Earning a master’s degree in occupational therapy (MOT) is a smarter decision than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment prospects for professionals in this field will increase by a huge 33% in the next 10 years. This is much faster than average when compared to other occupations. This field will play a very important and growing role for people with all types of disabilities – Alzheimer’s, autism, cerebral palsy and even the loss of a limb.
The need for professionals in this field is increasing because the baby boom population in the US is aging and people are staying more active as they age. As an occupational therapist, you can help senior citizens stay active and independent.
Occupational therapists are also well compensated. The median salary in this field is over $72,000 per year. Those who are in the higher end of the field, such as people with a master’s or doctoral degree, can earn over $100,000 annually.
The most common areas where these professionals work, and their median salaries, are:
- Home health care: $79,500
- Nursing care: $78,100
- Offices of other medical professionals: $73,700
- Hospitals: $72,300
- Family services: $64,000
Most master’s programs in occupational therapy will take about two years to complete, if you attend full time. You need to have a license to practice in this field. All programs listed here will prepare you to become certified in this field and ready to pass the national certification exam that is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
The recommended programs require you to attend a significant portion of classes on campus. Some of the classroom instruction may be completed online.
The recommended occupational therapy programs are as follows:
- Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy: This full time, online degree program from A.T. Still University is a 28 month, continuous program that you will find will provide you with a strong foundation of critical inquiry regarding the practice, education and administration of occupational healthcare.
- Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy: In this accredited program from Nova Southeast University, you will learn how to assess and treat your patients in a way that matches their needs and goals. You also will be able to promote health and well being by helping your patients work with their health issues in the context of their working lives. This program can be completed in three years.
