What can you do with a Occupational Therapy degree?

First, some facts. Of the Occupational Therapy graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 105 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 86%, Occupational Therapy graduates have a much higher likelihood (+19%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, 73% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Occupational Therapy graduate.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Occupational Therapy degree?
• What do Occupational Therapy graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Occupational Therapy degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Occupational Therapy degree?
• What are the best colleges for Occupational Therapy?

View a random Occupational Therapy graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 96% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2019 from Nazareth College with a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Level I Fieldwork Student Arc of Monroe County Apr 2019 - Apr 2019 The Level I Fieldwork Student position directly applies skills and knowledge from the Occupational Therapy degree, focusing on practical exposure and foundational training. Level II Fieldwork Student Brighton Central School District Sep 2019 - Dec 2019 The Level II Fieldwork Student role utilizes advanced occupational therapy skills and knowledge daily, directly relating to the qualifications obtained in the degree program. Level II Fieldwork Student Friendly Senior Living May 2019 - Aug 2019 As a Level II Fieldwork Student at Friendly Senior Living, this position fully engages with occupational therapy practices and principles, making it highly relevant to the degree. Resident Care Assistant Friendly Senior Living Apr 2020 - Aug 2020 The position of Resident Care Assistant does involve some aspects of patient support that may relate to occupational therapy, but it is not primarily centered on therapeutic practice as taught in the degree. Occupational Therapist Hurlbut Care Communities Jul 2020 - Present The occupational therapist role at Hurlbut Care Communities requires the application of knowledge and skills developed in the Occupational Therapy degree, making it directly relevant. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING Master's degree Nazareth College 2019 - 2020 ABOUT My name is [NAME REMOVED] Victory. I am a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist in the Rochester, New York area.

What jobs can you get with a Occupational Therapy degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Student
• Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• Level II Fieldwork
• Level II Fieldwork Student
• Fieldwork Level II
• Level II Occupational Therapy Student
• Research Assistant
• Level I Fieldwork Student
• Level I Fieldwork

After analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Occupational Therapy, it’s clear that many pursue jobs that are either directly involved in therapy or tangentially related to healthcare and rehabilitation. The most common positions include roles as Occupational Therapists, especially in settings like schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Many individuals also hold positions as fieldwork students or interns, which are crucial for hands-on experience and professional development. It’s interesting to note that a significant number of graduates have started their professional careers in direct occupational therapy roles, reinforcing the relevance of their degrees in practical applications.

However, not all positions held by these graduates align closely with their Occupational Therapy education. Some have taken roles that are only loosely related, such as caregiving, teaching assistants, or administrative positions. While these jobs can utilize some transferable skills, they don’t necessarily require the specialized training or knowledge gained through an Occupational Therapy program. For instance, roles like "Behavioral Health Technician" and "Direct Support Professional" tend to incorporate broader skills that can overlap with therapy principles, but they don't focus specifically on occupational therapy practices.

Overall, the analysis shows that while many graduates are successfully applying their specific skills and knowledge in Occupational Therapy, there is also a noticeable trend of individuals veering into roles that don’t utilize their full potential in therapy. This might indicate the need for enhanced career guidance or a clearer pathway to occupational therapy-specific jobs. And while it's great to see graduates dedicated to helping others in various capacities, the strongest alignment remains in direct occupational therapy positions, which fully leverage the comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation and recovery cultivated during their studies.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Occupational Therapy graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Occupational Therapy graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from various Occupational Therapy programs, it's clear there's quite a variety of paths taken. For many, the immediate step after graduation tends to be landing a first job as an Occupational Therapist (OT), often starting in fieldwork positions, internships, or entry-level roles in related settings. Many graduates do secure OT roles quite quickly, showing that a degree in Occupational Therapy can lead directly to relevant positions in the field. Some learners take temporary roles, like in caregiving or educational support, while they search for OT jobs or build their experience through internships. For instance, a graduate from Saint Louis University in 2018 jumped directly into multiple OT roles shortly after graduation, indicating a strong alignment with their degree.

As we look further into their careers, typically around 5 to 10 years down the road, those who stuck with fields directly related to Occupational Therapy seem to flourish. Many of these professionals have found stable positions in schools, healthcare facilities, or private practices and evolved into leadership roles or specialized positions. However, there's also a noticeable number who drift away from traditional OT roles, perhaps opting for alternative careers in healthcare settings, research, or even education. A graduate from Brigham Young University who became a Market Partner at MONAT Global illustrates how some diverge from the expected OT trajectory entirely, raising questions about their satisfaction and success in these paths.

On the flip side, there are graduates who have not yet found clarity or success in their careers. From temporary caregiving roles to inconsistent job histories, there are cases where individuals struggle to secure positions directly linked to their degree. Through this, you can see a split: while many find fulfillment and growth in their OT careers, others may either not catch the lucky break or find themselves in unrelated jobs. Those who are continuously moving in the right direction within OT are often staying connected to essential roles that contribute directly to patient care. For example, several graduates have proceeded steadily through various OT positions across years, including responsibilities like being an Assistant Director of Rehabilitation, showcasing the potential for growth in a specialized field.

Overall, if you're thinking about a career in Occupational Therapy based on what these graduates have experienced, it's clear that there's a strong potential for success in this field. While some may veer off the OT path, many stay committed, contributing meaningfully to healthcare and community services. So, if you're passionate about helping others and enjoy working in health-related environments, this could be a great career choice for you!

How hard is a Occupational Therapy degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy can be pretty challenging, but it's not impossible if you're dedicated and passionate about it. You'll be diving into some tough subjects like anatomy, psychology, and patient care techniques, and you'll also have to juggle quite a bit of coursework and hands-on practice. It’s definitely more intensive than some other degrees, as you’ll need to really grasp the material and apply it in real-life settings. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys helping others and can handle a rigorous curriculum, you’ll likely find it to be a rewarding experience, just with a few bumps along the way!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy.

Do Occupational Therapy graduates tend to make good money?

When you look at these graduates and their job histories, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some of them, especially those working as Occupational Therapists in schools or hospitals, likely earn a solid salary, considering those positions typically pay well. For instance, the graduates from USC and those with several years of experience, like the ones who have progressed to managerial roles, probably pull in a good income. On the flip side, some are in more entry-level or part-time roles, like the Homemaker or those in internships, which probably aren't bringing in the big bucks. So, overall, it really depends on the specific job and experience level of each person.

Overall, if you're aiming for a straight path with good pay in Occupational Therapy, it's wise to seek positions in hospitals, schools, or start your own practice as some of these grads have done. Those with lesser experience should consider gaining more skills and certifications to eventually land higher-paying jobs. Starting out might not be as lucrative, but many of these graduates could see their earnings rise significantly as they gain experience in the field.

What buzzwords do Occupational Therapy graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Occupational Therapy?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy (ordered by the average relevance score of their Occupational Therapy graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
University of New Hampshire	86	10