minimum Degree | Scope of Practice | Supervision | Common Workplaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | Master’s or Doctorate | Evaluates and develops treatment plans | Independent | Hospitals, SNFs, clinics |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) | Associate’s or Bachelor’s | Implements plans under OT supervision | Works under OT | Schools, SNFs, outpatient |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | High School Diploma | Performs support tasks | Works under OT or OTA | Rehab centers, nursing homes |
Occupational therapy assistants and aides play key roles in supporting therapy sessions, preparing adaptive equipment, and recording patient progress.
If you’re an occupational therapist, assistant, or aide looking to grow your career, we offer placements across multiple therapy settings. Learn how Flagstar Rehab connects professionals with trusted employers through our Occupational Therapist Staffing Agency services.
Strong applicants demonstrate academic and hands-on readiness through:
Additional coursework in anatomy, physiology, or behavioral science can strengthen your application to graduate programs.
Both master’s and doctoral degrees prepare students to become licensed occupational therapists, but they differ in depth and focus. Understanding these differences helps you choose the path that best fits your career goals and time commitment.
| Factor | Master’s Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2–3 years | 3–4 years |
| Focus | Clinical practice | Leadership, research, advanced roles |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Career Entry | Faster | Broader advancement options |
| Example Outcome | OT in hospitals or clinics | Educator or clinical director |
Students focused on direct patient care may choose the master’s degree program, while those seeking advanced training in leadership or academia often pursue the doctoral degree.
After becoming licensed, occupational therapists can pursue board and specialty certifications in areas such as:
Specialty certifications expand scope and open more career opportunities in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or school systems.
Therapists often complete continuing education and additional training every few years to stay current with licensing requirements and best practices.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong employment growth for occupational therapy practitioners.
Becoming an occupational therapist takes dedication, advanced education, and hands-on experience, but it leads to a rewarding career that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree, completing an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the national certification exam, and maintaining state licensure will prepare you to provide quality patient care in hospitals, clinics, or community settings. With growing demand across the country, now is an excellent time to start your journey toward a stable and impactful career in occupational therapy.
If you’re a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant looking for new career opportunities, Flagstar Rehab can help you find the right fit. We offer flexible placements in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, school systems, and home health agencies across the country. Contact FSRehab today to match your skills with top employers and take the next step in your therapy career.
The best undergraduate degree for future occupational therapists is usually in a related field such as psychology, biology, kinesiology, or health science. These majors include the prerequisite courses most occupational therapy programs require, such as anatomy, physiology, and behavioral sciences.
Students earn either a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy or a Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy. The master’s degree program (MOT or MSOT) is currently the standard entry-level degree, while some schools also offer the doctoral degree (OTD) for advanced training and leadership preparation. Both degree paths qualify graduates to take the national certification exam and apply for state licensure to practice as a licensed occupational therapist.
Yes. To become an occupational therapist, you must complete at least a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program. Some students choose a doctoral degree instead, but a master’s degree is the minimum requirement in most states. After graduation, you must pass the national board exam and meet licensing requirements before working as a practicing occupational therapist.
To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), you need an associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited program in occupational therapy assisting. These programs typically take two years and include supervised fieldwork, classroom instruction, and hands-on patient care training. After earning the degree, graduates must pass the national certification exam and apply for state licensure before working under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.