- Q1: How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?
Generally, it takes about 6 to 7 years after high school. This includes a 4-year bachelor's degree followed by a 2-to-3-year Master's (MOT) or Doctoral (OTD) program.
- Q2: What degree do you need for occupational therapy?
You need a graduate degree from an accredited program. While a bachelor's degree is the first step, you must earn either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) to be eligible for licensure.
- Q3: What is the difference between an MOT and an OTD?
Both an MOT and an OTD will qualify you to take the NBCOT exam and become a licensed OT. The main difference is that an OTD is a longer, more in-depth program with a greater emphasis on research, leadership, and clinical scholarship.
- Q4: Is occupational therapy a good career?
Yes, occupational therapy is widely considered an excellent career. It has strong job growth projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a competitive median salary, and offers the deep satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people's quality of life.
How to become an occupational therapist involves several key steps, from education to licensure. It is a rewarding career path for anyone called to help people regain independence after illness, injury, or disability. This guide breaks down the exact requirements and shows how tools like HelloNote EMR can support you along the way.Occupational therapy is more than a profession it’s a calling to help people regain independence and function after illness, injury, or disability. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, understanding the occupational therapy career path is the first step toward a meaningful future in healthcare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting there, plus how tools like HelloNote EMR can support you every step of the way.
Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Before you can apply to OT school, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree. While there’s no official “pre-OT” major, many students choose related fields such as:
Biology
Psychology
Kinesiology
Health Sciences
What to focus on during your undergraduate studies:
Complete Prerequisites: Fulfill all OT school requirements, which usually include anatomy, physiology, and statistics.
Gain Observation Hours: Most graduate programs require at least 40–100 hours of shadowing in occupational therapy settings.
Build Experience: Volunteer in hospitals, schools, or rehab centers to strengthen your application and confirm your passion for the field.
Step 2: Complete an Accredited MOT or OTD Program
To become a licensed occupational therapist, you must graduate from an accredited program either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
While the field is gradually transitioning to entry-level doctoral programs, an MOT degree is still widely accepted and fully valid for licensure.
What graduate programs typically require:
GRE scores (optional for some schools)
Letters of recommendation
Documented shadowing or clinical experience
What you’ll study:
Neuroscience and kinesiology
Pediatric and geriatric OT
Mental health interventions
Level I & II fieldwork (hands-on clinical rotations in diverse settings)
Most programs take 2 to 3 years to complete.
Step 3: Pass the National (NBCOT) Exam
After earning your graduate degree, the next step is passing the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam.
Exam format: A 4-hour test with 170 multiple-choice questions.
Content: Covers clinical decision-making, ethics, treatment planning, and patient care.
Pass rate: Around 85% for first-time test-takers (based on 2023 data).
Once you pass, you will earn the OTR (Occupational Therapist, Registered) credential.
Step 4: Obtain Your State Occupational Therapist License
Every state requires OTs to be licensed, and the requirements can vary. Most states require:
NBCOT score submission
A criminal background check
A jurisprudence exam (in some states)
To find your state’s specific requirements, use the official AOTA State Licensure Tool.
Step 5: Launch Your Occupational Therapy Career
Once you have your occupational therapist license, you’re ready to begin working. OTs are in high demand across a wide range of settings, including:
Hospitals and outpatient clinics
Schools and early intervention programs
Home health and skilled nursing facilities
Mental health centers
Salary Outlook (2024):
Median salary: $93,180 per year
Top 10%: Over $120,750
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
You can also pursue specialty certifications to deepen your expertise in areas like Pediatrics (BCP), Gerontology (BCG), or Hand Therapy (CHT).
How HelloNote EMR Supports New Occupational Therapists
Managing patients is one part of the job—documenting progress, billing correctly, and staying compliant is another. HelloNote EMR is designed to simplify this side of your practice:
Preloaded CPT codes for OT evaluations (e.g., 97165–97167).
Built-in tools for functional goal tracking for ADLs, cognitive rehab, and fine motor skills.
Integrated billing workflows that reduce claim errors and administrative time.
With an easy-to-use platform built for therapists, HelloNote allows you to spend more time doing what you love—helping people heal and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Final Takeaways
Becoming an occupational therapist takes commitment, but the occupational therapy career path is clear:
Bachelor’s Degree → Graduate Program (MOT or OTD) → NBCOT Exam → State License → Clinical Career
Fieldwork is a vital part of your training, so choose placements that expose you to both pediatric and adult populations. And once you’re in practice, tools like HelloNote EMR can help you streamline your workflow and focus on patient care not paperwork.
Occupational therapy is a blend of science, creativity, and compassion. If you’re ready to make a real difference in people’s lives, this career is waiting for you.