Why Pursue a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?
Published - June 6, 2025
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Pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy prepares you to make a difference in your community, supporting those in need. With this degree, you can help clients in hospitals, schools, and private practices. Additionally, earning a master’s degree in occupational therapy can lead to significantly higher earnings, with a median annual salary of $96,340.
Did you know that occupational therapy ranks among the best jobs due to its high job satisfaction? Practitioners often find fulfillment in making a positive impact on their clients’ lives. Also, a Master’s program in occupational therapy can be completed in a shorter time compared to doctoral programs, allowing you quicker entry into the field.
Do I Need to Be Certified to Become an Occupational Therapist?
Yes, to become an occupational therapist, you must become certified. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is the recognized body for accrediting occupational therapy educational programs in the United States, making sure that CBD College meets high standards in its OT program. Graduates from ACOTE-accredited programs, like CBD College, are eligible to take the NBCOT certification examination, a requirement for professional practice.
Why Choose CBD College’s OT Master’s Program?
The Master of Occupational Therapy curriculum includes both required courses and hands-on clinical experience. Hands-on training is an important part of the occupational therapy curriculum at CBD College.
Hands-on Clinical Experiences
Hands-on learning through simulations and real-client practice is beneficial for you to put theory into practice. Our hands-on experience includes faculty research and participation in the Student Occupational Therapy Association.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Mentorship from our experienced faculty aids you in your professional development. You benefit from mentorship provided by our faculty members, who are actively practicing clinicians. Overall, the mentorship and expertise of our faculty members play a critical role in preparing you for a successful career in occupational therapy.
Flexible Learning Options
The Master’s in Occupational Therapy program can be completed in a hybrid format, including in-person training and online lectures. The hybrid program can be completed over nine trimesters, allowing you to achieve your degree while balancing personal commitments.
Each year, our program offers three distinct start dates to provide you with flexibility. The OT program offers campus-focused education at our Los Angeles, CA campus. These flexible learning options accommodate your needs and commitments, ensuring accessibility to our program.
What Do You Learn When Earning Your Master’s in OT?
Our Occupational therapy master’s programs often emphasize evidence-based practices and critical thinking. It is important to note that you must maintain a minimum GPA to progress to fieldwork placements. Plus, our graduate programs in occupational therapy require the completion of a research methods course.
What are the Admission Requirements of the OT program?
Here are the admissions requirements for students attending CBD College:
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to qualify for the master’s program.
- Candidates need to submit grades of ‘C’ or higher in key prerequisite courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission into the OT master’s program.
- All prerequisites must be completed at the time of application.
You are required to submit three letters of recommendation as part of the application process. International applicants must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they qualify for a waiver based on their primary language. You must also submit a one-page resume detailing academic, work, and related experiences. A personal statement is required, discussing experience working with people, understanding of occupational therapy, and personal interest in the profession.
Applications are accepted until April 1st, and early application is encouraged because of limited spots. You can apply to the OT master’s program even if you have not completed all prerequisites.
How Much Does it Cost to Complete the OT Program?
Our Disclosures page provides a breakdown of tuition for a two-year Master’s program in Occupational Therapy at CBD College. This total cost includes books, lab fees, uniform, certification, background checks, membership, and registration fees.
Students may incur indirect costs, including living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses. Health insurance for graduate students is mandatory unless students provide proof of similar coverage. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
What are Career Opportunities After Graduation?
Job security in occupational therapy is high due to an expected 11% growth in employment over the next decade. Occupational therapy graduates can work as care managers, ergonomists, and health improvement practitioners. Common employers include the NHS, local government, and various healthcare facilities. Occupational therapists may also specialize in areas like pediatrics or rehabilitation for stroke patients. Beyond clinical roles, career paths can include management, education, research, and private practice.
Next Step
You can schedule a campus tour of CBD College through the admissions website to explore our facilities and learn more about the program. For those interested in the program, contact the admissions office directly for any specific application inquiries.
Hybrid Occupational Therapy Master’s Program
Graduates of CBD College’s hybrid Occupational Therapy program develop expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans. Through comprehensive coursework and clinical experiences, over the course of 29 months, you’ll acquire the skills to empower individuals of all ages to overcome challenges and achieve optimal well-being.
Contact us now to learn more.