If you’re passionate about helping people regain independence, overcome challenges, and improve their daily lives, a career in occupational therapy (OT) could be the perfect fit. In 2025, the demand for qualified occupational therapists continues to grow, and the path to entering this rewarding field is clearer and more flexible than ever.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become an occupational therapist, including the education, clinical training, certification, and career opportunities that await you. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or considering a career change, we’ll show you what it takes to earn your occupational therapy degree and thrive in this important healthcare role.

What Is Occupational Therapy (OT)?

Occupational therapy (OT) is yet another successful healthcare profession that helps people stay active and independent, no matter their age or condition. It focuses on helping individuals carry out daily tasks like cooking, getting dressed, working, or managing school routines. The goal is to help people live life fully—even when illness, injury, or disability makes it harder.

Occupational therapists work with children, adults, and seniors who face physical, mental, or emotional challenges. They begin by understanding the person’s needs and then create a plan to improve their ability to do everyday activities. This can include teaching new techniques, using special equipment, or adjusting environments at home or work. OT isn’t just about recovery—it’s about building confidence, restoring independence, and helping people return to the moments that matter most.

Step 1: Understand the Role of Occupational Therapists

Before starting your journey, it’s essential to understand what occupational therapists actually do. They work in a variety of settings, such as:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Schools
• Nursing homes
• Private clinics
• Home health care

Their job involves evaluating patients, designing personalized treatment plans, recommending adaptive equipment, and tracking progress. In many cases, OTs collaborate with other healthcare professionals like physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and physicians.

A strong desire to help others, problem-solving skills, patience, and adaptability are all key traits of successful occupational therapists.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Although a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy isn’t required, earning a bachelor’s degree is the first major step toward becoming an OT. Most graduate schools require you to have this foundation before applying to a graduate-level occupational therapy degree program. Your undergraduate studies should also include prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, psychology, anatomy, and statistics—these lay the groundwork for advanced OT education.

You don’t need to major in OT at the undergraduate level, but you should complete prerequisite courses such as:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Human development
• Sociology or anthropology

Majors in health science, kinesiology, psychology, or biology are popular choices for those pursuing OT.

Step 3: Choose and Apply to an Occupational Therapy Degree Program

To become a licensed OT, you must complete an accredited occupational therapy degree program. As of 2025, most aspiring OTs pursue either:

• A Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or
• A Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Many schools are shifting toward doctoral-level programs, so check which degree level best aligns with your goals and state licensure requirements.

When looking for an occupational therapy degree, it’s important to choose a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This ensures the education you receive meets the quality standards needed for certification and state licensure. A good program will combine classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork so you can build real-world skills and confidence before you start practicing.

• Coursework in assessment, intervention, ethics, research, and evidence-based practice
• Supervised fieldwork experiences (Level I and Level II)

Fieldwork is a vital part of any occupational therapy degree. It allows students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, build confidence, and gain professional experience before entering the workforce.

Step 4: Complete Level I and Level II Fieldwork

Fieldwork is where future occupational therapists put their training into action. Most programs require two types of fieldwork:

• Level I: Observation-based learning in various settings.
• Level II: Extensive hands-on experience, often full-time, under supervision.

These experiences might take place in schools, hospitals, outpatient rehab centers, mental health clinics, or skilled nursing facilities. Level II fieldwork is critical for building clinical skills, professional behavior, and confidence in patient care.

Step 5: Pass the NBCOT Exam

Once you complete your occupational therapy degree and fieldwork, the next step is to pass the national certification exam. This exam is conducted by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

To take the exam, you must:

• Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited program
• Complete the required fieldwork
• Apply for exam eligibility through NBCOT

The exam tests your knowledge in:

• Evaluation and assessment
• Intervention planning
• Evidence-based practice
• Professional ethics and responsibilities

Passing the NBCOT exam earns you the title “Occupational Therapist, Registered” (OTR). It’s a major milestone and a requirement for licensure in all 50 states.

Step 6: Apply for State Licensure

After becoming an OTR, you must apply for a license to practice in your state. Licensure requirements vary but usually include:

• Proof of your occupational therapy degree
• NBCOT exam results
• Background check and application fee

Some states may require continuing education or jurisprudence exams to keep their licenses current. Be sure to verify your state’s specific requirements.

Step 7: Explore Specialty Certifications and Advanced Training

After getting licensed, many occupational therapists decide to focus their skills on a specific area of care. Specializing can open up more career opportunities, improve patient outcomes, and align your work with your interests. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers board and specialty certifications in several fields, including:

• Pediatrics
• Gerontology
• Mental health
• Hand therapy
• Driving and community mobility

These certifications allow you to tailor your OT career to a specific population or setting, making you more marketable and effective as a clinician.

Step 8: Find a Job and Start Practicing

After completing all the requirements, you’re ready to begin your career. New occupational therapists may find positions in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, or home health agencies.

It’s helpful to:

• Network through professional associations like AOTA
• Attend job fairs and OT conferences
• Use university career services
• Research employers that support continuing education and career growth

Start Strong with Dominican University

Becoming an occupational therapist is a commitment to helping people live fuller lives. At Dominican University New York, we prepare you for that responsibility with a program that balances academic depth with real-world practice.

Here, you’ll learn from experienced faculty who bring real clinical insight to the classroom. You’ll work in hands-on environments that mirror the settings where you’ll one day practice. And you’ll be supported by advisors, mentors, and a university that believes in your potential.

If you’re looking for an OT program that focuses on people, purpose, and professional growth, your next step starts here.