Choosing the right occupational therapy (OT) program is the first step towards your goal of becoming an occupational therapist. You want to select an accredited OT program that aligns with your educational and career goals and learning style.

This article considers the essential tips for choosing the right OT program for you.  

Confirm ACOTE Accreditation Status

Before investing your time and resources in any occupational therapy program, confirm its accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). To become a licensed occupational therapist, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

Graduates of fully accredited ACOTE programs, as well as programs that hold ACOTE candidacy status and achieve accreditation prior to graduation, are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam and pursue licensure. When considering a program in the candidacy process, it’s important to understand its accreditation timeline.

Choose Between an MOT or OTD Degree Path

If you're considering a career in OT, choosing between a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a pivotal decision. Both degrees qualify you to take the NBCOT exam and to become a licensed occupational therapist. Still, they differ in duration, cost, curriculum and career opportunities.

OT Program Length

Both entry-level MOT and entry-level OTD programs require completion of a bachelor's degree for admission, and the length of both programs is approximately two to three years, depending on the specific program. In general, however, an OTD program may take eight months longer to complete than an MOT program.

MOT and OTD Curriculum

MOT programs provide graduates with the skills necessary to work in clinical practice, providing occupational therapy services. OTD programs provide graduates with comparable clinical practice skills, supplemented by a research and leadership curriculum and the requirement to complete a doctoral capstone project.

The capstone project is typically focused on an area of interest to the student and is also relevant to the field.

The doctoral capstone project provides candidates with real-world experience in conducting research or producing projects that contribute to the field. The leadership and research curriculum, combined with the capstone project experience, prepares graduates with the skills to enter careers in higher education, leadership and advocacy.  

Approach to Teaching

Not all OT programs follow the same approach to teaching and learning. Consider your interests and learning style, and research the program's educational philosophy and teaching structure, or speak with a program advisor.  

  • Does the curriculum emphasize hands-on learning, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration?
  • Are there opportunities to customize electives and focus on a specific area of interest?
  • Is there a focus on group projects and learning, independent learning, or a mix of both?

Total Cost

A variety of factors influence the total cost of any university program, including out-of-state fees and the distinction between public and private institutions. That said, a reasonable estimate for the total expense of an MOT program, including tuition, program fees and books, is about $88,000.

For an OTD program, a reasonable estimate is approximately $109,000. The additional expense for OTD is based on the additional curriculum and time required to complete the program.

Although the total cost of either choice can seem daunting, keep in mind that there are ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Research OT program scholarships, as any amount is helpful, and consider hybrid programs or attending a school near where you live to reduce room and board, as well as other living expenses.  

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Compare OT Program Delivery Models

Consider the program's educational delivery model. Ensure the delivery method aligns with your learning style, schedule, location and support needs by considering some essential factors:

  • How frequently will you need to attend in-person courses, and where are they taught?
  • Are there satellite locations closer to your location, or will you need to attend in-person classes on the main campus?
  • Are there hybrid, distance learning, or accelerated options?

There are no accredited, fully online entry-level OT schools or programs. Only post-professional occupational therapy programs offer fully online options. However, many entry-level programs offer partial online courses in a hybrid format.

Hybrid Format

Hybrid OT programs typically deliver instructional, didactic coursework via an online format. Hands-on clinical training, labs and fieldwork requirements are completed on campus or at on-site locations.

Some hybrid programs offer accelerated options, combining online learning with in-person engagement to provide a unique learning experience that can reduce the time required to earn your degree and support quicker entry into the field.

  • Online Coursework: Students attend instruction, complete course modules, collaborate in group work, and submit assignments through an online platform. Coursework may be completed synchronously (via live virtual sessions), asynchronously (by accessing course materials on an independent schedule), or through a combination of both.
  • In-Person Training and Labs: Students meet on campus or at another on-site location to participate in hands-on, intensive labs and clinical skill training. Depending on the program, in-person attendance may be as frequent as once a week or once a weekend per month, or it may occur throughout a semester or academic year.  
  • Clinical Fieldwork: All accredited occupational therapy programs require supervised, on-site clinical fieldwork. Level I fieldwork is completed throughout the program. Following completion of all coursework and labs, OT students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork, which involves real-world practice under the supervision of a qualified fieldwork educator in various clinical settings.    

While the balance of online and in-person components varies, hybrid occupational therapy programs are generally designed to offer flexibility and expand access through a combination of online and in-person learning.

Making Your Final OT Program Decision

Choosing the right occupational therapy program is the first step towards beginning the path to your educational and career goals. It's essential to confirm that ACOTE accredits the OT program you're considering.

Consider your goals, program length and total cost when comparing MOT and OTD options. Lastly, consider your learning style, interests and lifestyle to ensure a good fit with the program's educational delivery model.

Finding an OT school and program that aligns with your goals and values will help you to get the most out of your journey to becoming an occupational therapist.