Master’s in Occupational Therapy: Degree, Certification, and Career Guide
A master’s degree or entry-level OTD is the minimum credential required to practice as an occupational therapist in the United States. Programs typically take two to two and a half years, include supervised fieldwork, and prepare graduates to sit for the NBCOT certification exam. All U.S. states require licensure to practice.
Most people who find their way to occupational therapy do so because they’ve seen what it looks like when someone loses the ability to do ordinary things: button a shirt, cook a meal, go back to work after a stroke. OTs are the practitioners who step in and help people build those abilities back, or find new ways to do them. This is hands-on, problem-solving work that plays out differently every day.
Getting there requires a graduate degree. Here’s what you need to know about earning a master’s in occupational therapy, what the path from degree to licensure looks like, and what the career actually involves.
What Occupational Therapists Do
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who face physical, cognitive, sensory, or developmental challenges that get in the way of daily life. For a broader look at the profession, see our occupational therapy career overview. The word “occupational” in the title doesn’t mean employment — it refers to the activities and tasks that give people’s lives meaning and structure. That can range from helping a child with autism develop the fine motor skills needed for school, to helping an elderly patient recover hand function after a stroke, to working with a veteran managing PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
OTs assess what a person can and can’t do, identify the barriers, and design interventions to address them. Those interventions might involve physical exercises, adaptive equipment, changes to the environment, or strategies for working around a limitation. The goal is always the same: greater independence and quality of life for the client.
Work settings are varied. Occupational therapists are employed in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, schools, nursing facilities, home health agencies, mental health programs, and private practices. Some specialize in a particular population or condition — pediatric OT, hand therapy, low vision rehabilitation, and geriatric care are common specialties.
The Master’s Degree: What It Is and What It Covers
A master’s in occupational therapy goes by several names depending on the institution: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), and Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MAOT), all of which refer to entry-level graduate credentials in the field. The credential name varies, but the core requirements are standardized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the national accrediting body for OT programs.
Most MOT and MSOT programs take between two and two and a half years to complete on a full-time schedule. Coursework typically covers human development across the lifespan, anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, occupational therapy theory and practice frameworks, evaluation and assessment methods, therapeutic interventions, and professional ethics. Programs generally include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical work woven throughout.
One requirement is universal: fieldwork. ACOTE requires that all entry-level OT graduates complete Level I fieldwork (introductory observations and early practice experiences integrated into coursework) and Level II fieldwork (typically two full-time 12-week placements, about 24 weeks total). Fieldwork is where students apply classroom learning in real clinical environments under the supervision of a licensed OT.
MOT vs. OTD: Understanding the Degree Options
The master’s degree has been the standard entry point into occupational therapy practice for decades. More recently, the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) has grown significantly in availability. Both degrees prepare graduates for the same NBCOT certification exam and follow the same certification and licensure pathway. The distinction matters if you’re choosing a program today.
| Credential | Degree Type | Typical Duration | Entry Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOT / MSOT | Master’s | 2–2.5 years | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum credentials for OT licensure; widely available |
| OTD (entry-level) | Doctorate | 3–3.5 years | Bachelor’s degree | Growing in availability; follows the same certification and licensure pathway |
| OTA (Associate’s) | Associate’s | 2 years | High school diploma | Occupational therapy assistant; works under OT supervision |
Both the master’s and the entry-level OTD are accredited by ACOTE and qualify graduates to sit for the NBCOT exam. The OTD typically includes a doctoral capstone project with a focus on evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, or program development. Whether a master’s or a doctorate better fits your goals is worth discussing with programs directly.
Admission Requirements
Admission to a master’s in OT program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. No specific undergraduate major is required, though most programs expect completion of undergraduate prerequisites for occupational therapy, including courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics. A cumulative GPA of around 3.0 is typically required, with higher GPAs being more competitive at many programs.
Observation or shadowing hours with a licensed occupational therapist are expected at most programs. Requirements vary, though many programs ask for 20 to 40 hours at a minimum. Beyond coursework and hours, most programs require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and submission through OTCAS (the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, the common application platform used by most OT graduate programs).
Program-specific requirements vary, so it’s worth reviewing admission criteria for each program you’re considering well before the application cycle opens.
ACOTE Accreditation: Why It Matters
Graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program is required for NBCOT eligibility, and NBCOT certification is required for licensure in every state. Programs that have not achieved full accreditation status, or have only candidate status, may not yet meet this requirement. Before committing to any OT program, confirm its ACOTE accreditation status directly through ACOTE’s website or the AOTA, and review our guide to OT school and degree programs for additional context on program selection.
The NBCOT Exam and State Licensure
After completing an accredited master’s program, graduates must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). The exam tests knowledge across the breadth of occupational therapy practice and is required for initial licensure in all states.
Once certified, you’ll apply for a state license in the state where you plan to practice. State licensure requirements vary but are typically based on passing the NBCOT exam, along with any additional state-specific requirements. If you move to a different state later in your career, you’ll need to obtain licensure in that state as well. Most states require continuing education to maintain licensure over time.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists earned a median annual salary of $98,340 as of May 2024 — national estimates that vary by location, setting, and experience. Entry-level positions typically started around $67,090, while the highest earners brought in upward of $129,830. Salaries tend to be higher in skilled nursing facilities and home health settings than in school-based positions.
The BLS projects 14% employment growth for occupational therapists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 10,200 job openings per year (including replacements) projected over the decade. An aging population with growing rehabilitation and long-term care needs is a primary driver of demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a master’s degree required to become an occupational therapist?
A master’s degree or entry-level OTD is required to practice as an occupational therapist in the United States. The associate’s degree pathway prepares occupational therapy assistants, who work under OT supervision and hold a different credential and scope of practice.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in occupational therapy?
Most full-time MOT and MSOT programs take two to two and a half years to complete, including the required fieldwork component. That’s on top of the bachelor’s degree and any prerequisite coursework needed for admission.
What’s the difference between an MOT and an MSOT?
The degree names refer to the same credential level. MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) and MSOT (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy) are both entry-level graduate degrees that prepare graduates for the NBCOT exam and state licensure. The distinction is in how each institution classifies its degree, not in what it qualifies graduates to do.
Can I practice OT in any state with one license?
No. Occupational therapists are licensed at the state level, and licensure requirements vary by state. If you move to a different state, you’ll need to apply for licensure there. Some states participate in interstate licensure compacts that can simplify the process, but requirements differ. Contact the licensing board in the state where you plan to practice for current requirements.
What can I do with a master’s in occupational therapy beyond direct clinical practice?
OTs with a master’s degree work in clinical research, academic teaching, program administration, healthcare policy, and assistive technology development, among other roles. Specializations in areas like pediatric OT, hand therapy, or geriatric care can also open doors to more focused or advanced practice positions.
Key Takeaways
- A master’s degree or entry-level OTD is the minimum entry point. Both are required to sit for the NBCOT exam and obtain state licensure as an occupational therapist in all U.S. states.
- ACOTE accreditation is required for NBCOT eligibility. Confirm a program’s accreditation status before enrolling, as only graduates of ACOTE-accredited programs may sit for the certification exam.
- Fieldwork is built into the degree. All programs require Level II fieldwork, typically about 24 weeks across two clinical placements, completed before graduation.
- Both MOT and OTD follow the same licensure pathway. The entry-level doctorate is growing in availability, but leads to the same NBCOT certification and state licensure as the master’s degree.
- Demand is strong. The BLS projects 14% employment growth for OTs through 2034, with a median salary of $98,340 as of May 2024.
Ready to explore OT programs? Browse our occupational therapy education resources to learn more about program options, prerequisites, and what to expect from the path to licensure.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Occupational Therapists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.