Occupational Therapists

Almost half of OTs nationwide work in offices with physical and speech therapists, audiologists, or in hospitals. Other OTs work in schools, nursing homes, mental health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and with home health services. OTs will often work with clients in their homes.

Annual median salary: $104,919

Entry-level salary:  $71,034

OTs are expected to grow statewide by 28% between 2022 and 2032, with 912 average annual openings.

OTs need a master’s degree from an AOTA accredited program, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree with coursework in biology and physiology. Many programs also require relevant volunteer or work experience. Master’s programs take about two years, with some schools offering dual bachelor’s/master’s degrees in five years or part-time options. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, medical conditions, and OT theory, along with supervised internships for clinical experience. Many OT programs are transitioning to doctoral programs.

Occupational therapists in New York must be licensed, requiring graduation from an AOTA accredited program, six months of supervised experience, and passing the national certification exam from the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.