A clinical occupational therapy degree represents advanced education and training in occupational therapy (OT) with a focus on direct patient care. OTs working in clinical care typically hold a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. An OT degree is required to evaluate and treat individuals with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses to enable them to engage in activities of daily living and other meaningful activities.
Are there online Clinical Occupational Therapy programs?
There are currently no occupational therapy programs in the United States that offer a 100% online curriculum. However, some universities have hybrid OT programs that consist of online didactic coursework combined with in-person fieldwork. Below are a few occupational therapy programs to consider. Consider reading this review of online OT programs.
Consider a sponsored online program currently accepting applicants.
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Sage College | Online Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
The online MS in occupational therapy program from Russell Sage College prepares you to become a highly skilled occupational therapist. Earn your degree in as few as 32 months full time. |
|
| East Central University | Online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Prepare to achieve your career goals in the health, well-being, special population and fitness fields. Finish in 2 to 4 Years. |
|
| Concordia University Saint Paul | Online Bachelors in Exercise Science
Cover anatomy, sport business, health psychology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, including structural mechanics of bone construction, muscle contraction, and more. |
In depth review of top online MOT programs with a focus on Clinical OT
The following are five univsersities that offer occupational therapy master's or doctorate programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences - Master of Occupational Therapy
USAHS offers a Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) in three different formats - Residential, Hybrid Immersion, and Flex. Each format consists of 93 total credits which include online coursework, in-person laboratory sessions, and fieldwork. Here is the summary of the key differences between the three:
Residential MSOT
The Residential format of USAHS' Master of Occupational Therapy program is ideal for individuals who prefer to attend school as a full-time student. This format offers a combination of online and in-class coursework. Laboratory classes are held on campus on select weekdays. Typical duration is 2 years, or 6 trimesters.
The Residential MSOT is available at the following USAHS campuses:
- San Marcos, California - view California occupational therapy degree programs
- St. Augustine, Florida and Miami, Florida - view Florida occupational therapy degree programs
- Austin, Texas - view Texas occupational therapy degree programs
Hybrid Immersion MSOT
The Hybrid Immersion MSOT also offers a blend of online and in-person instruction but with a more flexible schedule. Students enrolled in this program are required to attend two in-person lab sessions per trimester, held over three to five days. The Hybrid Immersion MSOT is available at the following USAHS campuses: San Marcos, CA; St Augustine, FL; Miami, FL; and Dallas, TX.
Flex MSOT
The Flex MSOT is preferred by students who work full-time careers or are busy due to family and other obligations. This format offers the most flexible schedule at an extended pace. Students enrolled in this program are expected to travel to campus four to seven times per trimester. Typical duration is 3 years or 9 trimesters. The Flex MSOT is available at the following USAHS campuses: San Marcos, CA; St Augustine, FL; and Miami, FL.
USAHS MSOT program coursework online
The MSOT program at USAHS covers foundational sciences, clinical skills, and specialized occupational therapy practices. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid theoretical foundation, practical experience, and a focus on evidence-informed practice. Key courses include:
Anatomy Applied to Occupation
Clinical Neuroscience Applied to Occupation
OT Methods in Assistive Technology
Clinical Applications in Pediatrics/Adolescence
Additionally, students participate in two 12-week Fieldwork II experiences, offering real-world exposure and practical training in various settings.
Admission requirements for the USAHS Occupational Therapy programs
1. Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who are still working towards their undergraduate degree and prerequisite coursework are also eligible to apply as long as they can submit a plan of study.
2. OTA-Entry WITHOUT a Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on at least 84 college credit hours. Credits from their OTA degree may satisfy this requirement. They must also provide proof of initial NBCOT certification, their current OTA state license, and a resume with at least one year of work experience as a full-time OTA.
3. Applicant's current resume
4. A personal essay or statement of purpose that explains their motivation behind this career choice
5. Answers to supplemental questions related to the candidate's personal attributes and experiences. These questions are outlined on their website and may be subject to change.
6. Two recommendations, one of which must be from an OT practitioner or an instructor. (This requirement is going away in Spring 2025).
7. Observation hours in at least two areas of OT practice are recommended but not mandatory.
8. Prerequisite courses completed with a grade of "C" or better within the last five years (preferred but not required). Courses include Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Sociology or Anthropology, Human Growth and Development (Lifespan), Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, and Medical Terminology.
9. A background check, fingerprints, and drug test are required upon acceptance.
Is it worth getting a Clinical Occupational Therapy degree?
Having an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Occupational Therapy prepares you to work in clinical settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics. Once you pass the NBCOT certification exam, you can practice with the title Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OTRs earn an average hourly rate of $46.33 per year. The 12% projected growth of occupational therapy jobs in the next 10 years could lead to more advancement opportunities and strong job security.
Why consider ACOTE-accredited OT programs?
ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy programs have demonstrated that they meet the educational and clinical training standards required for professional OT practice in clinical settings. It is also important to note that only graduates of ACOTE-accredited programs can qualify to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to work as licensed OT practitioners.
Typical coursework you might take in a clinical OT program
1. Occupational Therapy Theory – Reviews theoretical perspectives and occupation-based models that are foundational to OT clinical practice.
2. Kinesiology for Occupational Therapists – Studies human movement, including anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, and exercise.
3. Occupational Therapy Interventions – Provides detailed knowledge of treatment approaches for various conditions across all age groups.
4. Assistive Technology – Introduces students to various assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and universal design to promote accessibility and support individuals experiencing disability and loss of skill.
5. Occupational Therapy Research – The course teaches students to critically evaluate research, conduct literature reviews, understand various research methodologies, and write research proposals.
6. Fieldwork – Provides hands-on experience in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools with a focus on learning about screenings, evaluations, documentation, treatment planning, and discharge planning, all under the supervision of a licensed OT.
What can you do with a clinical OT degree?
Occupational therapists traditionally work as clinicians in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, home health, and nursing care facilities. Most OTs focus on areas like acute care, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, or mental health.
Registered Occupational Therapists usually earn around $46.33 hourly or $96,370 per year.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants earn an average of $31.47 per hour or $65, 450 annually.
Other factors that may influence the actual salary include years of experience, the state in which they are employed, and the specific clinical setting.
Top Paying Industries:
1. School System
2. Home Health Care
3. Early Childhood Intervention
Top Paying States:
1. California
2. New York
3. Nevada
