Best Occupational Therapy Master's Programs

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Pre-professional master's programs in occupational therapy typically do not require students to hold a bachelor's degree in any particular field. However, most of these programs have some prerequisite requirements for admission, so it may be common for students to earn a degree in the fields of science, health, or the social sciences. Degrees in fields such as biology, psychology, health science, and other related areas will likely contain many of the required prerequisite courses for occupational therapy programs.

Admissions requirements for occupational therapy master's programs vary by the type of program and school. Post-professional programs generally require applicants to already hold a professional degree in occupational therapy and have licensure in the field or qualify for licensure. Pre-professional programs, on the other hand, only require applicants to have a bachelor's degree. Applicants commonly need to meet a minimum GPA requirement and take the GRE, but there are some occupational therapy master's programs with no GRE requirements. Depending on the school, some students will have to complete a minimum amount of occupational therapy observation hours. It is also fairly common for these pre-professional programs to have prerequisite courses in areas such as:

• Statistics
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Psychology
• Human development
• English
• Sociology

Application materials also vary by school. Typically, students can expect to include items such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement or essays. Some programs include an interview process.

Choosing a master's degree in occupational therapy can be a challenge and may come down to several factors. Students first need to determine what type of degree they want, starting with a pre-professional vs. a post-professional master's program. Then, students can begin looking at program-specific features, such as unique course offerings, hybrid formats, or small class sizes. Students should also consider that most of these programs require fieldwork and hands-on labs, so they will likely need to enroll in a program that is near where they live. Finally, the cost of a program and availability of financial aid may play a role in a student's decision.

Students should always try to earn a degree from an accredited institution, as this allows them to qualify for financial aid and indicates that specific academic standards have been met. Most schools that offer occupational therapy master's programs are regionally accredited, which means the school's various degree programs have met general academic guidelines set by organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission. However, many master's programs in occupational therapy have an additional level of accreditation that is specific to the field. This program-level accreditation is typically awarded by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This accreditation may be preferred by employers as it indicates that programs have met rigorous academic standards specific to occupational therapy to best prepare graduates for work in the field.

Coursework for master's degree programs in occupational therapy usually helps prepare students for professional licensure and careers as occupational therapists. These pre-professional degree programs can require as much as 84 to 96 credits of coursework and typically take at least 2 years to complete. However, post-professional master's programs in occupational therapy are usually shorter, typically between 9 and 12 months in length, and may only require between 12 and 30 credits of coursework. Pre-professional programs typically include fieldwork, while some post-professional programs require a culminating project. Many programs are available in hybrid formats and combine online and in-person learning. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the coursework in a pre-professional program that helps prepare students for a career in the field, but provide a brief overview of courses in post-professional degrees as well.

Occupational Therapy Foundational Courses

Many pre-professional programs in occupational therapy only require core courses in the field, including fieldwork, but do not usually include elective courses. Post-professional programs can include both core and elective courses. Core courses for pre-professional master's programs in occupational therapy focus on research, theories, and methods for the field. Students receive hands-on training during labs and fieldwork. Fieldwork is typically required at 2 separate levels. Level 1 fieldwork generally provides students with an overview of occupational therapy with different populations, such as adults and children. while Level 2 fieldwork is taken toward the end of the program and gives students a chance to practice advanced skills and prepare for licensure. Some examples of core occupational therapy courses include:

• Evidence-based practice
• Research methods
• Assessment and evaluation
• Patient care skills
• Anatomy
• Health and occupation
• Assistive technology
• Intervention

Occupational Therapy Specialist & Elective Courses

As mentioned, pre-professional programs in occupational therapy typically do not include elective courses. However, students get the chance to experience and apply occupational therapy to different populations of patients through fieldwork and different evaluation and intervention courses. These different specialization areas may include pediatrics, acute physical health challenges, chronic physical health challenges, and geriatrics. Post-professional master's programs in the field can include elective courses and also allow students to further focus their studies in the field. Students may take elective courses in areas such as:

• Neurological evaluation
• Pediatric evaluation
• Rehabilitation evaluation
• Geriatrics evaluation
• Orthopedic evaluation

Licensure & Certification in Occupational Therapy

Aspiring occupational therapists in any state must obtain licensure to practice. All states require these professionals to take and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, but other licensure requirements vary by state. The NBCOT exam requires students to hold an accredited degree in the field and complete the required fieldwork. Once students have passed the exam, they are able to use the 'Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR)' credential. Maintenance of the licensure requires continuing education. Students can also pursue board certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association in different occupational therapy specializations. For instance, occupational therapists may become board certified in mental health or pediatrics.

Students wishing to further advance their knowledge and expertise in occupational therapy can pursue a doctoral degree in the field. At the doctorate level, students can still choose from entry-level or post-professional programs. The most common degrees are Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy programs. Students may pursue these degrees to move into research- or leadership-based positions, as well as entry-level positions in the field. These advanced degrees typically include fieldwork, research opportunities, and conclude with a culminating project of some kind.

Occupational therapists can gain support in their profession by joining an occupational therapy professional organization. These groups are available at the national and state levels to advocate for the field and provide numerous resources for professionals. For example, these groups may help provide continuing education opportunities for occupational therapists to maintain their license in the field. Usually, these organizations offer membership and help provide students and professionals with updated information in the field. Examples of occupational therapy professional organizations include:

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)- AOTA not only offers board certifications in various specialization areas for occupational therapists, but also provides continuing education, conferences, and awards in the field. Professionals have access to the group's various publications, job resources, and information concerning advocacy and policy in occupational therapy.
• Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy (MAOT)- MAOT is just one example of a state-level group for occupational therapy that focuses on providing professionals information and news that pertains specifically to their state. MAOT offers membership, access to a career center, and various events throughout the year. The group is also highly involved in state and local legislation concerning the field.

The most common and clear answer to what you can do with a master's in occupational therapy is to become an occupational therapist. Some of these therapists may begin their career as an occupational therapy technician or assistant in a particular specialty area, such as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant. They may decide to earn a master's degree in the field to pursue licensure and work with the title of occupational therapist. Graduates with a master's degree in occupational therapy can pursue positions practicing in the field or working as administrators, researchers, or even faculty members for academic programs in the field. Occupational therapists can also work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Mental health facilities
• Long-term care facilities
• Community programs

Job Outlook for a Master's in Occupational Therapy

In general, the outlook for those working in occupational therapy is very good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that occupational therapists had a job outlook of 16% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the national average. This equates to 22,700 new positions throughout the decade. This growth may be due to an aging population and the need for occupational therapists to assist patients with a variety of illnesses and disabilities. The BLS reported that job prospects would be particularly good for those with specialized skills and knowledge in the field and those who work in hospital, orthopedic, and rehabilitation settings. Other potential careers for graduates may also have positive job outlooks. For example, those wishing to work as a postsecondary teacher in a health specialty can expect a job outlook of 21% from 2019 to 2029.

How to Become an Occupational Therapist

In order to become an occupational therapist, students must hold at least a master's degree, but doctoral degrees in the field are common. Students generally need to attend an accredited program and participate in various occupational therapy settings, typically through courses and volunteer work. Master's programs in the field conclude with fieldwork experience that meets NBCOT exam eligibility requirements. Students must pass the NBCOT exam and meet other state licensure requirements to practice. Some occupational therapists pursue board certification in a specialty area.

As of 2019, occupational therapists made a median annual salary of $84,950 per the BLS. These therapists work with patients who are disabled, injured, or ill to help them obtain the skills needed for everyday activities. They use various therapies to help patients improve their control of these skills, including using specialized equipment as needed. Occupational therapists must first create a treatment plan, demonstrate exercises and help patients perform them, and monitor patients' progress. They are also highly involved in educating patients' families and workplaces on the needs of the patient and determining how different environments can be improved to best serve the patient.

How to Become a Postsecondary Educator

Some postsecondary institutions require educators to have a doctoral degree in their particular field, but others only require a master's degree. In the case of occupational therapy where a master's degree is required for licensure and practice in the field, a master's degree may be acceptable for a position as an educator. It is also common for educators in fields that require licensure to hold that particular licensure, so in this case, occupational therapists wishing to teach likely need their OTR license. Postsecondary educators usually need to have some work experience in their field of expertise as well.

The BLS reported that health specialty teachers, at the postsecondary level made a median annual salary of $97,320 as of 2019. These educators may teach multiple courses in their field and must develop the curriculum, assignments, and exams for each course. Postsecondary educators need to be available to help students, and must stay updated on current trends and news in their field. Many postsecondary institutions expect educators to be involved in research that will continue to advance their field.

Graduate programs in occupational therapy can get expensive, but there are many resources available to students who need assistance funding their education. For example, graduates students are still able to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal and state loans and grants. Scholarships are another great option as they do not need to be repaid and are available from a wide range of sources in the field of occupational therapy. Students may find scholarships available from their school or other outside organizations, such as:

• AOTF Charles Christiansen and Beth Jones Scholarship- The American Occupational Therapy Foundation, which is part of AOTA, works with state organizations to offer a range of scholarships, including this $2,000 award for graduate students. The award gives preference to students who add to the ethnic diversity of occupational therapy.
• National AMBUCS, Inc. Therapy Scholarship- This organization provides multiple awards ranging from $500 to $1,500 and one, 2-year award for $6,000 to graduate students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology and hearing audiology.