How Long is Occupational Therapy School?

Posted on September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by Stanbridge

TL;DR

How long is occupational therapy school? The answer depends on your pathway. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree to enter the field, although some programs also award a doctoral degree (OTD).¹ Completing the education required for licensure can take several years, but master’s programs such as the Stanbridge University MSOT program take approximately 26–27 months to complete.² Along the way, students participate in on-campus labs, immersive fieldwork, and evidence-based coursework that build the skills needed to pursue licensure and future practice.

If you’re considering a career in occupational therapy, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “How long is occupational therapy school?” It’s an important question. Training for a healthcare career takes time, and it helps to know what the path looks like before you begin.

You might wonder if the program will work with your schedule or if you’ll get the support you need. You’re not alone in asking these questions. These are common concerns, whether you’re fresh out of college or exploring a career change later in life.

The good news is that occupational therapy programs are structured to support students through each stage of training. This blog post looks at how long occupational therapy school takes, what to expect from the MSOT at Stanbridge University, and how we support students throughout their journey.

How Long Is Occupational Therapy School?

How many years does it take to become an occupational therapist? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you need at least a master’s degree to enter the field.¹ Some programs also offer a doctorate, but most students begin their careers with a master’s degree.¹

When you include the time spent earning a bachelor’s degree, the full journey usually takes five to seven years.¹ However, the exact timeline depends on the program you choose and your personal pace.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Stanbridge University takes about 26–27 months to complete at the graduate level.² During this time, students also prepare for the national certification exam from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

What to Expect in the MSOT Program at Stanbridge University

Stanbridge University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program blends classroom learning with practical training. Here’s what you can expect as a student:

Program length: About 26–27 months, including holidays and breaks.²
Learning format: Students take courses on campus, online, and in blended formats. Lab training takes place at Stanbridge facilities, while fieldwork occurs at partner clinical sites.
Class schedule: Most terms include two to four days of classes each week. Sessions usually last six to eight hours. Fieldwork takes place full-time, Monday through Friday. Each site sets its own schedule, so hours and locations can vary.
Learning environment: Students train in advanced labs and gain direct experience during fieldwork. Faculty mentors guide and support them through each step.
Campuses: Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Is an Occupational Therapist a Two-Year Degree?

The short answer is no. Becoming an occupational therapist requires more than two years of study. The BLS notes that entry requires at least a master’s degree, earned after completing a bachelor’s program.¹ Graduate-level training is essential because occupational therapists evaluate patients, design treatment plans, and guide interventions across many settings.¹

That said, you can complete the MSOT program at Stanbridge University in about 26–27 months.² Our program offers a graduate-level path that provides academic and clinical preparation for NBCOT certification.

The Takeaway: What to Expect From Occupational Therapy School

So, how long is occupational therapy school? According to the BLS, preparing for licensure as an occupational therapist can take several years. The graduate degree itself typically requires more than two years to complete.¹

Stanbridge University’s MSOT program combines graduate-level coursework and advanced technology with supervised fieldwork placements. It can also be completed in 26–27 months.²

Ultimately, pursuing this path requires commitment. However, it is a structured way to prepare for a career focused on helping people build independence and improve their quality of life.

Ready to explore your future in occupational therapy? Visit the Stanbridge University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program page to learn more about program details and admissions. You can also attend an upcoming Information Session to discover more, or connect one-on-one with an Admissions Representative for personalized guidance.

Stanbridge University offers a range of healthcare degree programs across its Southern California campuses in Irvine, Alhambra, Riverside, and San Marcos. The university has been recognized for both academic excellence and workplace culture, including recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as an Opportunity College³ and in Research.com’s 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs in America.⁴ Stanbridge is accredited by Investors in People (London) and certified as a Great Place to Work.⁵

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an occupational therapist program a two-year degree?

No. Entry into the profession requires at least a master’s degree, and some programs offer a doctoral option.¹

How long is the MSOT program at Stanbridge University?

Approximately 26–27 months, including holidays and breaks.²

Footnotes

¹ Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm. As viewed on September 6, 2025.
² Program duration subject to change. Completion times vary depending upon the start and end dates of a cohort and any individual circumstances that may impact progression.
³ Source: https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/stanbridge-university/. As viewed on May 21, 2025.
⁴ Source: Research.com, 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs Ranking in America, https://research.com/rankings/healthcare/best-healthcare-usa/?award=f3d66c8ef200b579 . Email communication from Chief Data Scientist and Ranking Editor, Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D. to Director of Marketing, Victoria Sauer. As viewed on December 12, 2024.
⁵ Source: Investors in People. https://www.investorsinpeople.com/. As viewed on June 13, 2025.