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Adults and kids may, eventually, need occupational therapy, a form of healthcare for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. This treatment helps patients of all ages reclaim their independence and live happy and normal lives.
When it comes to occupational therapy, every person’s needs may differ from each other. Therapists begin by identifying strengths and issues in their motor states and movements. If you want to be someone who can help patients overcome obstacles and improve their well-being, becoming an occupational therapist may be your calling.
To improve motor skills, you can design an exercise program and activities. Occupational therapy is undoubtedly a rewarding profession, and the Labor Statistics Bureau sees employment opportunities in this field to grow 12% by 2032.
The Lowdown
In an online Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, students are trained to promote health and well-being through a well-structured curriculum and online program. Internships and hands-on learning are encouraged to promote effective mastery of skills and knowledge in occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy allows practitioners to interact closely with their patients and provide meaningful, practical assistance. Job security and endless employment opportunities await occupational therapists as demand increases.
Methodology
An online Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy is a concrete step in pursuing your calling to help others. We picked each of the best online undergraduate programs with these criteria in mind:
- Delivered an online or blended undergraduate Occupational Therapy program,
- Features rigorous and well-structured coursework designed by Occupational Therapy experts,
- Provides graduates with the competencies to become occupational therapists after earning the required Master’s in Occupational Therapy or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy as required by the profession,
- Exposes students to building networks in the field of occupational therapy as early as day one in their online classes,
- Builds students’ confidence, communication skills, collaboration skills, leadership, decision-making skills, and problem-solving skills, as well as discipline,
- Taught by Occupational Therapy researchers, active occupational therapists, and industry contributors,
- Offers federal aid and other financial assistance options ranging from student loans and military benefits to scholarships and tuition discounts,
- Accredited by academic agencies and the Department of Education, recognizing the college and undergraduate program’s compliance with academic standards.
Visit our Methodology for a detailed look at our ranking process.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences: Pre-Occupational Therapy (online)
The University of Cincinnati offers the web-based BS in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy degree. This online degree will prepare you for advancement within and outside the occupational therapy field.
graduates go on to study occupational therapy at an advanced level and are accepted, but many use their bachelor’s degrees to transition into a new career or to remain competitive with their existing jobs.
Most prerequisites are met in UC’s occupational therapy graduate degree program, although the admission requirements vary between institutions.
Completing this degree will not guarantee being admitted to an occupational therapy school’s graduate program because of competition, but it is a solid step toward your goals in an occupational therapy career.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Pre-Occupational Therapy program at UC Online is perfect for passionate and committed people who want to use occupational therapy to assist others in living healthier and more functioning lives. Here’s what to expect when you enroll in this online degree:
- Their graduates have the skills and knowledge to pursue graduate studies or develop their professions as certified occupational therapy assistants.
- After completing this program, students will be prepared to apply to occupational therapy graduate programs nationwide.
- The Health Sciences programs at UC are known for their academic rigor and preparation for graduate study. It is not uncommon for occupational therapy graduate programs to be very competitive, but at least you can distinguish yourself from your competitors by earning a bachelor’s degree.
Did You Know?
- An occupational therapist may work in a private practice, a hospital, a clinic, a school, a home, or other settings. Because occupational therapists work with patients of all ages, this field of medicinal therapy is widely applicable.
- A bachelor’s degree from UC Online will give OTAs a competitive advantage and help them advance their careers.
Carlow University
Online Bachelor of Science in Pre-Occupational Therapy
With Carlow University, you can pursue graduate-level studies or a career in health care through their Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy, which can be taken online. In an expedited manner, this can be finished in three years.
This program develops your critical thinking and leadership skills while establishing a working knowledge of occupational therapy. The program meets the prerequisites for most health science programs nationwide, including Carlow’s graduate-level programs.
What’s Unique About this Program:
What sets Carolow’s online Occupational Therapy degree apart is that it can be finished sooner, saving time and money. Graduates can pursue graduate studies or enter the workforce more quickly. You can also satisfy the curricular requirements for graduate studies.
Did You Know?
Internships, practicums, and lab classes are incorporated into the program to prepare the best future occupational therapists in diverse societies.
Brenau University
Online Bachelor of Science in Pre-Occupational Therapy
Take an intensive psychology course while preparing yourself to become a skilled occupational therapist with Brenau University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration program.
By graduation, you’ll be capable of enrolling in Brenau’s master’s degree in occupational therapy program while gaining important community experience.
Students at Brenau University are pushed to lead outstanding lives that are both personally and professionally fulfilling. All the coursework in this occupational therapy degree will accomplish these goals.
Each student prepares for a career of intellectual achievement and enjoyment of artistic expression through a curriculum enhanced by the liberal arts, scientific research, and global awareness.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Obtain prerequisite credits for Brenau’s master’s programs in clinical counseling psychology and occupational therapy when you finish this online bachelor’s in pre-occupational therapy degree.
Get ready to experience psychology and occupational therapy in a cutting-edge lab and have the opportunity to work in the field during your senior year. You may be involved with a psychology club that is active in the community, including high schools in the area.
Lastly, this online occupational degree allows you to gain knowledge from an experienced faculty with a wide range of expertise, several of whom are active practitioners in their fields.
Did You Know?
This online occupational therapy degree allows you to select electives from various areas like health psychology, geriatrics, or forensics. Finally, after graduation, you can attain any job like a data analyst, human resources manager, animal trainer, nonprofit director, or victim advocate.
Santa Ana College
Online Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies
The Baccalaureate Program in Occupational Studies offered at Santa Ana College requires two years of study. Considering your certificate or associate degree in occupational therapy, you will only have two more years to complete your bachelor’s studies.
The program requires one hundred twenty-six semester units, 51 of which are general education requirements and 75 are occupational therapy assistant specific.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The curriculum is being designed to support student employment. Here are the best features of this online degree:
- Online, hybrid, and weekend classes are all possible class formats for all kinds of learners.
- Financial aid options are available to assist you in succeeding in your online degree. And the majority of students will be eligible for financial aid.
- The first two semesters of the program will involve fewer classes for students who have completed lower-level general education.
Did You Know?
One important prerequisite for this degree is that occupational therapy bachelor’s students should have acquired an associate degree or certificate in occupational therapy.
They must come from an institution with regional accreditation. They don’t necessarily have to take this degree from Santa Ana College.
Eastern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor’s to Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Eastern Kentucky University promotes its online Bachelor’s to Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program for those who want to be certified occupational therapists. This is a 2-in-1 program that will prepare students to practice occupational therapy right away after graduation.
Occupational therapy services will be provided to diverse populations through this doctoral program by occupation-based practitioners who are ethical leaders.
This program is simplified to offer a more affordable way to get an advanced degree while also being designed to satisfy the needs of occupational therapists in advanced practice. EKU’s program combines academic and professional training.
What’s Unique About this Program:
An occupational therapy degree from EKU’s renowned program focuses on best practices and leadership development to give you a competitive edge in the job market. Here are the best features of this online degree:
- It is offered in an accelerated 8-week term.
- Students enjoy a generous transfer credit program.
- All the courses are fit and tailored to students’ needs and goals.
- EKU BookSmart offers free textbooks for online students.
- Students partner with personal advisors, online tutors, and career service assistants.
Did You Know?
Schools, healthcare facilities, hospitals, and outpatient service providers are just a few places occupational therapists can find work.
Bridgewater State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Health Science: Occupational Therapy
Bridgewater State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an Occupational Therapy concentration. This is a highly structured curriculum offered by the Department of Health and Kinesiology.
This online degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in the interdisciplinary healthcare field through health science, psychology, and science courses.
You can prepare for pre-occupational therapy graduate or professional school by enrolling in this BS in health science program. With classes in science, wellness, and medical terminology, their bachelor of health science program gives you a strong foundation in Occupational Therapy.
You can pursue a career as an athletic trainer, occupational therapist, or physical therapist after you finish this program and pursue a master’s degree or acquire a license.
What’s Unique About this Program:
- Complete an internship for course credit while pursuing your bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy to get experience in allied health care and fulfill observation requirements for graduate school admissions.
- Members of their Health Science faculty have a wealth of clinical expertise. You may be sure that you will be learning from subject-matter authorities because their specialties span from physical therapy to athletic training. Faculty at BSU are also aware of the difficulties you’ll encounter as you pursue a bachelor’s degree in health science and are ready to support you.
Did You Know?
- You may connect with businesses, navigate the planning process, and start your career with the help of Bridgewater State University’s Career Services.
- At BSU, you can major in occupational therapy and take classes with no more than 30 students. This will make it simple for you and your classmates to get further help from your professors. Even with online settings, you can collaborate effectively through their online learning systems.
Florida Atlantic University
Online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion: Pre-Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy
Florida Atlantic University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. This program aims to provide students with a degree in exercise science and health promotion while providing them with the best possible preparation for entering physical and occupational therapy.
Physical therapy prerequisites are covered in compulsory courses for students in this focus. You will be free to choose your electives that need 15 credit hours. Lastly, an internship is required to complete this online occupational therapy degree.
Online and in-person courses are also offered in this concentration. This hybrid format curriculum is designed for digital learning, so all the coursework is deemed high-quality.
What’s Unique About this Program:
After graduating with this bachelor’s degree, students can proceed to the graduate degree in occupational therapy with the completion of 12 graduate credits.
You can use the undergraduate electives and expedite graduation for both degrees. Their combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program allows students to complete the two degrees in five years.
Did You Know?
The combined bachelor’s to master’s degree program is open to graduates of Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion.
Sacred Heart University
Online Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
An Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s in Occupational Therapy Study is offered at Sacred Heart University, and this is available to students who have finished majors in Health Science, Exercise Science, Sociology, or Psychology. Students can complete their bachelor’s degree and pre-occupational therapy prerequisites in three years.
Students who select this fast-track degree must closely coordinate with their undergraduate advisor to adhere to a predetermined course of study. Summer and winter classes are incorporated into their curriculum.
The foundational core classes at other colleges are comparable in content and can be completed with the right preparation.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Sacred Heart University’s Occupational Therapy online degree is dedicated to building an exciting, student-centered curriculum that allows students to positively impact people’s lives and engage in fulfilling work in various settings.
Did You Know?
Sacred Heart faculty and students provide free occupational therapy services for women in the greater Bridgeport area. It is the best hands-on experience for future occupational therapists.
University of Michigan – Flint
Online Occupational Therapy Accelerated Pathway
The University of Michigan-Flint offers an innovative program in Occupational Therapy, Accelerated Pathway, that combines a BS in Health Science and an occupational therapy doctorate program. A fulfilling career as an occupational therapist can be achieved through this convenient and cost-effective course.
The standard route to a doctorate in occupational therapy takes seven years. You can get a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree through the Accelerated Pathway in six years, and it can even be shortened, depending on the prerequisites completed.
During your first three years in this accelerated program, you will enroll in the classes needed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Expect to take up occupational therapy prerequisites and health sciences courses.
Finally, your doctorate program and coursework will start in the fourth year. The first two semesters of the bachelor’s degree will also count as the bachelor’s final semester if you are accepted.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Over the three-year graduate program, you will acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to assist individuals with an injury or impairment in executing daily tasks. The first fully recognized doctoral program in occupational therapy in Michigan is offered at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Compared to master’s programs, the doctorate offers more options for leadership, teaching, research, and advocacy.
Did You Know?
Acceptance into the Occupational Therapy program is not guaranteed in the accelerated option. To continue in the program, you must maintain an overall GPA of 3.3. Additionally, you’ll need to apply to and get accepted into the doctoral program in occupational therapy.
University of New Hampshire
Online Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire offers a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. The online degree can be applied towards an MS or OTD degree with Advanced Standing.
By completing professional-level OT courses, BS students can transition into their graduate programs. While the BS and MS degree programs can be finished in five and a half years, the BS and OTD degree programs take six years to complete, including two summer terms.
After their sophomore year, students proclaim their intention to earn an Advanced Standing MS or an Advanced Standing OTD. If there are openings, students may seek to transfer into UNH’s BS program during their sophomore year’s autumn semester or start the program as first-year students.
In this online occupational therapy, online students focus on what’s important to clients to restore their health and well-being, independence, and self-esteem, addressing their physical, psychological, and social needs.
Occupational therapists promote skills, adapt task demands, and use assistive technology to address a patient’s needs.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Their curriculum prioritizes chances for practical learning with an emphasis on community-based services. Students actively use their knowledge and abilities as interns in community projects as part of their academic training.
Additionally, students can collaborate closely with professors on research projects and program creation. Students are prepared for employment in various contexts through challenging and rewarding fieldwork experiences.
Did You Know?
UNH prepares future generations of occupational therapists for the challenges of the OT practice. The accelerated undergraduate format allows students to complete their degrees faster and pursue a master’s degree or doctorate to practice.
Organizations to Join in the Field of Occupational Therapy
As future occupational therapists, it’s essential to be aware of the different associations and organizations that are invaluable when joining this industry. After all, these associations provide several benefits.
To keep occupational therapists up to date with the latest information, many organizations offer continuing education and developmental programs. One of the benefits of joining one is that you get access to a wider network of people who do similar jobs, which may help you find a job more easily. On that note, here are two important occupational therapy associations worth checking or joining:
World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Members of this organization receive discounts on research materials and access to a global network of occupational therapists online. Currently, even college students can start becoming a member of this organization. You can check the qualifications and requirements to join.
American Occupational Therapy Association
This organization invites future occupational therapists from all over the US. The American Occupational Therapy Association is a professional organization with over 230,000 members. It offers continuing education and programs to help members develop their professional skills.
Both licensed occupational therapists and OT students can join this association.
Tips for Finding the Best Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy
Choosing the right online occupational therapist school might make a difference in your career and success. It can get overwhelming to choose the best one when there are too many online occupational therapy degrees.
By considering the tips below, you can be guided on how to select the best online bachelor’s in occupational therapy that fits your preferences and goals:
Match the curriculum to your academic needs and goals.
Verify the degrees being provided to see if they align with your goals. Different degrees may qualify you to continue your studies to become an occupational therapist instead of those that equip you to work as one. Also, consider the specializations available if you intend to work for a specific age demographic.
Consider accreditation.
Accreditation is important when selecting the best online college or university. ACOTE accreditation is necessary to ensure the school’s quality. Graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite for taking the national exam.
Compute costs.
Fortunately, online programs are more affordable than traditional formats. Examine the cost of the program and any financial aid that may be available. Schools charge different fees for their programs. Compute all the fees in the program, and check which financial aid option you can qualify for.
Check student support services.
Enrolling in an online program requires student support, especially regarding financial aid, transfer credits, class schedules, and career development. Examine the school’s resources and, if you can, research or acquire feedback from current students and see how satisfactory their student services are.
Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Rehabilitation teams may need the services of physical therapists or occupational therapists. In Physical Therapy, you will be expected to restore movement in a specific body part, use exercises and training to restore its movement, and pay close attention to the patient’s physical condition.
On the other hand, for Occupational Therapy, you will have to focus on restoring daily activities in general. Physical and mental health are also important in this therapy. Adaptations to the environment and exercises should also be part of this therapy.
The goal of physical therapy, which has its roots in physical rehabilitation, is to help patients move more easily. As experts in movement, they may recommend exercise and instruct patients with an emphasis on recovering function after an illness or accident, minimizing discomfort, or enhancing motor skills and coordination.
However, occupational therapy is dedicated to assisting clients with disabilities and dysfunctions in participating and engaging in everyday activities.
Occupational therapy is a profession that combines mental health care and physical rehabilitation to improve the quality of life and abilities of patients. It may be necessary for an occupational therapist to modify or adapt daily activities to accommodate the client’s current physical condition.
Occupational therapists ensure that patients can do and perform trivial tasks in their daily lives without discomfort in their minds and bodies.
Great Reasons to be an Occupational Therapist
Particularly, occupational therapy is a well-liked field with a growing reputation. People who follow this area of applied science have a wide range of career options.
With a degree in occupational therapy, you can fill various positions that enable people to participate in daily life. Consider more of these great reasons why an occupational therapist is a good career pathway:
Work with diverse age demographics.
As mentioned earlier, anyone can avail and may need occupational therapy. One of the greatest reasons to enter this industry is that you can change specialties or fields if you ever get tired of your specific job or specialization.
You can pursue substudies in OT like geriatrics, pediatrics, or elderly care. No matter what specialization you choose, you will have a different pathway to pursue and be able to work with diverse or specific age demographics.
Acquire a fulfilling job.
Everyone wants a job they enjoy. Sometimes, it’s not all about the financial rewards, after all. With occupational therapy, the reward goes beyond your bank accounts after the salaries come in. Mentally and emotionally, you’ll feel fulfilled and satisfied every time you can assist or help a patient go back on their feet.
Although challenging, helping people improve their quality of life and greatly empowering them can be immensely rewarding.
Develop a career through various opportunities available.
This industry is constantly changing. Therefore, it’s important to be creative and always think outside the box. Occupational therapists constantly make it possible to make modifications in schools, playgrounds, and other places. They constantly innovate and recreate.
Being in this rapidly evolving industry opens various opportunities for you. In occupational therapy, emerging trends are deeply rooted, and innovation is always a priority.
Get better prospects for work and other things.
All university graduates have excellent professional prospects after completing their degree program to become an occupational therapist. After students complete their courses, the vast majority of universities and other institutions are successful in placing them in suitable professions.
This field is extremely sought-after and special because most students land full-time jobs after graduation.
Experience diverse work settings.
There are many different practice methods available in occupational therapy, which is one of its best features. There are several different practice methods available in this particular career. It touches on many facets of life.
Graduates in occupational therapy can find employment at big clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, big businesses, etc.
Everyone needs occupational therapy!
Occupational therapy is needed by everyone, which is why it’s a mainstay in treatment and healthcare. This treatment’s primary goal is to enhance people’s daily activities so that everyone can benefit from it in a practical way.
Tips to Become an Occupational Therapist
Working as an occupational therapist is a challenging but fulfilling way to improve your patients’ lives every day. To succeed and thrive in this industry, here are some helpful pointers to guide you:
Study for an online Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is the first requirement for becoming an occupational therapist. There are numerous bachelor’s degree online programs available today that will help you land a career in occupational therapy.
For instance, you can study occupational therapy, health sciences, psychology, fitness administration, or kinesiology. Studying these different areas is possible to improve your understanding of anatomy and how the body functions.
Consider higher education like a master’s degree or doctorate.
Consider enrolling in a graduate degree from an approved university as your next solid step. A Master of Occupational Therapy or a doctorate are ideal choices to advance career opportunities and to practice as a licensed occupational therapist.
Besides the required coursework, higher degrees will include fieldwork hours for the licensing exam.
For those interested in clinical practice, advocacy, and leadership, choose a doctorate over a master’s degree.
Prepare for occupational therapist licensure.
Once they receive their Occupational Therapist Registered certification, all occupational therapists can apply for state licensure. Receiving a license depends on your educational history and test results. It is significant to remember that before you can become a licensed occupational therapist, you must satisfy additional requirements specific to your state.
After receiving your state license, it is your responsibility to follow the rules set forth by your state for maintaining it, including completing continuing education requirements.
Get an occupational therapist job.
For entry-level employment, you must be certified and licensed in the state where you wish to practice. Once you have obtained your occupational therapy license, deciding which type of work environment suits you the most is crucial. You could want to focus on occupational therapy for a particular population or impairment.
Check out job listings around your state and see how you can qualify for the job. Prepare a robust resume outlining your work experiences, certificates, and academic backgrounds. You can work in one or more of these settings to obtain more experience or start your own business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Occupational Therapy?
OT is a subspecialty of rehabilitation medicine, and this health field employs therapies to support patients with a range of cognitive and physical impairments. It focuses on acquiring and retaining the skills necessary for people to carry out daily tasks, occupations, or activities.
Occupational therapists use their creativity to develop specialized adaptive movements and technologies that enable patients to engage more fully in various activities, including employment, play, leisure time, education, social contact, and more.
OTs also assist patients with daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, and restroom use.
How long do online Occupational Therapy programs at the Bachelor’s level usually take?
Like any other bachelor’s degree, with full-time enrollment, it can typically be obtained in 4 years or less. Online courses that are intended to be finished fast could take three years. If you attend an online university, you can take classes all year round. Additionally, each course may last for around eight weeks.
Another quick way to finish your occupational therapy education is to enroll in a combined bachelor’s and graduate program or a 2-in-2 program. This bachelor’s to doctorate allows you to become a licensed occupational therapist in no time.
While it will take more time than completing a bachelor’s program alone, it will usually be quicker than completing two distinct degree programs.
Is an online Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy challenging to study?
Yes, Occupational Therapy school is not a walk in the park. Like any other Healthcare degree, it requires time, commitment, and effort. After all, obtaining a healthcare degree will be challenging, and for good reason.
These programs are characterized by demanding science coursework and clinical/fieldwork rotations to guarantee that you are prepared to work competently and safely in the healthcare industry.
All healthcare programs want to ensure you’re fully equipped to take on the task because dealing with medically complex patients is not always simple in and of itself.
Summary Points
- You’ll enroll in various classes preparing you for advanced OT education. Obtaining the education necessary to become an occupational therapist takes time and dedication. Fortunately, doing that doesn’t necessarily mean moving away from your life for a long time.
- Occupational therapists and OT assistants can assist aging persons as the population ages. An advanced degree in top Occupational Therapy schools is needed to become an occupational therapist; a pre-OT bachelor’s degree can help you get into graduate school.
- Choose a profession that will directly affect people’s lives. Gain the specialized knowledge necessary to support health and well-being at home and work by studying occupational therapy.
- Everybody can benefit from occupational therapy at any stage of life! You can always look into a different field, specialty of practice, or care if you ever grow tired of your job or the hours you’re working. You can concentrate on pediatrics, geriatrics, or treating patients of all ages.
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