The requirements for becoming a licensed occupational therapist might vary slightly from state to state; however, no matter which state you live in, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. You must have at least a master's degree in occupational therapy before you can take this exam. If you are interested in this profession, a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy is typically offered within the health sciences department of a college or university and can prepare you for applying to advanced degree programs.
What is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy?
An online bachelor's degree in occupational therapy teaches patient assessment and therapy treatments. Students learn human anatomy and health conditions and how occupational therapy can provide patients with functional living skills. This degree can prepare you to continue your studies through a master's degree or a career as an occupational therapy assistant or aide. There are very few complete online programs for occupational therapy, as an occupational therapy degree typically requires hands-on coursework. However, students can take general education and introductory level classes, but will need to take some in-person courses and internships.
A bachelor's degree in occupational therapy is typically considered a pre-occupational therapy degree. Most advanced degree programs in occupational therapy require classroom studies and completed internships under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Degrees include:
- Bachelor of Science- Health Sciences, Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Health Science on an Occupational Therapy Track
Occupational Therapy Specializations/Concentrations
Degrees in occupational therapy require introductory courses such as anatomy, biology, math, physics, and chemistry. After completing the core classes, students often choose a specialization or concentration. These include:
- Nutrition
- Sports medicine
- Kinesiology
- Therapeutic recreation
Occupational therapists help people achieve independence when recovering from injury, illness, disability, or psychological illnesses, so some specializations may prepare students for these various career paths.
Curriculum/Coursework for an Occupational Therapist Degree
The bachelor's degree should provide a broad background, and students should graduate with the knowledge of how the body works and an understanding of psychology. Most bachelor programs require a minimum of 120 credit hours that include a combination of core curriculum classes and electives in the student's concentration. Some of the courses in the core curriculum include:
- Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Nutrition
- Cognitive Psychology
- Ethics in Healthcare
- Kinesiology
- Pharmacology
- Assistive Technology
- Evidence-Based Practices
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy?
Typically, it takes four years of full-time study to get an online bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. Generally, the first 45-50 credits fulfill general education requirements, and the final 70-75 credits include professional coursework. Students must complete fieldwork and internships under a licensed occupational therapist's supervision, which students cannot complete online.
Students who take courses part-time will take longer to complete the coursework. The length of time to complete the degree depends on how many credits students choose to take each semester.
How to Choose an Occupational Therapist School & Program
Choosing the right online occupational therapist school could make a difference in your success and future career. Here are some factors to consider:
- Ensure the school received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). You cannot take the national exam unless you graduate from an accredited program.
- Check the degrees offered and make sure they match your aspirations. Degrees that prepare you to be an occupational therapist assistant can be different than those that qualify you to continue your education to become an occupational therapist. For example, if you are interested in a career working with children, look for schools that offer pediatric occupational therapy specializations.
- Look at the program's cost and what financial aid might be available. Fees for programs vary by school. You can also talk with an advisor regarding potential financial aid and scholarships through the federal government, state government, the college, and professional organizations.
- Level of support provided. When attending an online school, the ease and access to support - whether for financial aid, class schedules, or career resources - is critical. Check to see what resources the school offers and, if possible, speak with current students about the ease of access to faculty and resources.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy Degrees
The accreditation organization for educational programs in occupational therapy is the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), an advisory council of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize ACOTE as the accreditation organization for OT studies.
When a school or program is accredited, it meets or exceeds standards set forth by the accrediting organization. Students applying to get their bachelor's degree should pay attention to a school's accreditation because:
- Students choosing to transfer to a different school might find that credits are only transferable for classes taken at an accredited school.
- Some advanced degree programs may only accept coursework completed at an accredited school.
- Financial aid, including government grants and government and private loans, might only be awarded to students attending an accredited school.
Students can check the ACOTE website for a directory of accredited schools.
Occupational Therapy Licensure & Certification
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam require occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants to be licensed. However, the licensure requirements might differ in each state, so it is essential to check with your state's requirements. All states have the following criteria:
- Degree from an accredited college, university, or educational program
- Complete fieldwork requirements
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
- Apply for a license and pay the licensure fee in your state
Some states might require state and federal criminal background checks and child abuse clearances if working with children. Additionally, some states might require applicants to pass a state test as well. After you graduate, you can apply and interview for jobs before completing your license requirements, as long as the potential employer understands where you are in the process. Some states will grant a temporary or limited license to use until the test results are received. Usually, applicants can only work under a licensed occupational therapist's supervision.
Occupational Therapy Career Information
Becoming a licensed occupational therapist requires a master's or doctoral degree. Although requirements may differ depending on your state, some common ones include:
- Graduate from an accredited OT program
- Complete fieldwork
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam
- Complete a license application and submit along with required payment
Some states might also require criminal background checks.
With a bachelor's degree, students might be able to find a position as an occupational therapy aide or assistant. Other jobs someone could look for with a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy include:
- Life coach
- Medical sales representative
- Consultant with an assistive technology company
- Medical or health services manager
- Art or recreational therapist
- Rehabilitation liaison
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Pediatric occupational therapy assistant
Some people might choose to look for work outside of the occupational therapy field while they continue their education and work toward a master's or doctoral degree. Other people might find that they enjoy their job and focus on that as a career instead of occupational therapy.
How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with patients living with a long-term illness or an injury that reduces daily functioning. The therapist develops a treatment plan that includes activities to build daily routines skills.
The first step towards becoming an occupational therapist is to earn a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. However, it can also be in other majors, such as psychology, nutrition, kinesiology, or sports medicine. During this time, students should explore concentrations, think about where they want to continue their education, and work toward meeting the advanced degree program requirements.
Next, students need to complete a master's or doctoral program in occupational therapy, including completing fieldwork under an occupational therapist's direct supervision. Once the educational requirements are met, you must take and pass the NBCOT exam. Finally, you must apply and pay for licensure in your state.
According to PayScale, an occupational therapist's average base hourly rate is $41.01/hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for occupational therapists are expected to increase by 16 percent by 2029.
How to Become an Assistive Technology Professional
An assistive technology professional or specialist works with assistive technology to improve their lives, often specializing in people with disabilities, physical illness, or injuries that prevent them from certain activities. They help their clients use technology equipment, such as computers and specialized software, to improve daily functioning; for example, an assistive technology specialist might teach someone how to use text to speech software. They often work with people at various levels, for example, working with children on incorporating computer skills for communication, or working with adults on using technology to complete daily hygiene tasks.
Typically, assistive technology specialists have a minimum of a master's degree, although it is possible to have this career with a bachelor's degree. Prospective students will likely take specialized classes, such as the certificate course Certificate Practice in Assistive Technology. Once you have completed your education, look for a career in special education or rehabilitation centers.
According to PayScale, the average base salary for an assistive technology professional is $51,589 per year. The BLS does not currently have any data on the job outlook for assistive technology professionals, but does have information on special education teachers. The job outlook for special education teachers is expected to increase by 3 percent by 2029.
Professional Organizations in Occupational Therapy
Professional organizations offer several benefits. Many offer developmental and continuing education programs to help occupational therapists stay updated on the latest information. When you join one, you become part of a more extensive network of people in similar jobs, likely making it easier to find a job. The professional organizations for occupational therapists include:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - AOTA has more than 230,000 members in the United States and provides continuing education and programs to help members with professional development. Membership fees range from $75.00 per year for students to $225.00 per year for licensed occupational therapists.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - WFOT offers members discounts on research materials and access to an international online occupational therapist network. They have a student membership available. You must be a member of your country's association (AOTA in the U.S.) Membership fees range from $27.00 to $60.00 per year.
What Other Kinds of Occupational Therapy Degrees Are There?
A bachelor's degree is just one degree available for occupational therapy. An associate degree only requires two years of full-time education; however, the other degrees - master's and doctoral - are advanced degrees. Students working on their master's or PhD already obtained a bachelor's and are looking to further their education. In addition, there are certificate programs. These are usually geared toward clinicians who want further education on a specialized aspect of occupational therapy to enhance their career.
Online Associate Degrees in Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs are usually offered as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and generally take two-years to complete. Students learn occupational therapy theory, activity analysis, clinical reasoning, and therapy methods during online occupational therapy associate's programs. Students can prepare for the NBCOT Certification in Occupational Therapy to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Job titles include Occupational Therapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy Aide, and graduates can work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, residential care facilities, and community centers. According to PayScale, the average hourly pay for a COTA is $26.83 per hour.
Online Master's Degrees in Occupational Therapy
There are no accredited Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programs entirely online, as occupational therapy is a 'hands-on' occupation. Fieldwork under a licensed occupational therapist is mandatory before receiving a degree and licensure. However, many offer a hybrid model that provides online classroom learning and in-person fieldwork. While taking classes, students are also preparing for their licensing exam. A master's degree prepares you for numerous careers, including occupational therapist, clinical director, college instructor, rehabilitation manager, or pediatric occupational therapist.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Occupational Therapy
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Occupational Therapy prepares students to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Certification Exam and practice as a licensed professional. As of 2027, a doctoral degree will be required to obtain an occupational therapist license. As with master's programs, many schools offer a hybrid approach, allowing for classes online, lab work, and fieldwork. When applying for a doctoral program, students should already be certified by the NBCOT. Occupational therapy assistants are not eligible to apply to doctoral programs.
Online Certificates in Occupational Therapy
The Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Program (PPOTD) is a 30 credit program for clinicians who want to enhance their careers. It focuses on clinical applications and, if taking two classes at a time, can be completed in 16 months. It is not as time-consuming as a doctoral degree, but also allows for career advancement.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education is changing educational requirements for Occupational Therapy, and beginning on July 1, 2027, doctoral degrees will become the minimum educational requirement for becoming an occupational therapist. A minimum of a bachelor's degree will be needed for occupational therapist assistants. This change will not affect people who currently have a license, are in school, or plan to enroll before July 1, 2027.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Occupational Therapy Degrees
Financial aid encompasses all money a student receives to help pay for college, including monetary gifts from family, scholarships, loans, and grants. Gifts, scholarships, and grants generally do not need to be repaid. There are also federal and private student loans, which students need to repay - most of the time. Occupational therapy is recognized as a national need profession, which means that those working with children, adolescents, and veterans may be eligible for loan forgiveness, up to $10,000 over five years.
Students enrolled in associate and bachelor's degree programs must complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal grant and loan programs. Students in graduate school can complete the FAFSA. They can apply for government loans and grants; however, they are usually not eligible for Pell grants. Students working toward an advanced degree can look for scholarships and research and educational assistant opportunities. Many opt to work full or part-time while going to school.
