Online Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Degree
Online Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Degree
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When deciding whether to pursue a career in occupational therapy, you may have additional questions that can ultimately help you make your decision. Read through some of our commonly asked questions to gain more insight into this career path.
The first step in becoming an occupational therapist is to earn a relevant undergraduate degree to provide you with a basis of education that can be helpful as you progress into advanced studies in a master’s program. A relevant area might be biology, health science, psychology or another field related to health sciences. The next step is to enroll in a master’s in occupational therapy program, where you will take advanced OT courses to prepare you to take the NBCOT exam to become a certified occupational therapist.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in the meaningful activities of daily life — such as dressing, cooking, working or going to school — by addressing physical, cognitive or emotional challenges. Physical therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes improving movement, strength and physical function after injury, illness or surgery. While both professions support recovery and independence, occupational therapy is centered on function in everyday activities, and physical therapy focuses on restoring movement and mobility.
Helping improve the quality of life for others through providing occupational therapy best practices can be personally fulfilling for many. Additionally, in May 2024, occupational therapists had a median annual salary of $98,340, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
When looking at the growth potential for this career, the data shows an expected increase in jobs throughout the decade. The BLS estimates job growth for occupational therapists to increase by about 14% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 22,100 jobs in the field.3
This graduate program will teach you relevant course material that is applicable to occupational therapy practice and critical to OT work. Course topics covered in this program include:
You will also be required to complete on-campus experiences in your program. These immersive sessions provide valuable hands-on learning that allows you to apply your studies in practical contexts. They are designed to strengthen your understanding of essential skills and prepare you to work confidently across diverse practice settings with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Master’s in OT students are also required to complete full-time Level II fieldwork. This immersive clinical experience is a vital part of your preparation, giving you the opportunity to work under the guidance of licensed occupational therapists while advancing your skills in assessment, intervention and documentation.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from GCU focuses on teaching aspiring occupational therapists to become competent, client-centered practitioners. Through a curriculum that is evidence-based, academic and clinical, you will take courses that focus on teaching you critical thinking and the application of best practices. You will work to develop the knowledge and skills required to help improve the health, independence and quality of life of your clients through implementing scientific practices.
This MSOT degree is designed to help prepare you to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. You will be eligible to work as a registered occupational therapist upon passing the exam and obtaining state licensure.
Annual median salary for occupational therapists as of May 20242
Online: $750 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission.
Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
Begin your journey toward a meaningful future in occupational therapy and help others thrive.
The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
In addition, GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The goal of GCU’s MSOT degree is to graduate educated, well-rounded students who have gained the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in the lives of their clients as occupational therapists. Because you must pass the NBCOT exam to become a certified OT, we incorporate NBCOT exam prep into our curriculum to help you feel prepared and confident going into your exam.
Some occupational therapists may specialize, choosing to work in areas such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Through combining practical experience with NBCOT preparation, you can feel prepared to embrace any environment and tackle challenges with confidence.
Occupational therapists can work in a variety of practice settings, including:
Hospitals
Outpatient clinics
Skilled nursing facilities
Home health
Schools & pediatrics
Mental health settings
Community-based programs
Work and industry
Emerging practice areas
At GCU, you have the opportunity to embrace flexibility and convenience as you complete your occupational therapy master’s courses online.1 We offer all learners a variety of online support resources, along with an intuitive learning platform designed to deliver top-tier education from a distance.
