Education · 1 of 5

The path

Four years of undergraduate, then a graduate degree. There is no shortcut, and no way in with a bachelor's alone.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, anatomy if it is offered, psychology and statistics. Get volunteer hours in a clinic or a special education classroom.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major is allowed. Kinesiology, psychology and biology are the common ones because they cover the prerequisite courses.

3. 3

   Master's or doctorate in occupational therapy

   2 to 3 years

   At a program accredited by ACOTE (the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education). The master's is the shorter and more common entry route.

4. 4

   Level 2 fieldwork

   About 6 months

   Two full-time placements, about 24 weeks total, working with real patients under a supervising therapist. Unpaid.

5. 5

   Exam and license

   Final months

   Pass the national certification exam from NBCOT (the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy), then apply to your state board for a license.