How Long Does It Take to Become an Occupational Therapist?
Quick Answer
6–7 years after high school. This includes 4 years of undergraduate study plus 2–3 years in a master's or doctoral OT program.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Becoming a licensed occupational therapist (OT) takes 6–7 years of post-secondary education. The path includes a 4-year bachelor's degree followed by a 2–3 year accredited occupational therapy program at the master's or doctoral level, plus fieldwork and licensing exams.
Education Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 4 years | Any major; must complete prerequisite courses |
| Master's in OT (MOT/MSOT) | 2–2.5 years | Entry-level professional degree |
| Doctorate in OT (OTD) | 3–3.5 years | Entry-level or post-professional |
| Level II Fieldwork | 24 weeks | Included in graduate program |
| Licensing exam (NBCOT) | 1–2 months | Study, sit for exam, receive results |
| Total | 6–7 years | Bachelor's through licensure |
Degree Pathway Comparison
| Pathway | Total Time | Degree Earned | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's + MOT | 6–6.5 years | Master's | Most common path |
| Bachelor's + OTD | 7–7.5 years | Doctorate | Growing in popularity |
| Combined BS/MS program | 5–5.5 years | Master's | Select universities offer accelerated tracks |
| Career change (with bachelor's) | 2–3 years | Master's or OTD | Must complete prerequisites first |
| OTA to OT bridge | 3–4 years | Master's | For licensed occupational therapy assistants |
Prerequisite Courses
Most OT graduate programs require the following undergraduate coursework:
- Anatomy and physiology (2 semesters)
- Psychology (general, developmental, and abnormal)
- Statistics
- Sociology or anthropology
- Medical terminology
- Biology
- Physics (some programs)
Fieldwork Requirements
All accredited OT programs require two Level II fieldwork rotations totaling at least 24 weeks. These clinical placements expose students to different practice settings:
| Setting | Common Populations |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | Acute care, rehabilitation |
| Outpatient clinics | Orthopedic, hand therapy |
| Schools | Pediatric, developmental |
| Skilled nursing facilities | Geriatric, neurological |
| Mental health facilities | Psychiatric, substance abuse |
| Home health | Mixed populations |
Licensing and Certification
After completing an accredited program, graduates must pass the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam. The exam consists of clinical simulation and multiple-choice questions. Pass rates for first-time test takers from accredited programs average 82–88%.
State licensure follows NBCOT certification and typically involves submitting an application, fees ($50–$300), and a background check. Processing takes 2–6 weeks depending on the state.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Alternative
For those seeking a faster entry into the field, becoming an occupational therapy assistant requires only an associate degree (2 years) plus fieldwork. OTAs work under OT supervision and earn a median salary of $64,000 compared to $93,000 for OTs.
| Role | Education | Median Salary (2025) | Job Growth (2022–2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist | Master's or Doctorate | $93,180 | 12% |
| OT Assistant | Associate degree | $64,250 | 24% |
Tips for Aspiring OTs
- Gain observation hours early — most programs require 40–100 hours of supervised observation
- Apply to ACOTE-accredited programs only — accreditation is required for NBCOT eligibility
- Consider combined BS/MS programs to save a year of study
- GPA matters — competitive programs typically require a 3.3+ GPA
- Volunteer in diverse settings to strengthen applications and clarify specialty interests