Occupational Therapists (OT’s) work with people of all ages to help them do the daily activities that are important and meaningful to them with as few functional restrictions as possible. OT’s work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental disabilities as well as their families and communities to help maximize their health and well-being.

Post-professional occupational therapy degree programs are for OT practitioners who wish to further their study in the field. This can result in enhancing one's own practice, preparing for career advancement, or preparing for career change. Depending on the program, students may focus on an area of clinical practice specialization (pediatrics, psychosocial, gerontology, physical disabilities) or on a role such as management and public policy, private practice, school system therapy, clinical education, or clinical research.

Preparing for a career as an occupational therapist requires a student to complete a postbaccalaureate degree.

An OT career is an excellent choice in today's economy as well as for the future. Occupational Therapy was named one of the nation's 150 best recession proof jobs by U.S. News & World Report. Median earnings for occupational therapists were $60,470 in 2006, with excellent job growth potential. >> Read more about career outlook

Occupational Therapy - Master of Science (post-professional)
Ranked #1 in U.S. New & World Report's Best Graduate Occupational Therapy Programs List. BU offers a post-professional Master of Science program to increase practitioners' ability to use current theory, research, and knowledge of health and social service systems to guide clinical practice, and thus to prepare them to develop innovative and effective intervention and service programs. Students meet program objectives by building on the knowledge and skills acquired in their BS-level professional program and during clinical practice.

Occupational Therapy - Doctor (post-professional)
Ranked #1 in U.S. New & World Report's Best Graduate Occupational Therapy Programs List. BU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program will prepare skilled occupational therapists to take on leadership roles in developing and testing innovative responses to healthcare needs related to occupational performance and societal participation. The post-professional OTD will develop visionary practitioners who have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct critical evaluation of theory and evidence in their area of practice, to identify gaps or shortcomings in current intervention methods and programs, and to design innovative responses to the identified needs.

• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy - Master of Science (post-professional)
The Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy program is designed for the advanced practitioner, building upon your current professional knowledge base through a focus on research and practice. This degree is for those who have previously finished a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and passed the exam for certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The intent of this program is to elevate the level of current practice of the bachelor-prepared practitioners, thereby enhancing the care of clients and advancing the profession.

Utica College Online also offers:

• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Advanced Occupational Therapy Studies - Master of Science (post-professional)
The Advanced Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Studies (AMOT) is a post-professional degree program for those already holding an entry-level, professional degree (Bachelors or Masters) in Occupational Therapy. Designed for practicing occupational therapists interested in continuing, advanced education in occupational therapy, the program allows the working clinician to build upon existing experience, strengthen academic foundations, improve clinical reasoning and critical analysis skills, and increase the ability to practice in varied clinical and administrative settings. Five concentration areas are offered: general practice, pediatrics, geriatric management, health administration, and public health management.

A.T. Still University Online also offers:

• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy