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.
Still, they differ in duration, cost, curriculum, and career opportunities. This article explores the distinctions to help you determine which path aligns with your professional goals.
Degree Overview: MOT vs OTD
Both MOT and OTD programs prepare students for the NBCOT exam and subsequent licensure. However, there are other key similarities and differences.
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 takes eight months longer to complete than an MOT 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 a doctoral capstone project.
The capstone project is typically focused on an area of interest for the student, and that 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.
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 a MOT program, including tuition, program fees, and books, is $87,717.
For an OTD program, a reasonable estimate is $108,072. The additional expense for OTD is based on the additional curriculum and time required to complete the program.
Career Opportunities and 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 roles in leadership, administration, and higher education.
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, with both the MOT and OTD through experience and ongoing continuing education after graduation.
Salary Considerations
The difference in compensation between MOT and OTD graduates is minimal in most clinical settings. The median annual salary for an occupational therapist is $98,340, regardless of degree level.
OTD-level graduates may have more opportunities for advancement into higher-paying roles in administration, leadership, and academia. However, the starting salary at the clinical practice level will be comparable to MOT-level graduates.
One setting that considers degree level in determining starting pay is the primary and secondary school settings.
Pay scales in public school settings are typically similar to those in the teaching profession, where pay is based on a combination of years of experience and the highest level of education attained.
Job Outlook and Industry Trends
The job outlook for occupational therapists is positive, reflecting a growing demand for their services. Employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2033, which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Evolving trends in the field include the implementation of technology to benefit clients and managing rapidly developing technology to support clients in participating in meaningful activities.
Pros and Cons MOT vs OTD
Both the MOT and OTD pathways prepare students to become occupational therapists; however, each route offers distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on individual goals, financial considerations, and timelines.
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Pros:
- Faster entry into the workforce: MOT programs are typically 8 months shorter, allowing graduates to begin practicing sooner.
- Lower overall cost: Shorter programs usually mean lower tuition and living expenses, making MOT a more affordable option for many students.
- Clinical practice-focused curriculum: The MOT curriculum primarily focuses on clinical practice skills, with a reduced emphasis on academic and research skills.
Cons:
- Limited leadership and academic preparation: While MOTs are highly skilled clinicians, they may need additional education for research, scholarly, or policy roles.
- Fewer options for specialization: Compared to OTD programs, MOT programs offer fewer options for specialized study and comprehensive capstone projects.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Pros:
- Expanded career flexibility: The OTD curriculum prepares graduates for roles in academia, research, leadership, advocacy, and policy.
- Capstone and specialty focus: OTD programs include a doctoral capstone project, which allows students to focus on a specialty area or particular area of interest.
Cons:
- Higher costs and investment of time: OTD programs take longer to complete and incur higher tuition and related fees. The increased investment of time can mean delayed entry into the workforce.
Questions to Consider
Before deciding on an MOT or OTD pathway, consider the following questions:
- Career goals: Do you want to work in clinical practice, or do you have aspirations to work in academic, research, and leadership roles?
- Time and financial investment: Are you prepared to incur the additional cost of the OTD and delay entry into the workforce?
- Long-term goals: Would you consider pursuing an OTD later in your career (post-professional OTD) while starting with an MOT?
The Best Choice for You
Choosing between an MOT and an OTD depends on your career objectives, financial situation, and personal interests. If your goal is to enter the workforce promptly and focus on clinical practice, a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) may be the appropriate choice.
Conversely, if you're drawn to research, academia, or leadership positions, an OTD could provide the advanced training necessary for those paths.
Both degrees offer value and opportunities in the evolving field of occupational therapy.
