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Occupational therapists might be considered allied health professionals. They work along with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and many other health practitioners to provide good holistic care for their patients. To get into this occupation, one must clear the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Exam. Once one has become an occupational therapist, you are required to apply for licensure in the states you plan to practice in. Almost all states need occupational therapists to take educational courses throughout their practice to keep their licensure active. Masters in Occupational Therapy Online programs helps prepare individuals for a vital and dynamic health profession that helps people develop, restore, and maximize their skills needed to lead independent, productive, satisfying, and fully participatory lives. Occupational therapists (OT) work with people whose physical, psychological, or cognitive impairments related to illness, injury, health, or developmental condition limit their participation in everyday activities of daily living such as self-care, work, and leisure. Also, Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is designed to graduate students who will demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of competent entry-level occupational therapists as described in the Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists (World Federation of Occupational Therapists). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook looks pretty good for occupational therapists and the 2020 median pay is around $86280 per year.
Best Online Masters in Occupational
Therapy Programs
We at FBD (Find Best Degrees) have vetted several occupational therapy master’s courses and have come up with a list of top graduate schools for occupational therapy. Our vetting process involves a host of criteria including graduation rate, tuition fee, student placements, etc. Below is the list of our top picks: *
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 | $17,580 | 84% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to expect from the Online Master’s
Degree in Occupational Therapy?
A masters in occupational therapy online program helps students to continue their studies further without the disruption of an on campus program. The most important thing being the health industry values an online degree as much as an on campus program and helps in high esteem. Masters in occupational therapy online programs are popular with working professionals, working parents from whom it is difficult to leave their children at home and go in for on campus courses. This is getting even more popular these days as we are in the midst of a pandemic.
Types of Master’s Degree in
Occupational Therapy
For a master’s in occupational therapy, students typically can pursue two streams, one would be a master’s in science degree the other being a master’s in arts.
The M.A programs in OT are generally geared towards the study of theoretical concepts and implementation of new evidence-based concepts, while the M.S programs in OT mainly emphasize the practical study of the concepts and researching new evidence-based implementations.
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
This program is an entry-level program for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) with bachelor’s degrees who would like to become registered Occupational Therapists (OTRs). Students attend five semesters of blended instruction, combining online with on-campus delivery, followed by two, twelve-week Fieldwork experiences. These courses and fieldwork experiences allow the student to graduate with the MOT degree, and to sit for the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy registration exam. Students who obtain a passing score on the exam will become registered occupational therapists (OTRs), eligible for state licensure.
M.S in Occupational Therapy
The entry-level Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy is designed to prepare graduates to assume key roles in practice, research, education, or administration. Occupational therapists’ responsibilities in these roles are to assure high-quality services for client groups and to advance the practice of occupational therapy. The curriculum includes didactic, lab, and field experiences that prepare students across all areas of occupational therapy practice, providing students the knowledge and practice experience which enables them to be successful on the certification examination
MA in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
The Online Master of Arts program is open to occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. All students must complete either the Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Option. This two-year course keeps the emphasis on the theoretical part of the occupational therapy discipline. In addition to the required core courses, students are required to complete a master’s thesis for completion of the course.
Areas of Specialization for Online Masters
in Occupational Therapy
Here we discuss the specializations that a master’s in occupational therapy would involve and, describe them for a better understanding of the students that would help them choose a proper major for their master’s program.
| Area of Specialization | Description | Institutions available | Careers This Concentration Prepares For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health science | A degree in health science teaches students important skills for working in the healthcare field, which may include working in public health or working as a health care provider. Courses in a health science degree cover a wide spectrum of healthcare issues, including legal concerns, ethical considerations, and science courses such as anatomy or chemistry. | Salem State University | Athletic coach, Exercise Physiologist, Physical education teacher, etc. |
| Psychology | While it may seem that occupational therapy primarily deals with physical problems and limitations, occupational therapists deal with patients’ psychological struggles as well. For some patients, their inability to perform certain tasks may be psychological rather than physical, and occupational therapists need to understand how to help them. Psychology majors include courses about developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychology of aging, all of which can be helpful for occupational therapists. | The University of Texas at Tyler | Athletic Trainers, Chiropractors, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Occupational Therapists, etc. |
| Kinesiology | Major in health science teaches students many important skills for working in the healthcare field, which may include working in public health or working as a health care provider. For that reason, a health science degree can be quite helpful for occupational therapists. Courses in a health science degree cover a wide spectrum of healthcare issues, including legal concerns, ethical considerations, and science courses such as anatomy or chemistry. | Governors State University | Exercise physiologist, Fitness trainer, Athletic coach, Sports consultant, Registered nurse, etc. |
| Sociology | Sociology is the study of human social behavior and society, and it can be helpful for occupational therapists to understand several sociological concepts for their work. This includes how society impacts our feelings on aging, sociological issues marginalized people face, and modern sociological issues. Because these things can impact how a person responds to trauma or other issues, occupational therapists may need to manage them and help patients overcome them to meet their therapeutic goals. | San Jose State University | Case manager, Probation officer, Substance abuse counselor, Public affairs specialist, Policy analyst, etc. |
| Health science | Major in health science teaches students many important skills for working in the healthcare field, which may include working in public health or working as a health care provider. For that reason, a health science degree can be quite helpful for occupational therapists. Courses in a health science degree cover a wide spectrum of healthcare issues, including legal concerns, ethical considerations, and science courses such as anatomy or chemistry. | Towson University | Physical therapist, Occupational therapist, Chiropractor, Wellness director, etc. |
| Occupational therapy | Occupational therapy is an obvious major for becoming an occupational therapist, however, it is not a degree that is offered by all universities at the bachelor’s level. There are combination programs that combine the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years and the bachelor’s degree you earn is often in either occupational therapy or occupational science. Some universities offer a bachelor’s in occupational therapy outside of a combined program and these can be an excellent choice for those interested in becoming an occupational therapist, especially as they teach many relevant skills. | Cleveland State University | Physical rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Mental health practice, etc. |
Why should I do a master’s degree
in Occupational Therapy?
Apart from the good salary that it may provide, A master’s in occupational therapy would open a host of opportunities in a student’s career as well as some challenges to look forward to. So, if you as a student have taken up any of the specializations as discussed above namely, Health science, Psychology, Kinesiology or Sociology, etc. then it would be a good option to take up a master’s in occupational therapy online. It keeps you in your desired choice of subject but opens a window into the world of OT. But here it must be mentioned, that to work in this vocation, one must keep his mind open to working closely with people with a lot of one-on-one contact with your subject of study and practice.
To sum it up, if you have a passion to help people, you are fascinated by the power and intricacies of medicine and health care, you are a problem solver and you want to support public health. Then just jump in, this program just right for you.
How to get a Masters in Occupational
Therapy Online?
Below we discuss the occupational therapy master’s requirements in steps:
Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming an occupational therapist is to attend a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a college or university. Earning a bachelor’s degree qualifies you to apply to master’s degree programs for occupational therapy. Good degree options for prospective pediatric occupational therapists include psychology, education or special education, biology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or pre-occupational therapy.
Internship
As one completes a bachelor’s degree program, students should look for internships that allow them to work with occupational therapy professionals, speech pathologists, educators, or rehabilitation clinics. They can also look for pediatric internship opportunities that allow them to interact with patients and observe how medical professionals engage with them and support them in their health goals.
GRE and GPA
As one of the occupational therapies master’s degree requirements, some universities might require a certain GRE score and a GPA of above 3 to take up a master’s in OT.
Earn A Master’s Degree
Upon the completion of a bachelor’s degree program, students need to apply to a two-year master’s degree program for occupational therapy. During a master’s degree program, you take courses relating to human sciences, occupational therapy practices and patient care information, etc. Students also complete professional experience by working with licensed occupational therapists in a real workplace setting.
Consider a Doctorate Degree
Occupational therapists don’t have to earn a doctorate but there are options available. Doctorate degrees in occupational therapy can increase salary expectations and allow candidates to achieve more senior roles within their field.
NBCOT Examination
After completing a master’s degree or doctorate, students need to take and pass the NBOCT exam for occupational therapists offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. After you pass the exam, you earn a certificate to work as an occupational therapist
State Licensure
To practice as an occupational therapist in your state, you also need to apply for and obtain state licensure. You can usually find information and apply through your state’s department of health website.
How long is a Master’s Degree in
Occupational Therapy?
An online master’s in occupational therapy degree is typically 24 months and 36 credits points to complete the course. These are the most common courses offered in OT. But there are some continuing education and online programs that offer the flexibility as below:
- It requires no set login times
- No Set Start Dates or Completion Dates
- Flexibility to Complete Assignments at Your Own Pace
- Flexibility Enroll 365 Days a Year
Hybrid programs would typically be a mix of online and on-campus curriculum and might have some of the flexibility mentioned above for an asynchronous program. Below we detail a few of the courses that can be taken up during a master’s program in OT.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Theories of Occupational Therapy | This course explores the theoretical basis of occupational therapy and the impact of theory on clinical practice. Covers the history of knowledge and practice development in occupational therapy. Focuses on specific practice models developed as guides to clinical reasoning. |
| Occupational Performance in Adults and Adolescents. | This course reviews the primary developmental aspects and roles of adolescence and adulthood. Personal and environmental factors that influence occupational performance and prevention and wellness models to facilitate occupational functioning. |
| Medical Conditions | This course reviews etiology, clinical manifestation, clinical course, and general medical and rehabilitative management of common medical conditions; an emphasis on musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and psychiatric disorders. Course Information: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. |
| Development of a Therapeutic Self | Emphasizes understanding and developing foundational skills in the therapeutic use of self and forms of therapeutic reasoning. Group theory and process are introduced in this course and group leadership skills developed. |
| Human Structure and Function | This course examines the anatomical and physiological bases for occupational performance. Feature’s structure and function of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems and application of biomechanical principles. |
| Leadership and Management in Occupational Therapy | Overview of issues related to management and leadership in varied settings in which occupational therapists practice. Topics include, but are not limited to, management functions, service planning, quality improvement, and financial management. |
Accreditation for Online Master’s Degree
in Occupational Therapy
Accreditation is a vetting process wherein an institution has been evaluated by an independent accrediting body and found to meet the high standards of a rigorous education. Thus, accreditation in essence is enforcement of quality. Read more about Accreditation.
Hence, to ensure that their degrees are recognized by the industry and fraternity they are getting into, and more importantly to be eligible for US federal student aid one must ensure that the institution one is enrolling in is accredited by one of the federally recognized accreditation bodies.
Master’s in occupational therapy
Online no GRE Programs
Bachelors and Masters in Occupational
Therapy Integrated Programs
Generally, to take up a master’s program in OT, one must complete a bachelor’s in some related field of work. But there are some exceptions to this, there are some exceptions to this norm and there are instances where one could take up an integrated program where one could do an integrated bachelor’s and master’s program. The integrated programs are typically 5 years less than the 6 years it would take if students took up the courses individually. The combined BS/MS program establishes the groundwork for exposure to basic topics and techniques in occupational therapy, provides opportunities to develop more advanced skills and knowledge of specialized topics, and includes specialized fieldwork. During this time, faculty members and students can develop close relationships, with a focus on mentoring and the development of professional behaviors. Below is one such degree: Integrated BS/MS in OT
Hybrid Masters in Occupational
Therapy Programs
Hybrid Master of Occupational Therapy programs are getting popular by the day because it gives the flexibility to study and work at the same time. So, these programs are great for people with responsibilities of a regular job, family, or any other work. These programs give students the flexibility they need to fit education into their busy schedules. Courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, moms, dads, and anyone else who is balancing school with other life commitments.
Below are a few such programs:
Accelerated Online Master’s Degree
in Occupational Therapy
Typically to get into the profession of occupational therapy, it takes around 4-5 years to complete a bachelor’s program and another 2-3 years to complete a master’s program in OT. Hence, It is quite a long-drawn process to get a master’s in OT. To fasten up the process, some universities offer a combined degree to speed up the process. Some universities call it an accelerated occupational therapy program, some call it a Fast track occupational therapy program or combined BS/MS occupational therapy program. Listed below are some such programs:
How to Pay for Masters in Occupational
Therapy Online Programs?
Keeping in mind the cost of education these days and the amount of debt that each student carries it is of prime importance how you choose to fund your master’s in occupational therapy online program. The smartest way to fund education is a scholarship. For further reference, students can refer to this link here for scholarships.
It might happen that someone does not qualify for a scholarship, for such candidates if they are working professionals, they can check with their employers to reimburse the tuition fee. The other way of funding your master’s in occupational therapy is to apply for a student loan. Students can also check if they are eligible for federal student aid. Here is a link to the application for FAFSA Application.
Free Courses for Masters in Occupational
Therapy Online
It is important to continue educating oneself post a master’s in OT. Below we discuss a few free online Occupational Therapy courses:
Relationships, Resilience, Relevance: Returning to the Basics of our Profession
As a profession, occupational therapy is navigating choppy waters in health care and education arenas, academic environments, and service delivery and payment systems. While the direction of a changing tide is not always predictable or desired, the response to change is ours to own—collectively. Join AOTA’s President, Wendy Hildenbrand, as she kicks off Member Appreciation 2019 and challenges us to return to the “basics” of our profession. You can find the link here: Relationships, Resilience, Relevance: Returning to the Basics of our Profession
Therapeutic Use of Virtual Reality in OT
Think virtual reality is just about gaming? Think again! Immersive virtual reality (IVR) provides an engaging, motivating, and task-oriented experience that can produce immediate and longer-term improvements in motor and cognitive activity performance. This webinar will discuss IVR use in OT with potential solutions to address barriers and capitalize on facilitators to implement in practice. You can find the link here: Therapeutic Use of Virtual Reality in OT
Learning to Interact with Challenging Patients and Their Families
OT professionals will inevitably work with patients (and families of patients) who can be challenging on many levels. Learn how to approach these situations professionally and gain strategies for building these relationships to avoid challenging situations in the future. You can find the link here: Learning to Interact with Challenging Patients and Their Families
FAQs about Masters in Occupational
Therapy Online Programs
How do I apply to the MS program?
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) only accepts online applications. Refer to the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Application webpage. For further information on admission requirements go to Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements.
What is NBCOT?
Will students be eligible to take the NBCOT examination after they graduate from the MSOT program?
Who should my letters of reference be from for a Masters’s in OT?
Can I take prerequisites through an online course?
What type of financial aid is available for a master’s in Occupational Therapy?
How long is a master’s degree in occupational therapy?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Masters in Occupational Therapy
Post a master’s in occupational therapy online, one can delve into many roles in the health sciences field. This could vary from an occupational therapist role at an entry-level to a wellness director role at the top of the hierarchy. There would be other intermediary roles in between. Below is a list of roles and salaries with their responsibilities highlighted.
| Occupation | Job Description | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapists | Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. | $86,280 | 17% |
| Physical Therapists | Physical therapists help injured, or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. | $91,010 | 21% |
| Athletic Trainers | Athletic trainers work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes. Athletic trainers are usually one of the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur on the field. They work under the direction of a licensed physician and with other healthcare providers, often discussing specific injuries and treatment options or evaluating and treating patients, as directed by a physician. Some athletic trainers meet with a team physician or consulting physician regularly. | $49,860 | 23% |
| Chiropractors | Chiropractors care for patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain. | $70,720 | 11% |
| Exercise Physiologists | Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. Exercise physiologists work to improve overall patient health. Many of their patients suffer from health problems such as cardiovascular disease or pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to improve key health indicators. | $50,280 | 13% |
| Physician Assistants | Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine in teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients. Physician assistants work in all areas of medicine, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends in large part on their specialty or the type of medical practice where they work. For example, a physician assistant working in surgery may close incisions and provide care before, during, and after the operation. A physician assistant working in pediatrics may examine a child and give routine vaccinations. | $115,319 | 31% |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Masters in Occupational therapy
The Occupational Therapy profession has regulatory and compliance governing bodies since the field is related to health science. Post completing your education, OT professionals must have occupational therapy graduation certificates and licenses to practice their craft. Below we list some of the certification and licensing examinations:
| Occupation | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist Registered | NBCOT offers an initial certification program for the entry-level Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR®) that confers the OTR credential and has established requirements for maintaining the OTR status through a certification renewal program. |
| Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | NBCOT offers an initial certification program for the entry-level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA®) that confers the COTA credential and has established requirements for maintaining the COTA status through a certification renewal program. |
| PROCEDURES FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NBCOT | In exercising its responsibility for promoting and maintaining standards of professional conduct in the practice of occupational therapy and to protect the public from those practitioners whose behavior falls short of these standards, the NBCOT, Inc has adopted a Candidate/Certificate Code of Conduct. |
| NV State license to practice OT | The Nevada Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for issuing licenses to Occupational Therapists in the state. There are two levels of licensure in Nevada: the Occupational Therapy Assistant and the Occupational Therapist. While you are waiting to sit for your examination you can apply for a temporary license to practice at either level. Temporary licenses require that you work under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist who has a minimum of one year of licensure with the state. |
| Florida State license to practice OT | The Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice was established to assure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for the licensure and regulation of the profession to ensure the availability of occupational therapy services of high quality to the people of Florida. |
Additional Resources for Masters in
Occupational Therapy Online
A master’s in occupational therapy is a gateway to an industry with huge potential. But to further their careers and keep being relevant in this fast-paced industry, professionals can become members and hence accredit themselves with a professional organization in their chosen career field of OT. Apart from being a body that assists in developing and distributing knowledge, professional OT associations keep their members informed about the newest developments and innovations. We discuss a few such organizational bodies below:
| Organization | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Member Recruitment | The Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice was established to assure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for the licensure and regulation of the profession to ensure the availability of occupational therapy services of high quality to the people of Florida. |
| National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy | NBCOT strives to serve the public interest in its diversity by advancing just, equitable, and inclusive client care and professional practice through evidence-based certification practices and the validation of knowledge essential for effective and safe practice in occupational therapy. |
| American Occupational Therapy Association | The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services. |
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.