# How Long Does it Take to Become an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational therapy is an increasingly popular health care profession that assists people of all ages who have physical, mental, and emotional disabilities to lead more independent and productive lives. It is a broad field that encompasses a range of therapies and rehabilitation techniques to help people with physical and mental disabilities, as well as those recovering from illness or injury. But how long does it take to become an occupational therapist?
If you’re looking to pursue a career in occupational therapy, the time commitment can vary depending on the level of education and training you choose. Generally, it takes a minimum of six to seven years to become an occupational therapist, including four years of undergraduate study, a master’s degree, and a few additional years of supervised clinical experience.
## The Educational Requirements for Becoming an Occupational Therapist
The educational requirements for becoming an occupational therapist vary depending on the type of therapy you want to specialize in. In the United States, most occupational therapists must complete an accredited master’s degree program, which typically takes two years to complete. The most common occupational therapy program is the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program (OTD), which is a four-year program that includes supervised clinical experience.
Before entering an occupational therapy program, it is important to complete a four-year undergraduate degree program in a field related to health and human services. This may include psychology, biology, or any health-related field. Additionally, some graduate programs require applicants to have taken a certain number of prerequisite courses prior to admission.
## The Licensing Process
Once you have graduated from an accredited occupational therapy program, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This exam is designed to test your knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of occupational therapy. After passing the exam, you must obtain a license in your state of residence in order to practice occupational therapy.
## Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Occupational Therapist
### FAQs on Becoming an Occupational Therapist
**Q1: What kind of degree do I need to become an occupational therapist?**
A1: You will need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in a field related to health and human services, such as psychology, biology, or any health-related field. You will also need to complete an accredited master’s degree program in occupational therapy, which typically takes two years to complete.
**Q2: Is there a licensing exam I need to pass to practice occupational therapy?**
A2: Yes, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) in order to practice occupational therapy. After passing the exam, you must obtain a license in your state of residence.
**Q3: How many years of supervised experience do I need to become an occupational therapist?**
A3: Generally, it takes a minimum of six to seven years to become an occupational therapist, including four years of undergraduate study, a master’s degree, and a few additional years of supervised clinical experience.
**Q4: What is the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program (OTD)?**
A4: The OTD is a four-year program that includes supervised clinical experience and is the most common occupational therapy program in the United States. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice occupational therapy in a wide variety of settings.
**Q5: Is there an age limit for becoming an occupational therapist?**
A5: There is no age limit for becoming an occupational therapist. However, some states may require that you be of a certain age before you can obtain a license to practice. Additionally, some graduate programs may have age restrictions for admission.
## Conclusion
Becoming an occupational therapist requires a commitment of both time and energy. It typically takes a minimum of six to seven years to become an occupational therapist, including four years of undergraduate study, a master’s degree, and a few additional years of supervised clinical experience. You must also pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and obtain a license in your state of residence in order to practice occupational therapy. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy, there are many educational and licensing requirements that must be met before you can practice.
