How Long Is Occupational Therapy School?
Published on: January 16, 2025 | 5 minutes read
By: Lisa Radesi
As an occupational therapist (OT), you have the chance to make a difference in peopleās lives. But before you start practicing, youāll have to complete the required educational path.
Occupational therapy school entails preparation, dedication, and a considerable time commitment. All this hard work pays off for those who become licensed OT, but itās important to be aware of these steps before entering the profession.
This guide breaks down everythingāfrom answering simple questions like āHow long is OT school?ā to the different phases of OT school and their prerequisites, different OT programs, and fieldwork experience requirements. After reading, youāll know how long OT school is and what to expect in terms of time investment.
The 3 Phases of Occupational Therapy Education
How long is occupational therapy school? The answer depends on how long it takes you to complete the three key phases of OT education:
- Bachelorās degree
- Masterās degree
- Certification and licensing
Some students finish faster than othersāit all depends on the time commitment you can make and your academic pace. Letās explore each step.
Prerequisites and Undergraduate Studies
Itās very common for prospective occupational therapists to earn a relevant undergraduate degree in a different subject, as many institutions donāt offer a bachelorās in occupational therapy. Bachelorās degrees that set up students for a future in OT include biology, psychology, health science, sports science, and education.
Common prerequisites typically needed before entering OT school, such as those required by 911³Ō¹Ļ International University, include:
- Statistics
- Social science
- Abnormal psychology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
When selecting classes, make sure that your undergraduate studies fulfill the coursework requirements needed to pursue a masterās degree.
Duration of OT Programs (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s)
A Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) is the final step in your educational journeyābut what comes first?
- Associateās degree ā An associateās degree is sufficient for becoming an occupational therapy assistant. This degree typically takes 2 years.
- Bachelorās degree ā In order to get an MOT, you must first complete a bachelorās. Undergraduate degrees typically take 4 years.
- Masterās degree (MOT) ā Completing an MOT program is required to become a licensed occupational therapist in the United States. This program typically takes 2-3 years.
Based on this timeline, it could take four to six years to become a registered occupational therapist. Becoming an OT assistant requires a shorter time commitment.1
Additional Certification and Licensing Requirements
After completing an occupational therapy program, you will need to take a certification exam before you can start practicing. The NBCOTĀ® Certification Examination is the national qualification for practicing occupational therapy in the US.
Some states also require a criminal background check, official transcript, or letters of recommendation alongside a state license application.2
Factors That Influence the Length of OT School
All academic timelines provide rough estimates of how long an OT program will take. Of course, there are many factors that could shorten or lengthen your educational journey, such as:
- Admission requirements ā Each institution has its own admission requirements, including prerequisites and timelines for clinical rotations.
- Full-time vs. part-time study options ā If going to school is your full-time job, you will finish faster than a student who works on the side or only takes night classes.
- Accelerated and bridge programs ā If you are already a certified occupational therapy assistant, an accelerated program combines a bachelorās and masterās into one bridge occupational therapy degree, in which you graduate with an MOT. This takes two to three years.
- Internship and fieldwork requirements ā All MOT programs include hourly fieldwork experience requirements. The MOT program at 911³Ō¹Ļ builds clinical rotations into the curriculum to prepare students.
- Specialty certifications in occupational therapy ā An MOT program graduates generalists, but if you’d like to pursue a specific specialty, it requires extra time. Depending on the specific area of OT you want to focus on, you may choose to pursue additional specialty certifications in occupational therapy. For instance, those interested in pediatric occupational therapy or want to learn more about occupational therapy and mental health might pursue specialized coursework or certifications in that field.
Planning Your Educational Journey in OT
Before starting your academic career, create a realistic timeline for completing OT school based on personal commitments, side jobs, and career goals. Itās important to consider how the demands of school can impact other areas of your life.
Prepare for a Rewarding Career in OT with 911³Ō¹Ļ
The length of OT school can greatly vary. Keep in mind how personal commitments, career goals, and former studies will impact your road to an MOT and eventual license. Considering all the factors in this guide will help you make successful and informed decisions.
Jumpstart your career with a Master of Occupational Therapy at 911³Ō¹Ļ. Our dynamic hybrid program combines online learning, on-campus classes, and fieldwork placements that prepare students with the skills and knowledge for a thriving career in occupational therapy. This 2-year degree prioritizes a client-centered model of practice, with creative treatment options, culturally conscious training, and specialized curricula.
Request information today to get in touch with our admissions team.
Sources:
- āProgram admissions criteria and formats.ā American Occupational Therapy Association. 2024. https://www.aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota/start-your-career-journey/program-admissions-and-formats. Accessed September 18, 2024.Ā
- āLearn the steps to licensure.ā American Occupational Therapy Association. 2024. https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/learn-the-steps-to-licensure. Accessed September 18, 2024.Ā
The content of this page is only for informational purposes and is not intended, expressly or by implication, as a guarantee of employment or salary, which vary based on many factors including but not limited to education, credentials, and experience. 911³Ō¹Ļ International University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about the accuracy of the information provided by any prospective employer or any other website. Salary information available on the internet may not reflect the typical experience of 911³Ō¹Ļ graduates. 911³Ō¹Ļ does not guarantee that any graduate will be placed with a particular employer or in any specific employment position.