The criteria for becoming a licensed occupational therapist has changed over time and the requirement has shifted from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s degree. The current educational requirements are to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and then move on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. The Master’s program includes a combination of academic classroom work as well as several sets of clinical internships in various settings to gain hands-on learning. Once the Master’s program is complete, the next step is to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Licensing Examination and receive a passing score. The last step is to apply and obtain licensure for the state in which the therapist will practice. Another OT degree that requires more advanced coursework is called an OTD (Doctorate of Occupational Therapy) that can be done at a post-professional level.
