Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career? Exploring Pros, Cons, and Benefits

If you are drawn to a career path that allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, helping them regain independence and improve their well-being through meaningful activities, then occupational therapy (OT) might be an excellent fit for you. As an occupational therapist (OT), you’ll be working with individuals and groups across all ages who are facing physical, mental, or cognitive challenges due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. Your role is crucial in their recovery journey, guiding them to master essential daily living skills and navigate their world with greater autonomy.

But Is Occupational Therapy A Good Career choice overall? Is it the right path for you? To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of becoming an occupational therapist, and explore what you can truly expect from an occupational therapy career.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of an Occupational Therapy Career

Occupational therapy stands out as a uniquely rewarding profession, seamlessly blending compassion, specialized skills, and creative problem-solving. For those with a genuine desire to help others reclaim their independence and enhance their quality of life, it offers a compelling career trajectory. As an OT, you have the potential to significantly impact individuals of all ages dealing with a wide spectrum of challenges – from physical and cognitive impairments to emotional and developmental difficulties. However, like any profession, choosing a career in occupational therapy involves considering both its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these pros and cons is essential for anyone considering this path to ensure it aligns with their personal and professional aspirations. Let’s begin by examining the compelling advantages of a career in occupational therapy.

Exploring the Advantages: Pros of an Occupational Therapy Career

When considering career options, job satisfaction often ranks high on the list of priorities. Fortunately, occupational therapy consistently demonstrates strong levels of professional fulfillment. A recent qualitative study investigating work fulfillment among occupational therapists revealed that the surveyed OTs reported positive job satisfaction. Notably, the study highlighted a significant correlation between greater work experience and increased job satisfaction.1 This suggests that as OTs grow in their careers, their sense of fulfillment tends to deepen.

Another crucial factor influencing career decisions is the breadth of opportunities available within a profession. Occupational therapy excels in this area, offering a diverse range of settings where OTs can practice and make a difference across the entire lifespan. As emphasized by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy holds the unique distinction of being the only profession with the scope to assist individuals throughout their lives.2 This broad scope provides clinicians with remarkable flexibility, not only to work with diverse patient populations but also to transition into different practice settings should they seek new challenges or areas of specialization.

Geographic flexibility is another significant advantage of an occupational therapy career. Upon completing the necessary educational requirements and passing the required national certification exam, OTs are eligible to apply for licensure in any U.S. state, including the District of Columbia.3 Coupled with a robust projected job growth rate of 12% for occupational therapists, the opportunity to find your ideal job isn’t limited by location.4 Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks occupational therapy highly, recognizing it as the fourth best health care job and 19th among the best jobs in the United States in 2024.5 These rankings underscore the strong career prospects and overall desirability of occupational therapy.

Addressing the Challenges: Cons of Being an Occupational Therapist

While a career in occupational therapy offers substantial rewards and a promising outlook for growth, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges before embarking on this path.

One significant consideration is the rising cost of higher education coupled with the issue of stagnant wages, largely attributed to decreasing insurance reimbursement rates.6 The financial burden of tuition can be substantial. However, there are strategies to mitigate these costs, such as actively seeking scholarships and financial aid opportunities, like those offered at institutions such as the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS).scholarships financial aid

Another important factor to consider is the relatively high rate of burnout reported among occupational therapists. A comprehensive 2021 meta-analysis of 17 peer-reviewed studies identified several risk factors significantly associated with occupational therapist burnout.7 These risk factors include the specific work setting, excessive work hours, demanding job challenges, job position, and work addiction. Understanding these potential stressors is crucial for aspiring OTs to develop coping mechanisms and prioritize work-life balance.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of a career in occupational therapy remain compelling and significant. Let’s explore these advantages in greater detail.

Key Benefits of Choosing an Occupational Therapy Career

1. Strong Earning Potential

Occupational therapy offers the potential to earn a comfortable living while pursuing a fulfilling career. In 2023, the median annual salary for occupational therapists was $96,370, and job opportunities are projected to continue growing.4 According to 2023 data, average salaries in popular OT practice settings include:8

• Home health care services: $104,790
• Nursing care facilities: $101,520
• State, local, and private hospitals: $99,570
• Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists: $94,930
• Elementary and secondary schools: $80,910

It’s worth noting that salary in an occupational therapist career can increase with experience, advanced certifications, and specialization. Salary in an occupational therapist career can also vary depending on several factors:

• Type of healthcare facility or work environment
• Specializations and professional credentials obtained
• Geographic location (both actual pay and relative income are influenced by local cost of living)
• Level of education (Master’s vs. Doctorate degree)

Geographic location plays a significant role in earning potential. The five highest-paying states for occupational therapists, along with their corresponding average annual salaries, are:9

• California: $113,550
• New York: $107,530
• Nevada: $107,070
• New Jersey: $105,880
• Colorado: $104,950

When considering location, it’s important to factor in the cost of living in each state. For example, while Nevada’s cost of living is approximately 10% higher than the national average, California’s is almost 50% above average, and New York’s is roughly 22% higher. This makes Nevada, in terms of real income adjusted for cost of living, potentially the most financially advantageous of these top-paying states.10,11,12

2. A Profession with a Bright Job Outlook

Compared to the average growth rate of nearly 3% for all occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a significantly faster growth rate of 12% for occupational therapists between 2022 and 2032.13,4

This robust growth translates to approximately 9,600 job openings annually, on average, for OTs, encompassing both new positions and replacement of retiring professionals.4 While individual job prospects may vary based on specific circumstances, the overall outlook for occupational therapy careers is exceptionally promising, indicating strong job security and ample opportunities for qualified professionals.

3. Diverse Workplace Settings to Choose From

One of the appealing benefits of an occupational therapy career is the flexibility to work in a wide array of settings. OTs are needed and valued in diverse environments, including:

• Home healthcare agencies
• Free clinics and community health centers
• Private offices and clinics
• General and specialized hospitals
• Public and private school systems
• Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
• Mental health facilities

The rise of technology has also expanded workplace options. Teletherapy allows OTs to connect with clients remotely using video conferencing platforms. Virtual OTs may work entirely remotely or combine virtual sessions with in-person client interactions, offering even greater flexibility and reach.

4. Specialization Opportunities Across Varied Fields

A significant advantage of occupational therapy is the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest or with specific patient populations. Numerous certifications and specialized training paths are available after earning your OT degree, allowing you to deepen your expertise in areas that resonate with you. Some popular specialization areas include:

If you have a passion for helping individuals in a specific area of health or well-being, it’s highly likely there’s an occupational therapy specialization that aligns with your interests and skills, allowing you to focus your career on making a targeted impact.

5. Harness Your Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

Occupational therapy is inherently a creative profession. Throughout your career, you will be designing individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances. This often requires thinking outside the box and finding innovative ways to help patients implement their treatment plans in their everyday lives, particularly at home and in their communities.

For example, if you’re working with a patient to improve their strength using resistance bands in therapy sessions, but they don’t have access to such equipment at home, you’ll need to creatively identify readily available household items that can provide a similar resistance, such as repurposed pantyhose, towels, or even soup cans as makeshift weights. This creative problem-solving is a core aspect of OT practice.

6. Build Meaningful Client Relationships

In occupational therapy, you often work closely with clients who require both short-term and long-term interventions. You’ll have the opportunity to build rapport and develop meaningful relationships with your patients as you guide them through their rehabilitation journey, focusing on improving their mobility, strength, and ability to perform daily activities.

As you learn about your clients’ lives, challenges, and aspirations during therapy sessions, you can build strong therapeutic alliances. If you enjoy working directly with people, are empathetic, and find satisfaction in empowering others to achieve their goals, you’ll likely find deep fulfillment in an occupational therapy career.

7. Experience Career Satisfaction and Purpose

For many individuals, occupational therapy is not just a job, but a deeply rewarding and purposeful career path.14 An OT career may be particularly well-suited if you possess certain key personal qualities and capabilities:

• Patience and persistence
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability, flexibility, and creativity
• Genuine compassion and empathy

For those who value an active and engaging work environment, occupational therapy offers a welcome alternative to desk-bound professions. The opportunity to continuously develop your skills, specialize in areas that interest you, and work with patient populations you are passionate about are significant contributors to the overall career satisfaction experienced by many occupational therapists.

8. Explore Travel Occupational Therapy Opportunities

For OTs seeking adventure and varied experiences, becoming a travel OT presents an exciting option. By working with a travel therapy agency, you can access short-term contract positions in diverse locations across the country.

Travel OT positions can offer numerous appealing benefits:

• Opportunities to travel and explore different regions of the U.S.
• Exposure to a wide variety of healthcare settings and patient populations.
• Increased professional flexibility and autonomy.
• Attractive employee benefits packages, potentially including housing stipends and travel reimbursement.

Travel OT roles are particularly well-suited for those who enjoy new experiences, thrive in dynamic environments, and want to broaden their clinical skills while exploring different parts of the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy Careers

Here are answers to common questions prospective occupational therapists often ask:

What Degree is Required to Become an Occupational Therapist?

What are the specific education requirements for pursuing a career in occupational therapy? To become a practicing OT, you typically need to earn a graduate-level degree, either a Master’s or a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

The steps to becoming a licensed and practicing OT generally include:15

• Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Step 2: Graduate from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).16
• Step 3: Successfully pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) exam.17
• Step 4: Obtain licensure from the state board in which you intend to practice.
• Step 5: Once licensed, you can use the professional titles Occupational Therapist (OT) or Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Maintain your license through ongoing continuing education credits and professional development activities.

To advance into specialized roles within your occupational therapy career, you may need to pursue advanced certifications offered by AOTA or other recognized credentialing agencies. These specialized positions typically require a combination of focused experience and advanced continuing education coursework in the specific area of specialization.

What Are Common OT Program Admission Prerequisites?

Admission requirements for graduate-level OT programs can vary depending on the institution and program type.

Here are the typical admission requirements for USAHS’ Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Alternatively, for applicants without a bachelor’s degree, USAHS offers an OTA to MOT Bridge Program which allows Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) to earn their Master’s degree in as little as two years*.
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Statement of Purpose outlining your goals and motivations for pursuing occupational therapy.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework, typically including:
  • Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
  • Sociology or Anthropology
  • Human Growth and Development (Lifespan)
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Medical Terminology
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Observation hours in occupational therapy settings (the required number may vary).
• Responses to OT supplemental questions as part of the application.

Notably, the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is not currently required for admission to USAHS’ MOT program.

How Long Does Occupational Therapy School Typically Take?

When applying to occupational therapy programs, you’ll typically have the option to enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. This decision significantly influences the overall length of your graduate program. Program durations vary between institutions, and USAHS programs are structured to be completed within the following timeframes:

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

• Residential (on-campus): 2 years*
• Hybrid Immersion (blended online and on-campus): 2 years*
• Flex (primarily online with some on-campus components): 3 years*

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

• Residential (on-campus): 2.7 years*
• Flex (primarily online with some on-campus components): 3.7 years*

The actual time to complete an OT program can also depend on factors such as:

• The program format you choose (Residential, Flex, or Hybrid Immersion) and whether travel to campus is required.
• Whether you need to complete any prerequisite coursework before starting the core program curriculum.
• Your individual academic progress, any transfer credits accepted, and other academic factors.
• Personal circumstances, such as whether you are working full-time or part-time while pursuing your degree.

All accredited OT programs also include a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised clinical fieldwork experience, which is a crucial component of your professional preparation.

Is OT a Good Career and a Worthwhile Investment?

A career in occupational therapy can be exceptionally ideal for individuals who are passionate about helping people, enjoy direct client interaction, and want to specialize in a specific area of healthcare or work with particular populations. Moreover, pursuing an occupational therapist career typically offers a promising annual salary (median of $96,370) and a strong job market outlook (projected 12% growth rate).4 For many, the combination of personal fulfillment, professional opportunities, and financial stability makes occupational therapy a highly worthwhile career investment.

Launch Your Occupational Therapy Career with USAHS

Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in occupational therapy? The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers accredited MOT and OTD programs designed to prepare you for professional success.

At USAHS, you’ll benefit from hands-on learning experiences, including advanced anatomy labs with high-tech tools and state-of-the-art simulation centers where you can practice with mock clients, ensuring you are well-prepared for clinical practice with clients of all ages and diverse needs.

Explore our Occupational Therapy programs online or request more information today to discover how you can turn your passion for patient care into a fulfilling and impactful career in occupational therapy.

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program at the Dallas, Texas campus has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by ACOTE. 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 NBCOT certification examination.

Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

Salary data may not reflect starting pay for recent graduates.