People who are considering to work as occupational therapists need to start the process by getting a bachelor’s degree. The minimum education required is a Master’s degree which prepares students to establish a rehabilitation program. During this program, they work on restoring the independence of patients by improving and developing their daily living skills. Some students get a doctoral degree to advance their careers.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a field where professionals provide rehabilitative services to patients who are physically or mentally impaired. They also work with patients who have developmental impairments. Occupational Therapists teach patients how to live fully by developing and improving their daily life skills keeping in view their limitations. Since each patient may have different issues, the professionals make a separate plan for each patient. They are assisted by Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs).
An associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree are offered in occupational therapy.
What Can You Do with A Degree in Occupational Therapy?
Having a degree in occupational therapy will prepare students for a variety of roles in this field. The career paths related to this field deal with improving the physical and mental well-being of individuals. Some candidates choose to work in the field of medicine, while others prefer to enter an academic field.
Here are some of the career options for people who have a degree in occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapists
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $84,950 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 18% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $86,210 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New York | 12,460 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Nevada | $105,450 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical and Health Service Managers
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $100,980 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 18% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $115,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 36,940 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $150,040 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-Secondary Teachers
Post-secondary teachers educate students in their subject area. Health specialties teachers educate students about fields such as public health, dentistry, therapy, and medicine, etc.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $97,320 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% (Postsecondary Teachers) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $121,620 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New York | 22,350 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Washington | $158,870 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from an Occupational Therapy Degree?
Completing a master’s program in occupational therapy will result in a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MOSOT). The program lasts for 2-3 years and requires extensive fieldwork as well. Human occupations, case studies, theory of occupational therapy, research methods in occupational therapy, pediatric, and adult and geriatric occupational therapy are some of the courses taught during this program.
How to Choose A Degree in Occupational Therapy?
A master’s degree in occupational therapy is offered at various institutes all across the country. These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- Choose an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) recognized program
- Check if there are scholarships available
- Consider the total time and cost needed to finish the degree
- Check if it is a campus-based or online program
Occupational Therapy Degree Admission Requirements
To pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree, a good CGPA, and GRE score. Some schools may require additional volunteer work.