Online Occupational Therapy Program Guide
Key Takeaways
- Online OT options vary from certificate pathways for entry-level roles to licensure-track master’s and doctoral programs.
- Graduate programs feature hands-on fieldwork and prepare students for the OTR or OTA exams.
- Occupational therapists earn median salaries near $100K and the field is projected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.
Online occupational therapy programs combine rigorous coursework with field experiences that prepare you for licensure. Online coursework gives you some flexibility in managing your schedule while meeting all educational and clinical requirements.
Some schools offer online associate and bachelor’s degrees in OT, but you’ll need a master’s degree or higher to become a licensed occupational therapist. Explore online occupational therapy master’s programs and how to choose one that fits your goals.
Career at a Glance: Occupational Therapist
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapists earn a median annual wage of $98,340, with the top 10% of earners making over $129,830.
- Between 2024 and 2034, the BLS projects that occupational therapy jobs will grow by 14%, which is much faster than average.
- California, Texas, and Florida have the highest projected number of annual job openings for occupational therapists, according to Projections Central.
- BLS data shows that, in 2024, 41% of occupational therapists worked in ambulatory healthcare services, 28% worked in hospitals, and 28% were employed by medical offices.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Program?
MA, MS
Degree Types
65-75 credits
Required Credits
2-2.5 years (full time)
Program Length
A master’s in occupational therapy prepares you to assess and treat patients through evidence-based interventions and hands-on practice. Common coursework includes:
- Sensory assessment and planning
- Human development and behavior
- Kinesiology
- Functional human movement
- Assistive technology
- Occupational research and trends
You can earn a master of science (MS) or a master of arts (MA) in occupational therapy. An MS emphasizes clinical research and practice for those planning to work in direct patient care. MA programs focus more on leadership, theory, and humanities, ideal for students interested in roles like program directors or OT educators.
Both degrees typically require fieldwork to help you gain real-world experience working with diverse patient populations. Some programs may also require a thesis or a comprehensive exam to assess your critical thinking skills and ability to apply concepts to clinical practice.
Can you get an occupational therapy degree online?
Online occupational therapy programs exist, but they’re rarely entirely online. Instead, most are hybrid, allowing you to complete coursework online while requiring in-person clinical experiences.
In an online program, you’ll typically complete online coursework with a blend of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. You’ll also participate in clinical experiences within your community. Some schools may have additional in-person components requiring you to come to campus, such as immersion labs.
How Much Is Occupational Therapy School?
The overall average annual tuition for master’s in health professions programs is $17,955. However, public schools are generally more affordable than private schools. You could also save on tuition by attending an online college, which sometimes offers one tuition rate for all online students. In many cases, these online rates are lower than the out-of-state tuition that schools charge for on-campus programs.
To lower your out-of-pocket costs, research your financial aid options before applying. Your school or department may have grants and scholarships available, which you don’t have to repay. Occupational therapy students can also qualify for federal student loans. You’ll need to pay them back, but repayment usually begins after a post-graduation six-month grace period.
How to Get Into an Occupational Therapy Program
In most cases, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school — or be in the process of completing one — to apply to an occupational therapy program. Many programs also have prerequisite courses, such as abnormal psychology, neuroanatomy, and human development.
Other common application requirements for OT programs include:
- Official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts
- Personal essay
Additionally, some schools may require you to have completed at least 20 observation hours with a licensed occupational therapist. Verification takes place through the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service, which processes many applications for OT programs.
How to Choose an Occupational Therapy Program
- 1
Identify your goals.
Before applying to online occupational therapy programs, take time to clarify what you want from your career. Do you want to pursue the clinical side of occupational therapy with direct patient care, or would you prefer research or program leadership? Defining your goals helps you choose between an MS or MA track and ensures the program’s curriculum and clinical training align with your career interests.
- 2
Check for accreditation.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) accredits occupational therapy programs. ACOTE accreditation ensures a program satisfies state licensure requirements for occupational therapists and signals that its curriculum meets national quality standards. Accredited master’s degrees must align with numerous ACOTE standards, like having licensed faculty and requiring at least 24 weeks of full-time Level-II fieldwork.
Use the ACOTE school directory to find accredited programs in your state.
- 3
Consider format and length.
Make sure your program offers the flexibility you need to work around your schedule. While online occupational therapy programs commonly have in-person components, you may be able to take evening, weekend, or asynchronous online classes to balance coursework with other responsibilities.
However, fieldwork has less wiggle room, requiring at least 24 weeks of in-person clinical work on a full-time schedule, although some programs split the requirement into two 12-week blocks. Speak with a program advisor before enrolling to ask questions about the program’s format to ensure you can realistically complete it.
- 4
Review curriculum requirements.
Curriculums vary between programs, so it’s best to research several before applying to shortlist those that match your goals best.
For example, some OT degrees require more credits than others or prerequisites that you haven’t fulfilled yet with your previous degree. Some programs also require a capstone project in addition to fieldwork. Additional credits and capstones can deepen your learning experience, but may also increase your time and cost investment.
- 5
Compare costs and financial aid.
Since occupational therapy programs vary in total credit hours and clinical requirements, knowing the full cost of attendance can help you set a realistic budget and avoid surprises.
After receiving your offers of acceptance, review and compare tuition and financial aid packages to determine your out-of-pocket costs for each program on your shortlist. Contact a financial aid advisor at each school to explore financial aid options, such as grants and scholarships, in more detail, and understand all associated costs, like books and lab fees.
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Next Steps for Occupational Therapy Grads
Becoming a Licensed OT
All states require licensure for practicing OTs.
After completing an ACOTE-accredited OT master’s degree with required fieldwork, you’ll need to apply for and pass the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy Certification Examination. Then, complete an initial license application through your state’s OT licensing board, which will review your education, clinical experience, and exam score before approving your application.
Apply for licensure with the licensing board for each state in which you plan to practice.
Career Advancement for OTs
You can pursue a doctor of occupational therapy to increase your knowledge and have an edge when applying for jobs. This degree enhances leadership skills for roles in OT research, academia, or program administration. A master’s degree is not always required for acceptance.
To prove your knowledge in an OT specialization, consider an Advanced Certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association, such as pediatrics or gerontology. Advanced Certification may open doors to more job opportunities and promotions within the field.
