Comparing the MOT and OTD Degrees

From helping children hone their fine motor skills after illness or injury, to educating people with carpal tunnel syndrome with ergonomic equipment, many occupational therapists (OTs) find it fascinating. enjoys a rewarding and well-paid career in^1,2

If you are interested in this medical profession, you may know that one of two degrees is required to practice. Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) (MOT) or Occupational Therapist (OTD).³ How do I know which path is right for me?

OTD is a more advanced degree than MOT, but the discussion between OTD and MOT is still important. So how do the two degree programs compare? Is there a real difference between the time commitment to a degree and potential income?

What are OTDs?

OTD programs provide candidates with an MOT-like education that prepares them to take on advocacy and leadership roles, as well as to handle typical clinical tasks such as patient evaluation, treatment planning, and patient follow-up. arrange.^Four In addition, the OTD program requires the completion of a doctoral capstone project. More on this topic later.^Five

As a result, OTD graduates not only gain the in-depth education and first-hand experience needed to fill clinical roles, but also gain positions in research, emerging practice areas, program development, and theory. . OTD focus areas include:⁶

in-depth clinical practice skills
research skills
management and leadership
Policy formulation
advocacy
education
Development of theory

What are MOTs?

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) is a comprehensive program that equips graduates with the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to work with patients in clinical settings. These include, but are not limited to:⁷

Helping patients reach their full potential
Treatment plan design and implementation
Assisting patients with the use of adaptive devices

Comparing OTD and MOT: How do they compare?

Both MOT and OTD degree programs cover the myriad tasks required of occupational therapists, from providing support to caregivers to helping patients relearn important tasks such as bathing and dressing. Prepare graduates to perform.¹ The degree path that’s right for you depends on your career goals and timeline.

OTD is suitable for individuals who plan to ultimately pursue roles in leadership, advocacy, policy making, and/or higher education.⁸ The same is true for those who decide to pursue a Professional Therapist (PPOTD). This is the highest degree you can get in this field. These advanced degrees are relevant for those who wish to:⁹

Open Your Practice and Lead Others
Work in program development and unexplored fields
pursue a role in academia

Alternatively, MOT is recommended for OT aspirants who want to start practicing as soon as possible. MOT graduates can apply for OT positions after completing their education and passing the national examination for certification administered by MOT. National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).^Ten Both the MOT and OTD programs prepare students for this exam.

Let’s look at other program factors to consider.

interval – A residential MOT typically takes two years to complete, while a residential OTD typically requires an additional two semesters.⁹ However, this depends on the pace of the program. For example, at St. Augustine University Health Sciences (USAHS), it typically takes three and he four years to complete the Flex MOT and Flex OTD programs, respectively, but students’ schedules are more flexible.
supervised fieldwork – Both MOT and OTD candidates are required to complete several weeks of supervised fieldwork.⁸ The specific number of hours required varies by program.
Admission requirements – Both the MOT and OTD programs require successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, OT school requirements, prerequisites, and a minimum GRE score required by some institutions.¹¹ USAHS does not require a GRE. If you are currently majoring in a field other than health science and just beginning to explore the idea of becoming an occupational therapist, rest assured that many of his OT programs do not require a science-based degree. USAHS encourages applications from students with degrees in areas such as education, history, psychology, and sociology.
price – OTD programs are generally more expensive than MOT programs due to the longer commuting period. This could make MOT programs more attractive to those looking to reduce student debt. While her immediate ROI for MOT graduates may be high, OTD expands the realm of possibilities for graduates.¹²
Preparing for licensing – Both MOT and OTD programs include curricula that properly prepare students to take the national exam for certification. This certification is required to operate legally in the United States.⁸

In the discussion of MOT and OTD, one of the most important differences is that OTD requires candidates to have a PhD to prepare them for more advanced roles.

USAHS doctoral capstones enable students to explore OT topics of interest, enhance their critical thinking and research skills, collaborate with mentors and other OT professionals, and have an immersive, real-world experience. It is an independent project that provides students with the opportunity to accumulate.¹³

“I chose the OTD program because I was thinking about my future. I hope to one day open my own clinic. OTD gives me more options and additional education will help me in the future.” , OTD ’19

Masters and PhD in Occupational Therapy Salary

Do OTD graduates earn more than MOT graduates?

necessarily.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for occupational therapists is $85,570, regardless of degree.¹⁴

Additionally, OTD graduates are eligible for non-clinical roles such as roles in teaching.¹² Even if you decide to pursue MOT now, you may decide later to pursue OTD or PPOTD.

OT PhD vs MSc: Which Should You Pursue?

Occupational therapy is consistently ranked as one of the best jobs in healthcare and one of the best jobs overall.² Whether pursuing an MOT or OTD, you can expect a challenging role and the ability to help individuals enjoy a higher quality of life regardless of injury, illness or disability. Choosing which OT degree to pursue depends on your short- and long-term personal and professional goals and the amount of time you spend in school.

If you’d like to one day open your own clinic or work on policy changes, but don’t mind extra hours at school, OTD may be the way to go. However, if you want to finish your degree faster and start working as a clinician right away, MOT may be for you.

Fortunately, USAHS’ Graduate Occupational Therapy Program is designed to appeal to a wide range of ambitious OTs: those who want to get into practice as soon as possible, those who want to take on teaching, leadership, and clinical research roles, and everyone in between. Designed. At USAHS, you’ll be guided by expert faculty, work with simulated patients in our state-of-the-art simulation center, and gain real-world experience through immersive fieldwork. Whether you choose MOT or OTD, the USAHS team prepares students with the skills they need to succeed.

Request information about our program, apply today and discover everything that awaits you as an occupational therapist.

sauce:

J Seladi-Schulman, “Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy: How Do They Differ?”, health linelast updated March 2020,
US News Best Jobs, “Occupational Therapists – Career Rankings, Salaries, Reviews and Advice” US News & World Report, Last updated in 2023,
American Occupational Therapy Association, “Program Admissions and Formats,” Aotalast updated in 2023,
American Occupational Therapy Association, “Becoming an Occupational Therapist” Aotalast updated in 2023,
C Kroll, L Struckmeyer, B Schmeltz, “What are the caps of an entry-level OTD PhD and how can I benefit from it?”, Aotalast updated March 2022,
S Stevenson, O Rogers, C Ivey, “Designing Effective Acme Experiences and Projects for Beginner-Level PhD Students in Occupational Therapy: One Program Approach and Lessons Learned.” Open Journal of Occupational Therapylast updated in 2020,
St. Augustine University Health Sciences, “What Do Occupational Therapists Do?” USAHSlast updated October 2022,
St. Augustine University Health Sciences, “How to Become an Occupational Therapist – Benefits and Job Opportunities.” USAHS, Last updated February 2022,
St. Augustine University Health Sciences, “Graduate Occupational Therapy Programs” USAHS, Last updated in 2022,
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: A Handbook of Occupational Perspectives.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Last updated September 2022,
S Stromsdorfer, “What are the prerequisites for an OT school?”, my OT spotlast updated 2019,
St. Augustine University Health Sciences, Physician in Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program, USAHS,
St. Augustine University Health Services, “Analysis of the OTD Capstone Process.” USAHSlast updated May 2021,
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: A Handbook of Occupational Perspectives.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Last updated September 2022,