Working as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you enjoy helping people regain their independence. Because of the relatively low barrier to entry, many people start working in the field with an associate degree.
For many, though, becoming an OTA is a means to an end — with the long-term goal of working as a full-fledged occupational therapist (OT). So, what exactly is the difference between the two roles, and what does it take to transition from an OTA to OT? Keep reading to find out, then explore the occupational therapy programs available at Bay Path University (including our OTA to OT bridge program).
Thinking About Making the Move From OTA to OT?
Regardless of how long you've been working as an OTA, there are many reasons to consider making the OTA to OT transition now.
For starters, you'll enjoy a greater sense of autonomy as an OT. You'll have the authority to not only execute treatment plans but also create plans of care for your own patients. Likewise, when compared to OTAs, OTs may enjoy more diverse career opportunities, including the ability to specialize and even open their own practices.
From an earnings standpoint, occupational therapists (OTs) tend to make more than their assistants (OTAs). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapy assistants and aides made a median of $66,050 per year in 2024, whereas the median pay for occupational therapists during the same period was $98,340. This accounts for a difference of more than $32,000 per year.
OTA vs. OT: A Quick Recap
Before we dive into how to become an OT from OTA, it may be helpful to gain a better understanding of how the roles differ.
What Do OTAs Do?
Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists. Their main responsibility is to carry out the plan of care for a patient as written by an OT, which typically includes hands-on therapy and guiding patients through daily therapeutic activities. OTAs also carefully monitor patient progress, reporting back to OTs as needed to keep treatment plans on track.
What Do OTs Do?
Occupational therapists, on the other hand, are directly responsible for leading the care process. These professionals typically meet with patients first, performing initial evaluations and determining what kind of care each patient needs. From there, they check in with OTAs regularly to review progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
How to Transition from Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to Occupational Therapist (OT)
Interested in making the transition from occupational therapy assistant to occupational therapist? There are some things you need to know about your education requirements and fieldwork options as you develop a plan for your future.
Graduate Degree Requirement
While you can work as an OTA with just an associate or undergraduate degree, all OTs need to have a graduate degree to practice. This can be either a master's or doctorate degree. You may be able to apply credits from a previous associate or bachelor's OTA program toward your graduate-level OT degree, which could result in a faster time to completion.
Do OTAs Need a Bachelor's Degree First?
Although many OTAs have bachelor's degrees, it is possible to enter the field with an associate degree. That being said, a bachelor's degree is often a requirement for admission into a graduate-level OT program, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re considering going from OTA to OT at some point. Some schools (such as Bay Path University) offer Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) bridge program options, which accept OTAs with associate degrees.
What Is an OTA-to-OT Bridge Program?
An OTA to OT bridge program is an academic program specifically designed for OTAs looking to advance into OT roles. These streamlined programs combine students' previous OTA work experience with flexible coursework and high-impact fieldwork to help them earn their master's degrees in less time than a "traditional" master's in occupational therapy (MOT) program would take.
An OTA bridge program can be a great option for OTAs who are ready to make that career transition but don't want to put their professional lives on hold to pursue a graduate-level degree.
Prerequisite Coursework
Prerequisite coursework for an MOT or OTA bridge program can vary from one school to the next. In general, however, most of these programs will require you to have completed basic coursework in subjects such as physiology, sociology, anatomy, and statistics. Schools will also often require a specific GPA minimum in these courses.
Fieldwork Requirements
As part of completing an MOT or MOT bridge program, students are required to complete hands-on fieldwork. Ideally, this fieldwork should be arranged directly through the school and degree program itself.
At Bay Path University, we work with numerous partner organizations while handling the logistical aspects of arranging fieldwork on students' behalf, allowing them to focus on their studies and serving patients.
The Licensing and Credentialing Process
In addition to completing an MOT program, OTAs looking to transition into OT roles need to become formally licensed and credentialed.
ACOTE Accredited Programs
To be eligible to sit for the OT licensing exam, known as the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, you need to have completed an eligible occupational therapy degree program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), like the one at Bay Path University.
The NBCOT Exam
Next, you will need to take and pass the NBCOT exam. This is a four-hour, 180-question computer exam that includes a combination of multiple-choice and clinical simulation test (CST) items. Primarily, this exam is designed to test your knowledge and reasoning across the following domains:
- Evaluation and assessment
- Analysis, interpretation, and planning
- Selection and management of intervention
- Competency and practice management
To pass, you will need a minimum score of 450 out of 600.
State Licensure
Once you've passed your NBCOT exam, you'll be eligible to apply for OT licensure in your state. These requirements and processes can vary from one state to the next, so it is important to understand the steps for your location.
Typically, this involves applying for an OT license through your state's regulatory board and submitting the results of your NBCOT exam. You’ll also have to pay any applicable licensing fees and go through a background screening.
What Happens to Your COTA Credential?
NBCOT allows registered occupational therapists to maintain their COTA credentials under its Dual Certification Policy, which means you can maintain your OTA credentials even after you become an OT. Keep in mind, however, that these credentials come with renewal requirements (which may include paying applicable renewal fees).
MOT vs. OTD — Which Degree Is Right for You?
When it comes to OTA career advancement into OT roles, many professionals go on to pursue their master's in occupational therapy (MOT) degrees. However, there is also the option of earning an occupational therapy doctorate. So, which is the better choice for you?
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Generally, MOT programs are ideal for those making the transition from OTA to OT or starting in occupational therapy with an unrelated bachelor’s degree. These are typically intensive on-campus or hybrid programs where students learn foundational anatomy, neuroscience, therapeutic interventions, and clinical reasoning. Upon graduation, students who complete an MOT are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam, earn their licenses, and begin practicing as OTs in the field.
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
An OTD, on the other hand, is better suited to OTs who have been working in the field and are looking to take their education and skill set even further. These programs typically focus less on foundational clinical training and more on the following:
- Executive leadership
- Healthcare policy
- Advanced evidence-based practice
- Education
By completing an OTD program, OTs can transition from clinician roles to becoming expert thought leaders in their fields. This may make them more competitive for university faculty positions, policy-making positions, and clinical director roles.
How to Start Your OT Journey
If you're brand new to the world of occupational therapy, you might be wondering whether it's better to start off as an OTA or to pursue your OT license right away.
Starting as an OTA
For many who are eager to begin making a difference in the field, working as an OTA before transitioning into OT roles can be a great way to gain valuable, hands-on experience with a lower barrier to entry.
Going Straight to OT
Those who know they will eventually want to become OTs may choose to forego the OTA experience altogether. In these cases, it may make sense to opt for a MOT program that combines undergraduate and graduate-level studies in a streamlined format.
Why OTAs Make Strong OT Candidates
While becoming an OTA before transitioning to an OT may not be for everybody, there are some compelling benefits to keep in mind. For starters, gaining experience as an OTA can help you build familiarity with different treatment settings, populations, and OT frameworks. During this time, you can build robust professional networks and fieldwork relationships that you may leverage later in your career.
Working as an OTA can also give you valuable insight into what the everyday work of an OT actually looks like. This way, there should be no surprises when you decide to make the transition into an OT role yourself.
Take the Next Step With Bay Path University's Bridge MOT Program
If you're serious about advancing your education and boosting your career prospects as an OTA, Bay Path University's OTA to OT bridge program could be right for you. With flexible, online courses and just eight in-person lab weekends per year, this program offers a convenient and low-residency path from OTA to MOT.
In addition to our OTA bridge program, we are also proud to offer a Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies undergrad program and a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program to suit your needs. Be sure to explore your options to determine which path is right for you.
Do you have questions about any of our programs? Request information or take the next step by completing your application for admission today.
