What education is required to become an occupational therapist in the United States?

In the United States, the minimum educational qualification required to practice as an occupational therapist is a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Additionally, the United States offers entry-level clinical doctorate degrees for those entering the profession.1

Occupational therapy education is conducted at colleges or universities and focuses on the theoretical concepts of occupation alongside the practical skills necessary for clinical intervention. Because these therapists work to improve health and prevent disability, their training includes a foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and psychology. Furthermore, every accredited educational program requires students to complete periods of supervised clinical experience to ensure they are prepared for professional practice.1