Earn a bachelor’s degree
The first step to becoming an occupational therapist (OT) is to complete an undergraduate degree and completing any prerequisite coursework required from the OT program of your choice. What major you choose is not as important as making sure you complete the prerequisites required to be admitted into the OT program. Examples of what students have majored in at the undergraduate level include biology, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts, and anatomy. It is important to contact the programs to which you are interested in applying and make sure you have taken the necessary prerequisites for admission.
Complete Volunteer/Observation
While volunteering or completing observation hours in the OT field may not be required for admission, having experience may increase the likelihood of getting into a master’s program. While you are working on your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to start getting your volunteer/observation hours for OT school. Each program has its own requirements but you’ll generally want to work in at least a few different settings and explore different types of patient populations. It is recommended to contact local facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or school systems. These requests are made more often than you think and you will find most places are accommodating.
Decide between an OT Masters and OT Doctorate
There are two routes you can take to becoming an OT and you’ll need to decide whether to pursue your master’s degree (MOT) or a doctorate degree (OTD). In August 2019, a joint statement by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) determined that occupational therapists may enter the profession at the master’s or doctorate level. (Stay updated on any changes here
Both routes will be competing for the same clinical jobs but pursuing an OT Masters will probably end in acquiring less debt. The average master’s degree program takes about two-three years to complete. The first half is usually devoted to completing required course work in a classroom setting. In the second half students gain experience in a clinical setting where they’ll be working as an occupational therapy student (OTS) under the supervision of a licensed OT. https://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Considering-OT-Career/FAQs/Planning.aspx
A doctorate might open doors for you down the road, especially if you want to work in academia. The doctoral degree offers additional semesters of study focusing on clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.
The United States Department of Education defines a professional doctorate as “a doctorate that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills for the recognition, credential, or license required to enter professional practice. The degree is awarded after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years". Many of the existing master’s programs meet or exceed the USDE minimal requirement for a professional doctorate.
Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam
https://www.nbcot.org/en
Once you complete your occupational therapy degree, you’ll need to pass the national board exam (NBCOT). The exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to make conclusions about client needs, get information about a client’s occupational performance and the factors that play into it, choose appropriate therapies and manage and direct occupational therapy services. In Cal https://www.bot.ca.gov/
Obtain Licensure
You’ll need to apply for a licensure in the state in which you seek to practice. https://healthsciences.pacific.edu/healthsciences/programs/doctor-of-occupational-therapy/admission Each state in the US has its own rules and regulations for practicing as an OT. You need to get an OT license for any state in which you want to practice in and each state does have its own unique requirements for initial licensure. You will then need to take continuing education courses throughout your career to keep your license active. AOTA is working on creating an interstate professional licensing compact for occupational therapy to address licensure portability. https://www.aota.org/Advocacy-Policy/State-Policy/Licensure/Interstate-Professional-Licensing-Compact.aspx