There's a lot to know and consider when deciding to pursue a career in occupational therapy.

Deciding on a program that aligns with your personal and career goals and then determining what coursework and experiences you need to apply can be a significant undertaking.

This guide can help you decide on your next steps.

Step One: Understanding the Role of an Occupational Therapist

Before deciding on a program, it's essential to understand what exactly occupational therapy is and what an occupational therapist does.

• Occupational therapy (OT) is a health care profession that helps people across the lifespan participate in life activities (occupations) and provides recommendations for activities of daily living, work, school, and leisure activities, as well as planning daily routines, among other services.  
• Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled problem solvers and collaborators who use meaningful activities as interventions to help people engage in the activities they need and want to do, thereby achieving their highest possible quality of life.  

Step Two: Researching OT Programs to Fit Your Goals

One of the first steps in deciding on an occupational therapy program is to determine whether you want to pursue a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) or a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT).

Entry into the occupational therapy profession can be achieved at either the master's or doctoral level, and both degree tracks prepare you to become a licensed occupational therapist.

However, key differences exist between them.

• OTD programs typically include additional coursework in leadership, research, and advanced clinical practice. They may open doors to broader career opportunities, such as teaching and academic research, in the long term.

• MOT programs are often shorter and may appeal to students seeking a faster route into the field of occupational therapy. Master's degree programs typically offer opportunities to focus on areas of advanced clinical practice without the additional focus on leadership and research.  

Pay close attention to other program factors, such as location, format (on-campus or hybrid), cost, and prerequisites. Contact admissions advisors with questions about timelines or the application approval process to make informed decisions.

It's vital to start asking such specific questions early in the process to ensure a successful application process.

Step Three: Know the Application Requirements and Prerequisites

The required coursework for admission to an occupational therapy program varies by institution.

In many cases, an earned undergraduate degree (bachelor's) is required to apply for admission to an MOT or OTD program, although some schools offer alternative pathways.

Standard undergraduate majors include biology, kinesiology, health science, sociology, psychology, and education.  

Some OT schools require that applicants complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). However, many do not, and the requirement varies by school and program.

The GRE general test is an objective assessment of the skills needed to succeed in graduate programs.

Other required steps for applicants to the MOT and OTD programs may include:

• A personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• A CV or resume
• Observation hours

Personal Statement

A personal statement is an opportunity for you to share your personality, relevant experiences, and how your goals align with those of the program.

It's a chance to go beyond grades and transcripts to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the program and the occupational therapy profession. For a strong personal statement, consider highlighting:

• What motivated you to consider occupational therapy as a career?
• Experiences working or volunteering in OT or health care
• Your future career goals and any areas of interest (such as pediatrics or physical neurorehabilitation)
• How are your goals aligned with the strengths of the  OT program?

Letters of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation can be from academic advisors, previous teachers and professors, club counselors, volunteer work supervisors, and employers.

The letter should highlight your personal and professional strengths, demonstrating how you are a good fit for the program and profession.

Reach out early to those from whom you are requesting a letter of recommendation, allowing them plenty of time to provide a strong and positive letter. Providing them with a basic template that fits with the specific school or program is also helpful.

CV or Resume

Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is where you can showcase your work history as well as volunteer contributions.

The CV delves deeper into academic-related roles, such as participation in or leadership positions within academic clubs and organizations.

While a resume is typically concise and reflects professional experience, a CV is a more comprehensive document that demonstrates your experiences, awards, achievements, and unique qualifications.

Observation Hours

Before applying to occupational therapy school, you'll be required to complete observation hours at a facility or institution approved by the occupational therapy school or university.

During the observation hours, you'll see occupational therapy practitioners in action, collaborating with other professions and providing evaluations and interventions.

Specifics will vary by school and program; however, it is typical to expect approximately 40 to 50 hours of observation time.

It is essential to locate a facility near you that is approved by your school as soon as possible and to complete the required hours.

Note that you may be required to complete and sign paperwork, as well as undergo a background check, to comply with health information privacy laws and the facility's human resources regulations.  

Start Early and Stay Organized

Applying to OT school is manageable with strong organization and early planning. Create a timeline to track each program's deadlines and contact the admissions staff with any specific questions about the application process.

Remember that you'll need adequate time to request letters of recommendation and complete observation hours.

Whether you're beginning college or preparing your application, this checklist helps you stay focused and confident on your journey to becoming an occupational therapy practitioner.