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Occupational therapist: the path

Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual. Description from O*NET

Also called: Assistive Technology Trainer, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Early Intervention Occupational Therapist, Home Health Occupational Therapist, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant

Typical pay$100,330Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+14.8% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 6 to 7 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s degree4 years, any major with prerequisites
  2. Step 2Master’s or doctorate in occupational therapyAbout 2 to 3 years
  3. Step 3National certification exam and state license

Typical education to start: Master's degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Colleges for this path

Related majors: Biology, General · Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness · Psychology, General

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College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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