Master’s in Occupational Therapy, MSOT
You can improve the well-being of people in your community by earning your Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree from Roosevelt University.
During your time in the flexible, hybrid MSOT program, you'll become more than a skilled practitioner—you’ll emerge as a compassionate healthcare leader dedicated to building a more efficient and empathetic system of care.
People of all ages rely on occupational therapists to regain independence after injury, adapt to life changes, and develop essential daily skills that increase quality of life. Are you ready to take your place in healthcare and make a real impact in individuals' lives?
Why Choose Roosevelt for Your MSOT Degree?
Flexible Learning Options
Roosevelt University’s Master's in Occupational Therapy program offers a hybrid format, combining the convenience of self-paced online learning with in-person immersive sessions in Schaumburg to build connections with minimal on-campus requirements.
Career-focused Curriculum
The MSOT program emphasizes hands-on experience and practical skills tailored to current industry best practices and standards, ensuring you are well-prepared for successful occupational therapy careers in pediatrics, geriatrics, physical rehabilitation, and more.
Supportive Learning Environment
As a Roosevelt MSOT student, you'll benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty guidance, and a strong sense of community that fosters meaningful collaboration and professional growth.
Occupational Therapy Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% job growth for occupational therapists through 2034, much faster than average for all occupations.
In 2024, the median salary for occupational therapy master's degree holders was $98,340.
Is Occupational Therapy a Master's or a Doctorate?
For many students, pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) offers a smarter path than a doctorate—saving both time and cost while still opening doors to a deeply rewarding, high-paying career. You’ll earn a similar salary at a substantially lower educational cost, and most employers do not require an OTD for hiring or promotion.
How long is the Occupational Therapy Master's program?
The MSOT program curriculum and clinical requirements can be completed in two to four years depending on a full-time or part-time schedule. You will receive robust clinical placement assistance and career planning services, including preparation for a post-professional OTD.
Where do occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, home health care, skilled nursing facilities, community centers, mental health facilities, and in workplace or ergonomic consulting settings. They can also specialize in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, and mental health rehabilitation.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful activities, while physical therapy primarily addresses improving movement, strength, and physical function. In short, OT emphasizes functional independence, and PT emphasizes physical rehabilitation.
What degree do you need for occupational therapy?
To become an occupational therapist, you’ll first need an undergraduate degree in a related field such as psychology, biology, kinesiology, health sciences, or sociology, which provides the foundational coursework for admission into a graduate program. After that, you must earn a Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) to practice; a doctorate (OTD) is optional but not required for entry-level positions.
Meet your Occupational Therapy Faculty
The Occupational Therapy Master's Degree has applied for accreditation by the:
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a pre-accreditation 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. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.