Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants

Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession that helps individuals of all ages participate in the everyday activities (occupations) that are meaningful and important to them.

Occupations include self-care, education, work, play, leisure, social participation, sleep and rest, and other daily life activities. Occupational therapy practitioners work with individuals whose ability to participate in these activities has been affected by injury, illness, disability, developmental conditions, aging, or environmental barriers. Services focus on promoting health and well-being, improving function, preventing injury or disability, and supporting participation through therapeutic interventions, environmental modifications, adaptive equipment, and education.

Occupational therapists (OTs) evaluate clients, develop individualized intervention plans, and provide evidence-based services designed to maximize independence, safety, and quality of life. Occupational therapy practitioners address physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory factors that influence occupational performance. They collaborate with clients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to help individuals achieve their personal goals and fully participate in life at home, school, work, and within their communities.

Emerging and expanding practice areas

Occupational therapy continues to expand into new and innovative practice settings, including:

  • Healthy aging and aging in place.
  • Primary care and integrated behavioral health.
  • Community health and wellness.
  • Mental and behavioral health.
  • Pediatrics and school-based practice.
  • Autism and neurodevelopmental services
  • Driver rehabilitation and community mobility.
  • Assistive technology and environmental modification.
  • Ergonomics and workplace health.
  • Telehealth and digital health services.
  • Rehabilitation for neurological and orthopedic conditions.
  • Population health and health promotion.
  • Early intervention and family-centered care.
  • Leadership, research, policy, and advocacy.

Education and professional preparation

Occupational therapists complete an accredited professional occupational therapy program followed by required supervised fieldwork and experiential learning.

The profession is currently a dual-entry profession, allowing graduates to enter practice through either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EL-OTD) degree.

Both degree pathways prepare graduates for entry-level clinical practice and eligibility for national certification.

At Missouri State University, students may pursue either the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EL-OTD), both of which are accredited professional programs designed to prepare graduates for contemporary occupational therapy practice through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, fieldwork, and doctoral experiential components (EL-OTD).

Explore occupational therapy at Missouri State

Graduates of accredited OT programs are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

After successfully passing the examination, graduates must meet state licensure requirements before practicing. Occupational therapy practice is regulated through state licensure across the United States.

Practice settings

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants practice in a wide variety of settings, including:

  • Hospitals and health systems.
  • Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities.
  • Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities.
  • Home health and hospice.
  • Schools and early intervention programs.
  • Mental and behavioral health settings.
  • Community health organizations.
  • Private practice.
  • Veterans' healthcare systems.
  • Industrial and workplace health programs.
  • Universities and research institutions.
  • Government agencies.
  • Emerging community-based and telehealth settings.

Suggested courses and required experiences

The types of classes expected of an applicant to existing bachelor's-level is given below as a general guide. Students should make sure that their course selections below are appropriate to fulfilling the requirements of a planned academic major and minor, and plan to earn a bachelor's degree here. Since many majors in the science areas have more stringent requirements in the sciences, the student must plan accordingly. For example, it might be important to plan to take CHM 160 rather than CHM 105.

  • BMS 110 and 111 Essentials in Human Biology or BIO 121 General Biology I
  • MTH 135 College Algebra
  • ART 100 Two-Dimensional Design
  • CHM 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry or CHM 160 General Chemistry I
  • BMS 307 Human Anatomy
  • BMS 308 Human Physiology
  • HEC 155 Principles of Human Development or PSY 331 Psychology of the Child
  • PSY 121 General Psychology
  • PSY 304 Abnormal Psychology
  • MTH 340 Statistical Methods or PSY 200 Psychological Statistical Methods
  • SOC 150 Principles of Sociology
  • PSY 365 Aging and Adjustment or SOC 375 Sociology of Aging
  • KIN 360 Kinesiology

Several occupational therapy programs require applicants to have had some prior experiences. Students should consult individual programs for such requirements. Several programs also offer options for both occupational therapy and physical therapy dual degrees. Many occupational therapy programs are shifting away from the medical model. At Missouri State University, a major in psychology and a minor in the biomedical sciences fulfills most of the requirements for admission to master's-level entry programs. Other combinations of an academic major and minor are also possible.

Advisement and more information

In addition to your academic advisor, the following pre-professional advisors will provide assistance to students in pre-occupational therapy.

If you are pre-occupational therapy and are majoring in psychology or the social sciences, contact Dr. Carol Shoptaugh.

If you are majoring a health sciences program and are interested in occupational therapy, contact one of the following: