If you've been thinking about a career in occupational therapy and you're ready to kickstart your path towards your goal, the new year is a perfect time to start.

There's a lot to consider, such as which OT program to choose and how to complete the prerequisites.

This article is here to help you plan out the initial steps towards becoming an occupational therapist.

1. Consider an OTD or MOT

If you're considering a career in occupational therapy, 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 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and to become a licensed occupational therapist.

OT Program Length

Both entry-level MOT and entry-level OTD programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission and generally span two to three years. OTD programs usually take longer, but accelerated formats can reduce the difference and offer future occupational therapists expanded opportunities for career advancement.

OT Program 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 an OTD capstone project.

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

The OTD 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.  

Opportunity for Career Advancement

Both the MOT and the OTD prepare graduates to work in clinical practice settings, such as hospitals, schools, private practice clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Graduates of OTD programs are better prepared for leadership, administrative and higher education roles. Additionally, the doctoral capstone allows candidates to focus on a specific area of concentration, which may better prepare them for specialization in areas of interest.

There are opportunities for advancement in clinical practice, including specialization, through both the MOT and OTD, with experience and ongoing continuing education after graduation.  

2. Shadow an Occupational Therapist

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

During the OT 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.

Shadowing an occupational therapist is more than simply meeting an application requirement. The time spent observing occupational therapy practitioners in action is a valuable opportunity to see whether the field is a good fit for your interests and personal and professional goals.

You'll also get to talk with occupational therapists who are actively working in the field about their careers and their experiences in occupational therapy programs.  

It's a good idea to locate a facility near you approved by your school as soon as possible and complete the required hours.

Note: 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.  

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3. Choose an OT Program and Apply

There are many options when choosing an occupational therapy program, including on-campus, online (post-professional), hybrid, and accelerated formats, and programs offer various specialty tracks or areas of focus.

Traditional On-Campus OT Programs

Traditional on-campus occupational therapy programs offer an immersive, in-person curriculum. Students learn occupational therapy theory and core concepts, along with clinical skills, to prepare for entry into the field.  

Hybrid OT Programs

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.

Hybrid OT programs offer a variety of formats to accommodate diverse student learning styles, schedules, and academic goals:

  • Traditional Hybrid Programs: These programs combine online coursework with scheduled in-person lab sessions, typically following a standard academic calendar.
  • Accelerated Hybrid Programs: Designed to support students who aim to complete their degree in a shorter timeframe, these programs intensify the curriculum by blending online studies with immersive on-campus experiences.
  • Weekend or Evening Hybrid Programs: Tailored for working professionals, these programs schedule in-person sessions during weekends or evenings, allowing students to maintain employment while pursuing their degree.

Post-Professional OTD Programs

For licensed occupational therapists with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree, the post-professional occupational therapy doctorate (PPOTD) is an excellent option to kickstart the next level of their career. These programs are the only OTD programs with entirely online format options.  

Post-professional programs focus on providing mentorship to support learning in leadership, advocacy, administration and higher education teaching.

Application

The application process varies slightly from one occupational therapy program to another. You can learn about the specific requirements, such as shadowing hours or undergraduate degree requirements, as well as any application fees, through the admissions department at your school.

The general application will typically highlight your academic achievements, such as your undergraduate or graduate GPA and, if required, your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.

Your GPA and GRE scores are essential; however, they aren't the only way to stand out on your application. You can highlight your previous courses, especially prerequisites and courses that align with occupational therapy.

New Year, New OT Career Goals

Whether you're looking to begin taking the first steps towards a career in occupational therapy or you're seeking to boost your OT career to the next level, the new year is a perfect time to get started.

Consider which occupational therapy degree is a good fit for you, shadow an OT, and choose a program that fits your needs and values to kickstart your path towards a new career or advancement in occupational therapy.