Your Guide to an Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree
If you are researching occupational therapy careers, understanding the educational pathway is an important first step. An occupational therapy master’s degree is the standard graduate credential required to become a licensed occupational therapist in the United States.
A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program combines graduate-level coursework, clinical reasoning, and supervised fieldwork experiences designed to prepare students for occupational therapy practice and licensure pathways.
This guide explains what an MSOT program includes, admission requirements, curriculum structure, program timelines, career outlook, and factors students may consider when comparing occupational therapy programs.
Basic Overview
An Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree is required for occupational therapy licensure and prepares graduates to sit for the NBCOT certification exam. Most full-time MSOT programs take approximately two to three years to complete and combine classroom instruction, clinical skills training, and supervised fieldwork experiences. Students researching occupational therapy programs often compare accreditation, curriculum structure, fieldwork opportunities, student support services, and career preparation resources.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree?
A Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare students to become licensed occupational therapists.¹
Occupational therapists help individuals develop, recover, or maintain skills needed for daily living and participation across home, school, workplace, and community environments.¹
MSOT programs typically include:
- Anatomy and neuroscience coursework
- Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice
- Therapeutic intervention techniques
- Clinical skills laboratories
- Supervised fieldwork experiences²
Graduates of accredited MSOT programs may become eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, which is required for state licensure.²
Students researching occupational therapy pathways may also encounter the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Both the MSOT and OTD may prepare graduates for entry-level occupational therapy practice, although program structure and academic focus may vary.
How to Apply to an MSOT Program
Applying to a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program typically involves several steps, including meeting admissions requirements, completing prerequisite coursework, and submitting application materials. While requirements vary by institution, many occupational therapy graduate programs share similar academic and experiential expectations.
Observation Hours
Many occupational therapy programs may require or recommend supervised observation experience with a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant before admission. Observation experiences can help prospective students gain exposure to occupational therapy practice settings and better understand the profession. Requirements vary by institution.
Observation experiences may occur in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Pediatric clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
Requirements vary by institution.
MSOT Admissions Requirements
Many MSOT programs require:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Prerequisite coursework
- Observation or volunteer hours
Many schools use the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) for applications.³
What to Expect in an MSOT Curriculum
Occupational therapy curriculum structures are designed to build foundational knowledge before progressing into clinical application and fieldwork experiences.
Core Coursework
Students commonly study:
- Anatomy and kinesiology
- Neuroscience
- Human development
- Evidence-based practice
- Occupational therapy theory and intervention
These courses provide the academic foundation for clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
Clinical Skills and Fieldwork
MSOT programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare students for occupational therapy practice.
Programs may include:
- Clinical skills laboratories
- Simulation-based learning experiences
- Adaptive equipment training
- Supervised fieldwork placements
Accredited occupational therapy programs generally include a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork in settings such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers.²
How Long Is an MSOT Program?
Most full-time MSOT programs take approximately two to three years to complete. Program timelines vary based on curriculum structure, scheduling, and fieldwork requirements.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Stanbridge University is designed for completion in approximately 26 to 27 months.⁴ Program length and schedules may vary depending on cohort progression and individual circumstances.
Career Options with an Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree
Graduates who complete an accredited occupational therapy program, pass the NBCOT exam, and meet state licensure requirements may pursue occupational therapy roles in a variety of settings.¹
Occupational Therapy Career Paths
Occupational therapists may work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings.1
Some occupational therapists later pursue specialized practice areas such as pediatrics, hand therapy, mental health, or assistive technology.1
Occupational Therapy Job Outlook and Salary
According to the California Employment Development Department, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 20.5% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.¹
The hourly mean wage for Occupational Therapists is approximately $60.25.¹ Compensation varies by experience, industry, and geographic location. OTs working in skilled nursing facilities or home health settings may earn different compensation than those in schools or outpatient clinics.
How to Compare MSOT Programs
Students researching occupational therapy graduate programs may consider:
- ACOTE accreditation
- Fieldwork opportunities
- Simulation laboratories and technology
- Student support services
- Clinical partnerships and healthcare connections
- Program length and scheduling
Graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program is generally required for NBCOT exam eligibility and licensure pathways.²
Exploring the Stanbridge University MSOT Program
Students interested in occupational therapy education pathways can review the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Stanbridge University.
The MSOT program includes:
- Hands-on clinical skills training
- Simulation-based learning experiences
- Clinical fieldwork placements
- Student support resources
- Graduate-level occupational therapy coursework
The program is offered at the Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside campuses in California. The MSOT program is 117 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 26–27 months to complete.4
Recent NBCOT-OTR certification exam pass rates for Orange County and Riverside campuses were reported as 94% for 2023–2025.5
Students interested in learning more about admissions requirements or program structure can also contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
An occupational therapy masters degree is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare students for occupational therapy practice, NBCOT certification pathways, and state licensure requirements.¹
Most full-time MSOT programs take approximately two to three years to complete depending on curriculum structure, scheduling, and fieldwork requirements. Stanbridge University’s MSOT program is 117 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 26–27 months to complete.⁴
MSOT program admissions requirements often include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, minimum GPA requirements, and supervised observation experience. Requirements vary by institution.
Accreditation is important because graduating from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program is generally required for NBCOT exam eligibility and licensure pathways.²
According to the California Employment Development Department, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 20.5% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.¹
Footnotes
¹Source: Employment Development Department, State of California, Occupation Profile, Occupational Therapists, https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=Occupational+Therapy&careerID=&menuChoice=occexplorer&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=291122&search=Explore+Occupation. As viewed on May 29th, 2026
²Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), https://acoteonline.org/, https://www.nbcot.org/
³Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service
https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/
4Program length and schedules are subject to change. Completion timelines may vary depending on cohort progression and individual circumstances.
5Source: NBCOT-OTR Pass Rate, 3-Year Average, 2023-2025, Orange County and Riverside campuses only; National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance. As viewed on March 20, 2026. The first cohort at the Riverside campus graduated in July 2024, and the first cohort at the Los Angeles campus graduated in March 2025. All passing rates are calculated for those who have passed the exam within one year of graduation and therefore, the program at the Los Angeles and Riverside campuses is not reflected in the 2023 and 2024 NBCOT-OTR Pass Rate reports.