Occupational Therapy (OT)

Also see a sample 4-year plan.

Occupational Therapists Occupational Outlook

    Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people of all ages participate in meaningful activities ("occupations") they want or need to do, especially after injury, illness, or disability. They:

    • Help children with developmental delays improve motor skills
    • Assist adults recovering from stroke or injury to regain independence
    • Support older adults experiencing physical or cognitive decline
    • Modify environments or tools to make everyday tasks accessible

    The workplace for an OT includes:

    • Hospitals
    • Rehabilitation centers
    • Schools
    • Home health
    • Long-term care facilities
    • Community-based settings

    The skills required for the profession include:

    • Empathy and patience
    • Strong communication ability
    • Problem-solving
    • Creativity in adapting activities
    • Interdisciplinary collaboration

    The educational path for OT requires you to:

    • Earn a bachelor's degree (any major; common ones include psychology, biology, kinesiology, health sciences)
    • Apply to an entry-level Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) in Occupational Therapy

    By 2027, most programs will be shifting toward the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).

    Use the OTCAS (Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service) to apply to most accredited programs. Materials include:

    • Transcripts
    • Personal statement (~5000 characters)
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Documentation of shadowing/experience hours
    • GRE scores (if required)

    To prepare:

    • Join a pre-OT or pre-health club on campus
    • Volunteer with populations served by OTs (children with disabilities, older adults, mental health programs)
    • Stay organized with a spreadsheet of program requirements and deadlines
    • Keep a journal of your shadowing experiences for use in your personal statement

    Anatomy & Physiology: 1–2 semesters with lab

    Biology: 1–2 semesters

    Psychology: Intro, Abnormal, Developmental, Sociology or Anthropology: 1 semester

    Statistics: 1 semester

    Medical Terminology: Sometimes required

    Chemistry: Sometimes required

    Physics: Occasionally required

    Tip: Check prerequisites for each program you're interested in using AOTA's OT Program Directory

    Competitive GPA: Minimum 3.0 (overall and science), but 3.5+ is more competitive

    Science GPA: Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry—typically scrutinized more closely

    Some OT schools require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

    Aim for scores above the 50th percentile

    Not all programs require it, so check each program's website

    Most programs require 2–3 letters, usually from:

    • An OT you’ve shadowed or worked with

    • College professors (especially in science or psychology)

    • Supervisors from work, internships, or volunteering

    Start building relationships early: attend office hours, engage in class, and ask for LORs at least a month in advance.

    Many OT schools require a minimum of 40–100 hours of shadowing a licensed OT. Variety is key; try to observe in different settings (pediatrics, geriatrics, inpatient, school-based, etc.). Some programs now accept paid work experience in related fields (e.g., rehab aide).