Occupational Therapist

“One of the most important things to consider with occupational therapy is that our work is holistic. We work with our patients to help them stay as independent as possible—the goal is that when our time together is over, they feel like they can retain the ability to do many things on their own.”

Cecile Hall, OT, Senior Occupational Therapist at VNS Health

Occupational therapy is a healthcare specialization in high demand. Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients address musculoskeletal issues, pain, mobility, and cognitive challenges to maintain independence at home and work.

Key responsibilities of an OT include:

• Assessing patients’ physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
• Teaching adaptive techniques and tools to enable daily living.
• Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Adapting care to patients’ unique environments and resources.

Qualifications and requirements for occupational therapists:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field.
• Completion of a council‑accredited master’s program in occupational therapy.
• Passage of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
• State licensure or certification where required.
• Proficiency in therapeutic exercise, assistive technology, and patient education.

Specializations include:

• Occupational Therapy Instructor
• Residential Occupational Therapist
• Developmental Occupational Therapist
• Mental Health (BCMH)
• Pediatrics (BCP)
• Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)
• Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or SCDCM-A)
• Environmental Modification (SCEM or SCEM-A)
• Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A)
• Low Vision (SCLV or SCLV-A)
• School Systems (SCSS or SCSS-A)

Educational pathways typically involve a master’s degree (MSOT or MOT) that meets AOTA’s accreditation standards. Many programs are 24–27 months long and emphasize hands‑on clinical practice.

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics, a competitive GPA, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Graduate‑level programs require 40–50 hours of supervised experience and successful completion of the NBCOT exam for credentialing.

After earning a master’s degree, OT candidates must pass the NBCOT exam and obtain state licensure. Certification options include board certification and specialized certifications offered by AOTA.

According to the BLS (May 2023), the median annual salary for occupational therapists is $96,370. Pay scales range from $65,210 (10th percentile) to $129,620 (90th percentile).

Other allied health roles with similar responsibilities include:

• Physical Therapist – focuses on movement and mobility.
• Athletic Trainer – provides injury prevention and rehabilitation for athletes.
• Physician Assistant – offers direct patient care under physician supervision.