What is an OTD Degree?

With an Occupational Therapist (OTD) degree, health care professionals can go from helping older adults learn how to reduce falls at home to improving the physical mobility of employees injured in the workplace. You can help your clients in many ways, from facilitating¹

Occupational therapists (OTs) also enjoy a rewarding professional experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for an occupational therapist is her $85,570. That’s almost double the average salary by occupation in the United States.^2,³

If you have started exploring occupational therapy as a career path, you may have questions about how to find a role in this promising field. What is an occupational therapy degree? What are my educational options?

What is an OTD degree? Discover the basics.

OTD or Master of Occupational Therapy A (MOT) degree from an accredited program is required for practice.^Five

Completing an OTD program typically takes two to three years and includes:²

didactic learning
clinical training
supervised fieldwork
Acme Project

Earning an OTD degree will give you the skills to work with clients.⁷

Conducting patient assessments
Establishment and modification of treatment plan
provide treatment
Assess and document patient progress
discharge a client
conduct your own research
Pursue Advocacy and Leadership Roles

OTD programs usually culminate in a PhD capstone project. This allows OTD candidates to choose a specialization of their choice and delve into it. The acme process strengthens independent research skills and enables the art of collaboration.

After earning a degree and license in occupational therapy, OTD is available not only in a hands-on clinical setting, but also Nursing homes, pediatric clinics, mental health facilities— but also in the role of:

clinical research
higher education
leadership
advocacy for special people

What is the difference between MOT and OTD?

The difference between an MOT and OTD degree is obvious. OTD is a more advanced degree.

The main differences between MOT and OTD are:

interval – A master’s degree is generally shorter than a PhD in any field. MOT is approximately 8 months shorter than OTD.
Dr. Cum – PhD candidates must complete an experiential capstone project. Candidates explore topics of interest, from better understanding the impact of isolation on older adults to helping injured veterans return to work.
different results – OTD candidates receive the same education as MOT candidates. However, the OTD Candidate’s Capstone Project gives real-world exposure to key topics of interest and sets the stage for roles in leadership and advocacy.⁷

The return on investment between the two degrees is higher for MOT. This is because MOTs can start working and earn income sooner and may cost less for occupational therapy education. ⁷ However, in the long run, OTD may offer more professional opportunities.⁷MOT can always decide later to pursue OTD.

Whether you choose MOT or OTD, all occupational therapists must pass a national licensing exam. National Commission for Accreditation of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).²

Once licensed, an OT officially becomes an OTR (Registered Occupational Therapist).⁹

Requirements vary by state, but OTs are generally required to continue their education in order to maintain their license.^Ten

What is the difference between an OTD degree and a post-professional OTD degree?

Both OTDs and PPOTDs have education and training for leadership, advocacy, and teaching roles.^Four

a PPOTD program Although an OTD degree is considered an entry-level program that allows graduates to enter the workforce immediately, it is a potential avenue for the practice of occupational therapists who wish to advance their careers.^Four

What are the admission requirements for the OTD program?

OT school requirements for OTD programs vary by institution. Usually you need:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution usually focused on science, such as physiology or biology²
Official transcript issued by your undergraduate institution¹¹
letter of recommendation¹¹
statement of purpose¹¹
Curriculum Vitae / Curriculum Vitae¹¹
Complete prerequisites¹¹
personal essay¹¹
observation time¹¹

Reasons to pursue OTD

OTD is a significant investment of time, energy, money and other resources. Still, the benefits of OTD are incredible. Let’s take a look at some of the most attractive ones.

excellent profitability – OT stands to earn a solid salary of approximately $85,000 annually, depending on geographic location and type of facility.^2,¹² In some states, an OTD can earn up to $100,000 or more, paving the way for a comfortable and enjoyable life.¹²
Job security, resilience and growth – From the pandemic’s high levels of unemployment to the advent of AI, individuals have become concerned about their career future.¹³However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the occupational therapy field to grow 14% over the next eight years, a significantly faster pace than other occupations. ²

With around 10,000 OT jobs expected to be created each year over the next decade, both geographic locations and facilities offer the potential for greater opportunities and greater autonomy over where they work.²

Expanding Opportunities – MOT graduates can work primarily, if not exclusively, in clinical settings.⁷
hypothesis
Program development
research leadership
new field of practice

Is OTD Right For You?

Occupational therapists are typically equipped with a deep fountain of compassion and the ability to work with a wide range of individuals of all ages.¹

Desirable qualities of an OT include:

sympathy – Imagine having to relearn a skill after a stroke or coping with a devastating injury that leaves you paralyzed. You may feel vulnerable, fearful, and sensitive. Preferred OTs demonstrate empathy throughout the process, making them feel safe and confident. His OTs who embody this trait are likely to have a higher success rate with clients and have more positive results.¹⁴
Flexibility – In clinical and other settings, OT deals with a wide variety of individuals, injuries, illnesses and situations.¹⁵ The ability to adapt one’s therapeutic approach, recommendations, etc. is therefore very important in this role.
interpersonal and communication skills – An open line of communication between OT and client is key to successful outcomes and patient satisfaction.¹⁶ Interpersonal skills help build trust and trust between you and your client, as well as their healthcare team and loved ones, and can contribute to healing and recovery.

Many future OTs will have these innate but underdeveloped traits. Education and experience help hone these skills.

However, only you can decide if OT is an attractive career path for you. Do you take pride in helping others progress? Are you fascinated by anatomy and the capabilities of the human mind and body? Do you like it? If so, you might consider becoming an OT.

Is OTD or MOT the only path to becoming an occupational therapist?

yes. But becoming a registered his OT isn’t the only way to work in the field.^Five

Some candidates may wish to accelerate their academic programs and start working and helping clients. In this case, you can join the OTA program and become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). This requires:^Five

High school degree, GED, associate’s degree, and/or equivalent
Typically two years of study

If you decide to become an OTA, you may be ready to pursue MOT or OTD later.

Accomplish Your Purpose with an OTD Degree

Occupational therapists are an integral part of the health care system and have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of their clients. Whether you’re interested in a long career in clinical care or hope to eventually take on leadership or advocacy roles, an OTD degree can open the door for you.

St. Augustine University of Health Sciences offers MOT, OTD, and PPOTD programs that give you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in OT. With our flexible curriculum, residential and face-to-face learning, expert faculty, innovative learning models, and cutting-edge technology, we can help make your dreams come true.

Request information about our OT program and apply today to start your rewarding OT career.

sauce:

American Occupational Therapy Association, “What is Occupational Therapy?” Mr. Aota Last updated in 2023,
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Therapists: A Handbook of Occupational Perspectives.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Last updated September 2022,
USA Facts, “Median Annual Wage” american factslast updated in 2023,
K Hoyt and S Lyon, “Which OT degree? (OT, OTD, PPOTD, etc!),” OT Potential/Occupational Therapy Resources, Last updated: August 2022,
American Occupational Therapy Association, “Program Admissions and Formats,” Aotalast updated in 2023,
St. Augustine University Health Service, “How to Become an Occupational Therapist Benefits and Job Opportunities.” USAHS,
St. Augustine University Health Services, “Comparing MOT and OTD Degree Programs,” USAHS,
St. Augustine University Health Services, “Analysis of the OTD Capstone Process.” USAHSlast updated May 2021,
S Stromsdorfer, “Procedures for Obtaining an Occupational Therapy License State by State”, my OT spot, Last updated in 2021,
AOTA, “Occupational Therapy Professions – Continuing Competence Requirements”, Aotalast updated May 2022,
St. Augustine University Health Service, “Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Degree,” USAHSlast updated in 2023,
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Last Modified March 2022,
A Semuels, “Millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and robots and AI are taking them out faster than ever before.” timelast updated August 2020,
J Walker, “The Power of Empathy in Healthcare” AAPAlast updated December 2022,
R Olivera, “The relationship between mental health and occupational therapy” simple exercises, Last updated: March 2021,
T Brown, M Yu, J Etherington, “Do Listening and Interpersonal Communication Skills Predict Professionalism in Occupational Therapist Undergraduates?”, science directlast updated June 2020,