2026 Occupational Therapy Degrees Explained: Are They Classified as Professional Degrees?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many prospective students mistakenly believe that all occupational therapy degrees automatically qualify as professional degrees necessary for licensure. This misconception can lead to costly educational choices and delayed entry into the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 17% through 2032, much faster than average, highlighting the demand for qualified professionals. Clarifying which degrees meet professional standards is crucial for career planning.

This article explains the classification of occupational therapy degrees and offers practical insights on program accreditation, licensure requirements, and career outcomes to help readers make informed decisions.

Key Benefits of Professional Occupational Therapy Degrees

Obtaining a professional occupational therapy degree enhances career advancement by qualifying graduates for leadership roles in healthcare settings, increasing responsibility and influence.
Graduates with advanced degrees typically experience higher earning potential, with studies showing a median salary increase exceeding 20% compared to entry-level credentials.
Such degrees grant eligibility for regulated roles and specialized certifications, ensuring long-term job stability amid growing demand in aging and rehabilitative care sectors.

What Is Considered a Professional Occupational Therapy Degree?

Choosing the right educational pathway is essential for students seeking licensure and career advancement in occupational therapy. Knowing exactly what qualifies as a professional occupational therapy degree helps ensure you meet necessary certification and practice requirements.

Enrollment in occupational therapy degree programs explained a steady growth trend, with a 15% increase over five years due to expanding healthcare needs and an aging population.

Below is a myth-versus-fact guide to clarify key aspects of professional occupational therapy degree requirements.

Degree Validity

Myth: Any occupational therapy degree allows for professional practice.
Fact: Only graduate-level degrees, such as a master's or doctoral-level credential, designed for licensure qualify as professional degrees.

Licensing Preparation

Myth: Occupational therapy programs don't need to prepare for certification exams.
Fact: Accredited degrees specifically prepare students to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a licensure requirement.

Applied Training

Myth: Theory alone is enough for clinical readiness.
Fact: Professional degrees emphasize practical skills through supervised clinical fieldwork to ensure workplace competence.

Career Outcomes

Myth: Coursework doesn't influence career success.
Fact: Programs focus on career-specific competencies that improve licensure eligibility and professional growth.

For students considering advanced healthcare degrees, exploring options like DNP programs can also inform educational planning and career paths.

Who Should Pursue a Professional Occupational Therapy Degree?

Identifying the best candidates for professional occupational therapy degrees is essential for students seeking career-focused, practice-oriented education. These programs require significant investment, so choosing the right path benefits those aiming for clinical practice, licensure, or specialized roles.

Enrollment in entry-level occupational therapy master's programs has risen steadily, reflecting growing demand and awareness in the profession.

This section addresses common misconceptions through a myth-versus-fact approach.

Experience Matters

Myth: Only individuals with extensive healthcare experience benefit from a professional occupational therapy degree.
Fact: Early-career professionals and recent graduates often pursue these degrees to meet licensure requirements and enter the field with strong clinical competence.

Career Changes

Myth: Career changers cannot succeed in occupational therapy without a traditional healthcare background.
Fact: Many programs are designed to accommodate those transitioning from other fields, offering practice-oriented training essential for specialized or regulated roles.

Degree Necessity

Myth: A professional occupational therapy degree is unnecessary for licensing and career advancement.
Fact: In the U.S., completing an accredited professional degree is typically mandatory to obtain licensure and practice professionally.

Students who wonder who should pursue occupational therapy professional programs often learn that these degrees provide targeted education suited to specialized clinical roles. For those exploring options beyond occupational therapy, it's useful to compare with other healthcare fields, such as online DNP programs without dissertation, which offer alternative paths in healthcare education.

What Are the Most Common Professional Occupational Therapy Degree Programs?

Knowing the different professional occupational therapy programs enables students to choose one that aligns with their long-term goals and educational preferences. The field is growing rapidly, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an increase in occupational therapy jobs over the next decade.

Below are the primary degree options available to aspiring occupational therapists:

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT): This program typically lasts two to three years and emphasizes hands-on clinical practice. It prepares students for licensure with a focus on applying occupational therapy techniques in diverse settings.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD): Increasingly becoming the standard entry-level degree, the OTD takes three to four years and integrates advanced clinical skills, research, and leadership training. This degree addresses the profession's shift toward more evidence-based and administrative roles.

Are Professional Occupational Therapy Degree Programs Accredited?

Accreditation is a critical factor for students assessing professional occupational therapy degree programs because it guarantees educational quality and legitimacy. Over 90% of occupational therapy programs in the U.S. have accreditation from recognized agencies, emphasizing the importance of proper program oversight.

This section addresses common misconceptions through a myth-versus-fact format.

Accreditation Levels

Myth: All occupational therapy degrees are equally accredited and recognized.
Fact: Accreditation differs between institutional and programmatic levels. Institutional accreditation evaluates entire colleges, while programmatic accreditation specifically assesses occupational therapy program standards, ensuring compliance with specialized criteria.

Licensure Requirements

Myth: Accreditation is optional and does not impact licensure or employment.
Fact: Graduating from an accredited occupational therapy program is usually mandatory for state licensure and certification. Most licensing boards require completion of a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Accreditation Authority

Myth: Accreditation bodies lack official recognition or standardization.
Fact: ACOTE is the principal programmatic accreditor maintaining standards in U.S. occupational therapy programs. Without ACOTE accreditation, graduates may face hurdles with licensure, federal financial aid eligibility, and employer acceptance, all vital for career advancement in the field.

Prospective students should research accrediting bodies for occupational therapy degrees carefully to select programs that meet licensure and employment requirements. For those also considering administrative roles or interdisciplinary approaches, exploring options like a health administration degree online may complement occupational therapy credentials and enhance career flexibility.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Professional Occupational Therapy Degree?

Meeting admission requirements is crucial for students considering occupational therapy programs because these standards help ensure academic readiness and professional dedication. With enrollment in occupational therapy degrees rising steadily, programs remain selective to maintain high educational quality and meet workforce demands.

The following outlines common components typically expected from applicants.

Educational Background: Most programs require a bachelor's degree or completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, psychology, anatomy, and statistics. These courses provide the essential scientific foundation needed for successful study and practice.
Academic Performance: A competitive GPA is often essential to demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle challenging coursework. Maintaining strong grades affirms commitment and intellectual capacity.
Letters of Recommendation: These documents offer insight into the applicant's character, work ethic, and suitability for the profession, helping programs identify motivated and reliable candidates.
Personal Statement: Applicants must articulate their understanding of occupational therapy and their motivation for pursuing this career. This narrative highlights readiness and passion for the field.
Relevant Experience: Many programs look for documented healthcare or community service experience, showing applicants have practical familiarity with patient care and occupational therapy's role.
Standardized Tests: Some institutions require GRE scores to evaluate analytical abilities and verbal reasoning, further assessing academic potential.

A graduate I spoke with reflected on the admissions process as both rigorous and clarifying. He noted feeling both anxious and determined throughout. "Gathering experience hours was challenging but gave me real insight into the profession," he said.

He appreciated how writing his personal statement helped him discover his deeper motivations. The strict GPA and recommendation letter requirements made him focus on continuous improvement, while preparing for the GRE tested his ability to think critically under pressure. His experience showed that while the admission path can be demanding, it ultimately reinforces the qualities needed to succeed.

What Courses and Practical Training Are Required in a Professional Occupational Therapy Degree?

Prospective students evaluating professional occupational therapy programs should understand the curriculum and practical components to ensure their education aligns with licensure requirements and career advancement opportunities. Clarity about coursework and clinical training helps in selecting a program that fosters both academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

The following outlines common professional occupational therapy coursework requirements and practical clinical training for occupational therapy degrees.

Foundational Sciences: Courses in human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and psychology provide the scientific base necessary to understand how the body functions and the psychological factors affecting patient care. These classes equip students with essential knowledge to assess and treat diverse populations effectively.
Therapeutic Techniques and Assistive Technology: Coursework focuses on various intervention methods and the use of adaptive devices to support patient independence. Students learn to design individualized therapy plans tailored to specific client needs.
Healthcare Ethics and Professional Standards: Students explore ethical principles and regulations guiding occupational therapy practice. This knowledge ensures compliance with licensure requirements and promotes integrity in clinical decision-making.
Supervised Fieldwork: Practical clinical training for occupational therapy degrees includes multiple rotations in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community agencies. These placements build competency through direct patient interaction, assessment, and collaborative care under professional supervision.
Capstone Projects and Research: Some programs integrate research components or capstone experiences that encourage critical thinking and application of evidence-based practices to real-world scenarios.

Accreditation bodies mandate this combination of coursework and fieldwork for graduation eligibility, emphasizing the importance of balancing scientific principles with applied therapy skills. Students interested in broad healthcare education may also explore online nursing programs as alternate or complementary pathways.

How Much Do Professional Occupational Therapy Degrees Cost?

Understanding the cost of professional occupational therapy degrees is vital for students evaluating these programs, as expenses significantly affect financial planning and loan considerations. On average, occupational therapy degree tuition fees in the U.S. range from $30,000 to $70,000 for the entire program, reflecting a substantial investment.

Below are key cost factors prospective students should consider.

Costs for professional occupational therapy degrees include:

Tuition and Fees: These form the largest portion of total costs and vary depending on whether the institution is public or private as well as its geographic location. Tuition tends to rise each year, influencing overall affordability and debt levels.
Clinical Fieldwork Expenses: Placements often require travel and housing outside the student's home area, adding significant out-of-pocket expenses. These costs differ based on the placement setting and duration.
Books, Supplies, and Technology: Necessary materials add to the financial burden and can vary based on program requirements, including specialized equipment or software.
Administrative and Examination Fees: Additional charges include program administrative fees, health insurance, and costs associated with licensing exams required to practice professionally.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: While available, these options may not cover all costs; hence, students should budget carefully to manage unmet expenses.

Prospective students can also explore avenues for support through other healthcare educational programs such as affordable RN to BSN online programs, which may provide financial insights relevant across health professions.

Do Professional Occupational Therapy Degrees Qualify for Financial Aid?

Cost and time commitment often make financial aid a critical factor for students pursuing professional occupational therapy degrees. Nearly 70% of graduate students in this field rely on some form of financial assistance, highlighting the availability of funding opportunities.

Below are common misconceptions about financial aid for occupational therapy programs, paired with accurate information.

Federal aid

Myth: Graduate-level occupational therapy programs are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Fact: Accredited professional occupational therapy degrees typically qualify for federal aid, including student loans and grants, as they meet Title IV federal requirements.

Scholarships support

Myth: Few scholarships or employer benefits are available to occupational therapy students.
Fact: Numerous scholarships target occupational therapy students, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment, particularly for those serving in underserved communities.

When discussing financial aid eligibility with a graduate of a professional occupational therapy degree, she reflected on her own journey. She recalled the anxiety of navigating multiple application processes but emphasized how critical financial aid was in making her education attainable.

"It wasn't just about loans," she shared, "but scholarships tailored to my specialty and an employer willing to help with costs once I started working." Her experience illustrates the layered support systems that can ease financial burdens and enable graduates to focus on career development without overwhelming debt.

This personal insight confirms that while challenges exist, financial aid does play a vital role in occupational therapy education financing.

Are Professional Occupational Therapy Degrees Required for Certain Careers?

Students planning to enter occupational therapy must recognize the varying degree requirements across career paths to make informed decisions about their education. Meeting these requirements is essential for licensure, career progression, and eligibility for specialized roles.

Employment for occupational therapists is projected to grow by 17% from 2022 to 2032, reflecting rising demand for licensed practitioners.

Below are common misconceptions and truths regarding the necessity of professional occupational therapy degrees.

Degree Necessity

Myth: Professional occupational therapy degrees are optional for all roles.
Fact: Earning a professional degree is mandatory to become a licensed occupational therapist and perform independently in clinical settings.

Licensure Requirements

Myth: Licensure does not require graduation from accredited occupational therapy programs.
Fact: Candidates must complete accredited master's or doctoral programs and pass national exams to obtain licensure.

Specialized Positions

Myth: Specialized or leadership roles can be attained without advanced degrees or certifications.
Fact: Many advanced roles demand further academic qualifications or credentials beyond initial licensure.

Career Eligibility

Myth: Non-professional degrees are sufficient for most occupational therapy positions.
Fact: Without a professional degree, eligibility for clinical and advanced occupational therapy careers is limited or prohibited.

Do Professional Occupational Therapy Degrees Lead to Higher Salaries?

Evaluating the financial benefits of professional occupational therapy degrees is essential for students planning to invest time and money into advanced, career-focused education. Knowing how these degrees influence earning potential helps guide informed decisions.

Below are common misconceptions contrasted with verified insights about the relationship between professional occupational therapy degrees and salary outcomes.

Salary Guarantee

Myth: Holding a professional occupational therapy degree automatically results in a significantly higher salary.
Fact: Although these degrees are necessary for licensure and practice, salary levels vary widely due to factors like work setting, location, experience, and skill development.

Career Advancement

Myth: Professional occupational therapy degrees do not influence access to higher-paying roles or career growth.
Fact: Earning a professional degree is often required for licensure and specialized certifications, which open doors to advanced clinical roles, leadership positions, and niche specialties with better compensation.

Financial Return

Myth: All occupational therapy degrees provide identical financial outcomes.
Fact: Accredited programs with focused clinical training and networking tend to improve job prospects and long-term income compared to less rigorous alternatives.

Overall, professional occupational therapy degrees form the foundation for legal practice and progression into roles that generally offer higher salaries. Their financial impact grows over time, especially when paired with ongoing education and practical experience.

What Graduates Say About Their Professional Occupational Therapy Degree

Devin: "The flexibility of the occupational therapy program allowed me to balance work and study without overwhelming my schedule. Choosing to pursue this degree was one of the best decisions I made, especially given the average cost of attendance was reasonable and offered great value for comprehensive training. Since graduating, the degree has significantly opened doors in my career, enabling me to support diverse populations with confidence. "

Maeve: "Reflecting on my journey, the occupational therapy degree program's adaptable structure was crucial as I managed family commitments alongside coursework. I was initially uncertain about the investment, considering the cost, but the practical skills and knowledge I gained were priceless and clearly enhanced my professional credibility. This choice truly transformed my career path and helped me make a meaningful impact in patient care. "

Lainey: "Professionally, pursuing an occupational therapy degree was a strategic move to advance my expertise, facilitated by the program's flexible delivery options that accommodated my busy lifestyle. Understanding the average cost helped me plan financially, making this advanced education accessible. The degree has empowered me to take on leadership roles and advocate effectively for clients in various healthcare settings. "

Other Things You Should Know About Occupational Therapy Degrees

Can I pursue a professional Occupational Therapy degree online?

Yes, many accredited institutions offer online professional occupational therapy degree programs or hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. However, due to the hands-on nature of the field, students must complete practical training and fieldwork components in person to meet licensure requirements.

What are the licensing exam requirements for occupational therapy graduates?

Graduates of professional occupational therapy programs must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become licensed practitioners. Passing this exam is essential to practice legally and is typically required by all U.S. states and territories.

Are there continuing education requirements after earning a professional occupational therapy degree?

Yes, licensed occupational therapists are generally required to complete continuing education credits to maintain licensure. These requirements vary by state but often include courses on new techniques, ethics, and patient care to ensure ongoing professional development.

What career advancement opportunities exist with a professional occupational therapy degree?

A professional degree in occupational therapy opens the door to various advanced roles such as management, clinical specialization, academic teaching, or research positions. Additional certifications or graduate studies may be required to pursue certain specialized or leadership roles within the field.