Thinking about an occupational therapy major? Start here

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Key takeaways about an occupational therapy major

An occupational therapy (OT) major prepares you to help people build independence in daily life.
You’ll take classes in health sciences, psychology, and therapy techniques.
OT is different from physical therapy (PT): OTs focus on life skills, not just physical recovery.
Career paths include becoming a licensed OT, rehab specialist, or working in schools and hospitals.
Scholarships, double majors, and certificates can help you stand out.

So, what is an occupational therapy major?

Think of an OT major as training to be the person who helps people get back to living their lives fully—whether that’s teaching a child with autism how to write, helping an athlete recover from injury, or supporting an older adult in regaining independence. You’ll study both the science of the human body and the art of helping people adapt to challenges. OT majors blend courses in biology, psychology, and health sciences with hands-on training in clinical settings. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to pursue a master’s degree (required for OT licensure) and start your journey toward a rewarding career.

OT vs. PT: What’s the difference?

A lot of people mix up occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT). Here’s the easiest way to think about it:

OT = life skills. Occupational therapists help patients get back to doing everyday tasks—cooking, writing, dressing, working, learning.
PT = physical recovery. Physical therapists focus more on movement and strength—like helping someone walk again after surgery or improving athletic performance.

Both fields are in healthcare and often overlap, but OT has a broader focus on independence and daily life.

Core courses for occupational therapy majors

Your coursework will cover both science and practice. Some common classes include:

Anatomy and physiology
Psychology and human development
Neuroscience
Rehabilitation theory
Assistive technology
Clinical fieldwork

These classes don’t just build your knowledge—they also prep you for graduate school, since becoming a licensed OT requires a master’s degree or doctorate.

Specializations for occupational therapy majors

OT is flexible, and many programs let you dive deeper into areas that interest you. Popular specializations include:

Pediatrics (working with children)
Geriatrics (helping older adults)
Mental health and wellness
Physical rehabilitation
School-based therapy

Choosing a specialization can help you stand out when applying to grad school or jobs.

Double majors and minors that pair well with OT

Adding a second major or minor can make you even more competitive. Some strong pairings include:

Psychology (to better understand human behavior)
Kinesiology or exercise science (to strengthen your rehab knowledge)
Sociology (to learn about social systems and communities)
Health administration (if you see yourself managing a clinic someday)

Certificates needed to become an OT

Here’s the deal: earning your bachelor’s degree in OT or a related field is only step one. To become a licensed occupational therapist, you’ll need:

A master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy
Fieldwork hours completed during your program
Passing the NBCOT exam (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy)

Some states also have additional licensing requirements, so you’ll want to double-check where you plan to practice.

Skills I’ll gain as an OT major

Besides textbook knowledge, you’ll pick up skills that employers love:

Problem-solving (adapting strategies for each patient)
Communication (explaining exercises, supporting families, working on teams)
Empathy (understanding what patients are going through)
Creativity (finding unique ways to help people succeed in daily tasks)
Clinical skills (hands-on therapy techniques)

These skills transfer well to lots of career paths, even outside healthcare.

Career paths for occupational therapy majors

Most OT majors go on to grad school and become licensed occupational therapists. But your degree can also open doors in areas like:

Rehabilitation specialist
Assistive technology consultant
School-based therapy assistant
Healthcare administration
Research and policy roles

Healthcare is a growing field, and OTs are in demand in hospitals, schools, nursing facilities, and private practice.

How much will I earn with an occupational therapy degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for occupational therapists is around $93,000 per year. Salaries depend on where you work—OTs in nursing care facilities and hospitals usually earn more, while school-based OTs may earn slightly less.

Notable schools for occupational therapy majors

If you’re looking to study OT, here are some schools with strong programs:

Use the Scout College Search tool to explore more programs and see which schools fit your goals.

Scholarships for occupational therapy majors

Paying for college doesn’t have to be all on you. There are scholarships designed specifically for occupational therapy majors, plus plenty of general awards you can apply for along the way. Start with scholarships by major, where you can find opportunities tailored to OT students. You can also explore Scholly Scholarships to match with awards that fit your profile, and don’t skip quick wins like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship . The more you apply, the more chances you’ll have to lower the cost of your OT degree and reduce how much you may need to borrow later.

Final thoughts: Should you major in occupational therapy?

If you’re passionate about helping people live their best lives, an OT major could be a perfect fit. It’s a blend of science, healthcare, and compassion, and it leads to a career where you can make a real impact. Think about what excites you most—working with kids, older adults, or patients recovering from injury—and start exploring schools with strong OT programs. And don’t forget to line up your scholarships along the way.