School occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in schools by helping students develop the skills they need to participate fully in the classroom and beyond. From assisting with handwriting and motor skills to supporting students with sensory or developmental needs, school-based OTs empower children to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
At ProCare Therapy, we understand that occupational therapists change lives every day in schools. That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to become an occupational therapist, so you can turn your passion for helping children into a rewarding career.
How to Become a School Occupational Therapist
From education to certification, here are the steps required to become an occupational therapist in schools:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- While no specific major is required, common choices include psychology, biology, or health sciences. During your undergraduate years, taking courses in anatomy, child development, and social sciences is also helpful to prepare for graduate-level OT coursework.
- Complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy
- Accredited programs typically take 2–3 years, including classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
- Fulfill fieldwork requirements
- Graduate programs include supervised clinical rotations to give you direct experience in real-world settings, including schools. This allows you to apply classroom knowledge in practice, gain feedback from licensed OTs, and gives you a glimpse of what a school OT career after graduation will entail.
- Receive Certification
- After completing your education, the next step is licensure. Occupational therapists must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to be certified to practice as an OT.
- Apply for state licensure
- Each state has its own requirements, so be sure to review the guidelines where you plan to work. In addition to the NBCOT exam results, you may need to submit background checks, official transcripts, and fees before being granted your license to practice in schools.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Occupational Therapist?
Becoming an occupational therapist usually takes about 6–7 years in total. You’ll need 4 years for a bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years for a master’s degree in occupational therapy. In some cases, additional time may be needed to prepare for and pass the NBCOT exam or complete licensing requirements.
How to Become an Occupational Therapist Assistant
If you’re interested in supporting students but want a faster path into the field, you may want to consider becoming a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Here’s a quick overview of how to become an occupational therapy assistant:
- Earn an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program (about 2 years).
- Complete fieldwork as part of the program for hands-on experience.
- Pass the NBCOT COTA exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Apply for state licensure to practice.
Start Your School OT Journey with ProCare Therapy
At ProCare Therapy, we connect passionate occupational therapists with schools across the country. Whether you’re just beginning your career, looking for travel OT opportunities, or exploring teletherapy roles in occupational therapy, we can help you find the perfect fit.
Browse our school OT and COTA jobs today and take the next step toward making a difference in students’ lives!
Looking for more occupational therapy career insights? Browse ProCare’s career resources and discover guides on OT caseloads, common OT interview questions, job outlook and demand for OTs, and more!
