Value of a Master's in Occupational Therapy

Looking to level up your occupational therapy career and secure the proper education? A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from MCPHS is just an application away!

The field of occupational therapy (OT) is booming, and patient-centered healthcare is more critical than ever. While the baccalaureate degree in this field is popular, you might wonder, “Can you do a master’s in occupational therapy?” Yes, you definitely can. And doing so can offer you irreplaceable knowledge and long-term value. But what exactly does joining a master’s-level OT program actually do for you, and what are you expected to do before you apply? 

Consider this your guide to the education requirements, program structure, and career outcomes for a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT). 

Can You Do a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?

The ultimate burning question—yes, you can! This graduate program prepares aspiring occupational therapists to handle the complexities of patient care and contribute to the well-being and engagement of individuals and communities. It focuses on assisting people of all ages to develop, regain, or maintain daily skills through creating plans for adaptability and device usage, modifying environments, and providing cognitive support. 

Unlike physical therapy, which holds a doctoral degree requirement, occupational therapy requires the successful completion of a master's degree to practice occupational science.

MOT vs MSOT: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve done research and have been confused by these occupational therapy degree pathways, here’s a quick snapshot of what sets them apart. While they’re largely similar, one provides more insight into research than the other:

• MSOT: This program focuses on research, evidence-based practice, and theory, while also providing students with expert knowledge in clinical occupational therapy practice, hands-on patient care, and fieldwork experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
• MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy): Focuses on clinical OT practice and hands-on patient care. Graduates are equally eligible for the NBCOT certification exam.

While both degrees can help you land the same types of jobs, an MSOT gives you the freedom and flexibility to work directly with patients or conduct research studies. 

Undergraduate Degree Options

Before getting into a master’s program, you must pursue a relevant undergraduate degree. Popular options include:

• Health sciences
• Psychology
• Biology
• Exercise science
• Sociology
• Kinesiology

At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), our School of Occupational Therapy delivers prized academic experiences that not only prepare each occupational therapy student for the workforce but also build their networks of industry professionals and ensure they thrive in any environment. 

What Are the Requirements for a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?

While in high school or your undergraduate studies, it’s helpful to be aware of the must-do checklist items that must be marked off before entering a master’s program. Let’s go over the academic and application requirements to note:

Academic Prerequisites To Complete

First and foremost, you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, either in health sciences or a related field. Common choices are psychology, biology, or kinesiology. It depends on the occupational therapy school, but most colleges require a GPA of at least 3.0; however, having a 3.5 or higher makes you more competitive. 

As for prerequisite courses, you’ll most likely be expected to take the following classes to prepare you for the complex occupational therapy course load:

• Human anatomy and physiology (with labs)
• Developmental psychology
• Abnormal psychology
• Sociology or anthropology
• Statistics
• Medical terminology
• Physics

Important Application Components

During your preparation for this master’s program, you’ll need to document hours observing occupational therapists in various settings. Each school mandates specific time requirements, but oftentimes you’ll be expected to take part in about 40 hours of shadowing. This ensures you understand the role of someone in the occupational therapy profession and see the types of tasks being performed. 

As part of the application process, you’ll also collect a letter of recommendation and write a personal statement or essay. Ensure these admission requirements are specific to the program you’re applying for to maximize their effectiveness. 

Learning the Structure: What To Expect From a Master’s Program

Typical program lengths run two to three years. At MCPHS, our full-time Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is completed in just two years, enabling you to get your foot in the door at your dream job as quickly as possible. We also offer a direct-entry combined bachelor’s and master’s program pathway that enables you to earn both degrees in five years instead of the traditional six or seven. This includes three years of undergraduate studies leading to two years of graduate studies.

Once you start the graduate program, the real fun begins. Experienced professors will teach foundational OT theory and guide students in patient assessment and intervention planning. You’ll also dive deeper into anatomy, neuroscience, and kinesiology to better understand how the body works and how it responds to certain treatments and exercises. 

Because the occupational therapy role is often very interactive and hands-on, you’ll take part in lab-based learning and Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. This real-world, clinical preparation ensures you’re ready to jump into the workforce right after graduation, with no gaps in education or training.

Steps to Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Deciding to enter graduate school can feel a bit overwhelming. Let’s break down the steps to becoming an occupational therapist to make this process as smooth as possible:

• Step 1 - Earn a bachelor’s degree: Complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Step 2 - Complete prerequisite coursework: Check each program’s requirements and plan your coursework accordingly, hitting each necessary prerequisite.
• Step 3 - Apply to and complete an accredited MOT/MSOT program: Find a program that aligns with your career goals and learn from hands-on, experiential education.
• Step 4 - Complete required fieldwork hours: Document supervised Level I and Level II fieldwork placements in clinical or community settings during graduate school.
• Step 5 - Pass the NBCOT certification exam: After the successful completion of your occupational therapy degree, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam to become a registered occupational therapist.
• Step 6 - Obtain state licensure: Follow your state’s specific licensing requirements to be legally authorized to work as an occupational therapist.

Opening Up Doors and Helping You Achieve Your Goals

With full-time and flexible program options available to you, getting a master’s in occupational therapy is more valuable and accessible than ever. Explore accredited programs like those offered by MCPHS to find your best fit, and discover the prerequisites and admission requirements needed to start preparing for this exciting next step.

Ready to pursue a meaningful career in the medical world? Apply to get your Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.