Occupational Therapist (OT) Career Guide
Your complete guide to becoming an OT — from degree requirements and licensure to salary data and open Occupational Therapist jobs at OneWell.
What Is a Occupational Therapist?
An Occupational Therapist (OT) helps individuals of all ages overcome physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges that affect their ability to perform everyday activities. OTs work with clients recovering from injury or illness, living with disabilities, or managing the effects of aging to improve independence in work, home, and community settings. The field combines clinical science with functional rehabilitation.
Job Outlook
OT employment is projected to grow 12% through 2032 — much faster than average. Demand is driven by the aging population, increased recognition of OT in pediatric and mental health settings, and expanded telehealth practice.
How to Become a Occupational Therapist
- 1Earn a bachelor's degree in a prerequisite fieldMost OT master's programs require a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, kinesiology, or health sciences, along with observation hours in an OT setting.
- 2Complete an accredited OT master's or doctoral programAn entry-level master's degree (MOT or OTD) from a ACOTE-accredited program is required for OT licensure. Programs typically take 2–3 years.
- 3Complete Level II fieldworkA minimum of 24 weeks of Level II supervised fieldwork in clinical settings is required as part of your degree program.
- 4Pass the NBCOT OTR examYou must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination to practice as a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR).
- 5Obtain state licensureAll states require OT licensure. Requirements vary but typically include the NBCOT exam, a background check, and continuing education for renewal.
Required Skills
- ✓Functional assessment and evaluation
- ✓Activity of Daily Living (ADL) training
- ✓Therapeutic exercise and activity planning
- ✓Adaptive equipment recommendation
- ✓Home modification assessment
- ✓Documentation and care plan development
- ✓Pediatric or geriatric specialization
- ✓Communication with multidisciplinary teams
Certifications
- →NBCOT OTR certification (required)
- →State OT licensure (required)
- →CPR / First Aid
- →Specialty certifications: CHT (Hand Therapy), SIPT (Sensory Integration), CAPS (aging in place)
Why Work as a OT at OneWell Healthcare?
Occupational Therapist Jobs by State
Click a state to see salary data, local requirements, and open positions near you.
Open Occupational Therapist Positions at OneWell
19 active openings — updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working as a OT.
What does an Occupational Therapist do?
OTs evaluate clients' functional abilities and design individualized interventions to help them perform daily activities — from dressing and cooking to returning to work. They work in home health, outpatient, pediatric, mental health, and school settings.
How long does it take to become an OT?
Becoming an OT typically takes 6–7 years: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 2–3 years for an OT master's or doctoral program, plus the NBCOT exam and state licensure.
How much does an Occupational Therapist earn?
The national average OT salary is approximately $93,000 per year. Home health OTs often earn above average due to productivity bonuses. Experienced OTs in specialty areas can earn $100,000+.
What is the difference between OT and PT?
OTs focus on helping clients perform functional daily tasks and occupations (bathing, cooking, driving). PTs focus on restoring movement and reducing pain through exercise and manual therapy. Both roles frequently collaborate in rehabilitation settings.
Ready to Start Your OT Career?
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