Choosing a career in occupational therapy means entering a field that blends healthcare, problem-solving, and human connection. It’s a profession built around helping people regain independence and live more fully after injury, illness, or disability. But, like any healthcare career, it comes with both benefits and challenges.

If you’re considering enrolling in an occupational therapy program, this guide breaks down the key pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your goals, interests, and lifestyle.

What Makes Occupational Therapy a Rewarding Career

• Meaningful Patient Impact: Occupational therapists help people rebuild their lives through hands-on, personalized care. From stroke recovery to supporting children with developmental delays, the work is focused, measurable, and deeply human.
• Variety of Practice Settings: With an occupational therapy degree, graduates are equipped to work in many settings, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care.
• Consistent Job Demand: The need for skilled occupational therapists continues to grow nationwide. Factors like an aging population and increased recognition of holistic rehabilitation drive strong job stability.
• Creative and Independent Work: Occupational therapists use individualized strategies to help patients gain or regain independence. Each care plan is unique, allowing room for creativity within evidence-based practice.
• Clear Path for Advancement: Over time, many OTs pursue advanced certifications, enter teaching, move into leadership roles, or specialize in niches like hand therapy or mental health. The field supports upward mobility for those seeking long-term growth.

Challenges to Consider Before Choosing Occupational Therapy

• Graduate-Level Education Required: To become a licensed OT, you must complete a master’s or doctorate-level occupational therapy program, which requires time, commitment, and financial investment.
• Physical Demands: The job can involve standing for long hours, moving patients, or assisting with physical tasks, making it physically intensive.
• Emotional Burnout: Working with patients who have long-term or complex conditions can be emotionally taxing, especially without strong support systems in place.
• Documentation Load: Like many healthcare jobs, occupational therapy involves a significant amount of administrative work and progress reporting.
• Varying Pay Across Settings: Salaries can differ depending on geography, specialty, and work environment. While many roles are well-compensated, some areas pay less than expected.

What to Expect from an Occupational Therapy Program

A strong occupational therapy program combines academic coursework with hands-on fieldwork. Here’s what you can expect:

Core Courses

A quality occupational therapy program begins with foundational coursework. Students study subjects like anatomy, kinesiology, neuroscience, and mental health. These courses provide a deep understanding of how the body and mind work together. You’ll also explore ethics, professional conduct, and evidence-based practices. This academic foundation ensures that graduates have the critical thinking and clinical knowledge needed to treat a wide range of conditions and populations. These core subjects are not just theoretical—they’re applied directly in later clinical experiences.

Fieldwork Experience

Fieldwork is a core component of every strong occupational therapy program. It gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in real settings under the supervision of licensed professionals. Fieldwork includes both short-term observational experiences and full-time clinical placements. Students gain exposure to multiple practice areas, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and physical rehabilitation. This hands-on learning is essential for building confidence, refining clinical reasoning, and understanding how to tailor care to different patients. By graduation, students are ready to step into their first OT role with practical experience and insight.

Licensing Preparation

A key goal of every occupational therapy program is to prepare students for licensure. To become a licensed occupational therapist, students must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The best programs integrate exam prep into the curriculum, offering study guides, review sessions, and mock exams. Faculty support also plays a major role—professors guide students through the certification process and ensure they understand test formats and expectations. This structured preparation gives graduates the confidence to approach their licensing exam with clarity and purpose.

Holistic Treatment Approach

Top occupational therapy programs teach students to treat the whole person—not just the injury or condition. Students learn to assess and support physical, emotional, and environmental factors that impact a patient’s daily function. Coursework and clinicals emphasize client-centered care, encouraging students to collaborate with patients and families on therapy goals. By focusing on meaningful tasks—like dressing, cooking, or returning to work—students learn how to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. This holistic philosophy shapes therapists who can make a deeper impact in every setting.

Faculty Support and Mentorship

Faculty make a major difference in student success. Strong occupational therapy programs offer close access to professors who are also clinicians, researchers, or leaders in the field. Small class sizes and one-on-one mentoring create an environment where students can ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and grow professionally. Faculty support extends beyond the classroom—professors often help students navigate fieldwork, career decisions, and licensure preparation. Their guidance builds confidence and helps students develop into competent, compassionate practitioners ready for real-world challenges.

Is Occupational Therapy the Right Fit for You?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you enjoy working one-on-one with people to solve complex problems?
• Are you interested in blending physical health with mental and emotional wellness?
• Are you willing to commit to a rigorous occupational therapy program that requires both academic and clinical training?
• Can you see yourself thriving in both structured medical settings and creative, client-centered environments?

If you answered yes, then occupational therapy may offer the balance of purpose and growth you’re looking for.

Career Flexibility After Graduation

A degree in occupational therapy opens doors to a wide range of career paths. While many graduates work directly with patients in clinical environments, others find opportunities in education, research, public health, or policy. Some occupational therapists specialize in school-based interventions, while others work with older adults in long-term care or lead wellness programs in corporate settings. The profession also supports part-time and contract roles, making it easier to balance personal and professional priorities. With the right certifications and continued education, OTs can transition into leadership roles or launch their own private practices. This career flexibility allows you to tailor your work environment to your lifestyle and goals, making it a practical long-term choice.

The Importance of Fieldwork in Building Confidence

Fieldwork is one of the most important parts of any occupational therapy program. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-life patient care. Through supervised field placements, students apply their academic knowledge in hands-on settings and learn to adapt to different patient needs. Fieldwork rotations expose students to a range of practice areas, such as pediatrics, mental health, physical rehabilitation, and community-based care. This variety not only builds skills but also helps students discover where they feel most comfortable and effective. By the time students complete their final rotations, they’re equipped with the clinical judgment, communication skills, and professional confidence needed to succeed in their first job.

Why Dominican University NY Is the Right Place to Begin

At Dominican University New York, we believe that a career in occupational therapy should begin with a program that fully prepares you for the real world. Our occupational therapy program is designed to support your academic development, practical training, and long-term career growth. From day one, you’ll engage in hands-on learning, small classes, and one-on-one mentorship with faculty who are active practitioners in the field.

Our students work in diverse clinical settings that reflect the real challenges occupational therapists face—schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community clinics. Fieldwork placements are carefully matched to student goals, giving you the chance to focus on areas that inspire you most.

Dominican University offers robust NBCOT preparation, supportive faculty, and a focus on holistic care. This program provides not just a degree but also the essential tools for building a meaningful and lasting career. If you’re ready to make an impact, we’re here to help you get started.