How to Become an Occupational Therapist in California
If you have an interest in the sciences, a knack for working with people, and a desire to change others’ lives for the better, then a career as an occupational therapist might be for you.
As an OT, your duties will include leading the planning, delivery, and assessment of occupational therapy programs that help individuals establish or regain vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills.
If you’re eager to pursue this rewarding career path, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the steps towards becoming a licensed occupational therapist in California. Read on to learn more about California’s OT educational and license requirements.
Occupational Therapist Education Requirements in CA
Becoming an occupational therapist in California requires you to pass the Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR) examination, which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). To be eligible for the exam, you must graduate with an entry-level occupational therapy degree from an occupational therapy program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
For OTR candidates (prospective occupational therapists), this will be a master’s degree or a doctorate in occupational therapy. You will also need to complete a certain number of hours of fieldwork, depending on the requirements of your ACOTE-approved program.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?
Master’s and doctoral OT programs typically take two to three years to complete, though the exact duration depends on the program you choose.
West Coast University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program can be completed in as little as 24 months and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program can be completed in as little as 32 months.
Do you have to have a bachelor’s degree to get into an OT master’s program?
You typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree to get into an OT master’s program. However, there are some bridge programs that allow eligible candidates to start working toward their MSOT degree even without a bachelor’s degree.
The MSOT program at West Coast University has an OTA Pathway option that allows licensed occupational therapy assistants who meet the requirements to complete their master’s degree in as little as two years. Learn more about the OTA Pathway at WCU!
Do you need any other certifications to become an occupational therapist in California?
If you choose to work within a specialized area of occupational therapy, you should consider earning a specialty certification. There are numerous organizations that offer specialty certification programs (depending on the area of focus). One example is the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA’s Advanced Certification Program offers board certification in gerontology, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation.
Certification can help OTs demonstrate their knowledge and skills within a specific area of occupational therapy, and it can help candidates qualify and stand out for specialized roles.
How to Apply for an Occupational Therapy License in CA
To obtain your occupational therapist license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy, you must follow these steps to apply for your OT license:
- Show proof that you meet the minimum education requirements within California for obtaining your occupational therapist license. This includes completing 40 hours of continuing education (or professional development units) within the past two years, or passing the NBCOT examination.
- Take the Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR) examination, which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Read the NBCOT Certification Exam Handbook in full before applying for the exam.
- Check the NBCOT scoring calendar so you can ensure your scores will be ready at the right time.
- Register for an account with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) BreEZe Online Services and fill out your online application. (Or request a paper application by emailing cbot@dca.ca.gov.) There is a $50 application fee.
- Complete a Live Scan (required of all applicants residing in California).
- Or you can request fingerprint cards ($49 fee) if you live outside California and will not be traveling to this state during the application process.
- Note that you will need to renew your occupational therapist license every two years.
Note that you will need to renew your occupational therapist license every two years.
How long does a California OT license take?
It usually takes about three to four weeks for a California OT license application to be processed and issued. Once the Board approves your application, you will be notified in writing. You can verify that your license has been issued on the board’s website.
Keep in mind that the timeframe above is just for the OT licensing process. It will also take time to complete the required educational requirements and work experience hours prior to submitting your application for licensure.
Preparing for the OTR Exam
Upon graduating from your MSOT program, you will need to take the Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR) examination, which is administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
The OTR exam is the credentialing test you must pass after graduation and before you are allowed to practice. Review the NBCOT Handbook for detailed steps, FAQs, and a checklist for the test.
Steps for Taking the OTR® Exam
- Complete an entry-level OT degree program (master’s or doctoral level).
- Create your NBCOT online account. (Steps below are through your account at NCBOT.)
- Complete and submit your application and fees.
- Submit your final transcript to NBCOT.
- Make any changes or special accommodation requests (changes made after the submission is in review will incur an additional fee).
- Receive your eligibility confirmation and Authorization to Test (ATT) once approved.
- Schedule your exam with Prometric. (You will receive a biometric-enabled check-in notice.)
- Prepare for the exam. (You can purchase study guides and practice tests through NBCOT.)
- Arrive on time with required identification. (See handbook page 25.)
- Pass the exam, or you may retake the exam on a specific schedule. (See handbook page 31.)
- You will need to renew your certification four years after your initial test date, and every three years thereafter.
More details on the OTR exam:
- Duration of Test: 4 hours
- Test Items: 180 items, including multiple-choice questions and multi-select scenario sets
- Test Delivery: Via computer at a Pearson VUE testing center
- Passing Score: Test takers need a score of a least 450 to pass (on a standardized scale of 300 to 600)
- Exam Cost: $540 (or $595 with a paper application)
OTR Exam Resources
Earn Your MSOT or OTD Through WCU
With an integrated approach to classroom work and experiential learning, West Coast University’s occupational therapy degree programs are designed to provide you with the hands-on education you need for pursuing a career as an occupational therapist.
Learn more about WCU’s MSOT program, which can be completed in as little as 24 months. For those interested in earning their doctorate in occupational therapy, WCU’s OTD program allows you to earn your degree in as little as 32 months.
Explore the OT program that is right for you and get started on your educational journey!
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