Occupational Therapy Masters Programs

Occupational therapy masters programs prepare students to assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitation, thereby aiding disabled individuals in regaining independence, homemaking and life skills. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition.

Earning a Masters in Occupational Therapy (MSOT Degree)

A masters degree or higher in occupational therapy is the typical minimum requirement for entry into the field. Occupational therapy graduate programs teach critical thinking skills and practice principles so that students can learn how to work with diversified populations. Students learn core theories and ethics of practice in occupational therapy programs, and degree completion allows students to sit for the National Board for Certification in occupational therapy exam. Certifications associated with this degree include “OTR”, or Registered Occupational Therapist, and “OTL”, or Licensed Occupational Therapist.

Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements

In order to apply for admission to a master’s program in occupational therapy students must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many programs require a minimum GPA as well as an essay and interview prior to admission. The masters program ranges in length anywhere from one to four years.

Occupational Therapy Masters Programs and Curriculum

Occupational therapy masters programs tend to favor a generalist approach in order to allow students the freedom to specialize depending on their career path.

Clinical experiences are a large part of the curriculum, giving students the necessary hands on education in many areas such as:

• Therapeutic skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Work evaluation and preparedness
• Practice issues
• Occupational conditions
• Wellness in lifestyles
• Occupational therapy neuroscience
• Occupational therapy process

Occupational Therapist Salary and Career Paths

Graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy might lead to potential career opportunities such as occupational therapists, therapy assistants and therapy managers. Industries populated by graduates of this program include but are not limited to; home health care services, nursing care facilities, hospital, in patient and outpatient care centers, and the offices of physicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wages of occupational therapists were $86,280 in May 2020. (Source: BLS.gov)

The chart below provides information about the median salary of occupational therapists (source: BLS top paying industries for OT’s).

Browse the listings below to find schools and online programs that offer OT graduate programs. Contact schools today!

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