Why become an OT?

Why Study Occupational Therapy at NAU? 

The Department of Occupational Therapy at Northern Arizona University offers the only entry-level occupational therapy doctorate at a public, non-profit university in the state of Arizona. Our program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This intensive program features six months of fieldwork rotations plus an individualized semester long capstone experience, designed to prepare for advanced roles in occupational therapy.  

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work with clients across all stages of life in a wide range of settings. Our graduates are qualified to assume leadership and scholarly roles as occupational therapy professionals (NAU, 2023). Visit our Graduate outcomes page for more information. 

Why earn an occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) degree? 

To achieve your goal of becoming an occupational therapist, you can earn a master’s degree or doctorate in occupational therapy. At NAU, we offer an occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) degree that is more affordable than any other occupational therapy program in the state of Arizona and only takes an additional semester more than most master level degree programs. 

Accredited programs that offer an OTD must meet minimum requirements by ACOTE, similar to a master’s program. A doctoral degree is typically longer and requires that a student completes a capstone experience and project. 

Additionally, ACOTE requires additional standards for an OTD program to focus on clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. NAU’s program meets all of these requirements. 

Visit the OT admissions page to learn more about our application process 

 

The Field of Occupational Therapy

As defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA):  

“The practice of occupational therapy means the therapeutic use of occupations, including everyday life activities with individuals, groups, populations, or organizations to support participation, performance, and function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings. Occupational therapy services are provided for habilitation, rehabilitation, and the promotion of health and wellness to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction. Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory-perceptual, and other aspects of performance in a variety of contexts and environments to support engagement in occupations that affect physical and mental health, well-being, and quality of life.” 

 

Why Choose a Career in OT? 

 

 

 

 

 

Careers in Occupational Therapy 

The job outlook for occupational therapists in the United States is high, with the employment of occupational therapists projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026. This growth may be attributed to the growing evidence that occupational therapists positively contributes to improved outcomes.