If you’re considering a post-graduate degree and want a career that blends health care, problem-solving and helping people live more independently, occupational therapy might be a perfect fit. Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals of all ages overcome physical, cognitive or emotional challenges that impact their ability to perform daily activities. Whether it’s working with stroke survivors to regain essential skills, designing adaptive technology or advocating for more inclusive workplaces, occupational therapists play a vital role in improving lives.
The growing demand for occupational therapists
The field of OT is evolving, and demand for skilled professionals is rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow 11% through 2033—faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. With an aging population and increased awareness of disability rights and accessibility, occupational therapists are needed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools and community settings.
The benefits of a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
If you’re thinking about pursuing OT, you’ve probably come across an important decision: should you earn a master’s in occupational therapy or go for an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree (OTD)?
Both degrees prepare you to become a licensed OT, but an OTD offers additional opportunities, particularly in leadership, research and specialized areas of practice. Here’s a breakdown of why more students are choosing an entry-level OTD.
The profession is shifting toward higher educational standards, and while a master’s degree is still acceptable for licensure, more health care organizations and universities are preferring doctoral-prepared OTs.
An OTD can open doors to:
- Advanced job opportunities in leadership, academia and research
- A competitive edge in the job market as employers increasingly seek doctoral-level training
- Long-term career stability as industry standards evolve
More opportunities in leadership, research and innovation
If you’re interested in shaping the future of OT—whether through policy, innovation, or education—an OTD provides specialized training in these areas.
One of the key features of an OTD program is the doctoral capstone experience, where students design and implement a real-world project. Examples of past projects include:
- Creating assistive technology tools in collaboration with tech companies
- Developing mental health programs for underserved communities
- Designing accessibility initiatives for schools and workplaces
This hands-on experience allows OTD graduates to drive meaningful change in the field, not just work within it.
A wider range of occupational therapy career paths
While many OTs work in clinical settings, an OTD can expand career possibilities. Graduates often move into:
- Leadership and management – Department directors, rehab managers and program developers
- Academia and research – Professors, clinical researchers and grant-funded program leads
- Policy and advocacy – Shaping OT policies and promoting disability rights
- Consulting and entrepreneurship – Innovating in assistive technology or running private practices
Higher education can also increase earning potential, with doctoral-prepared OTs often qualifying for higher salaries and leadership roles earlier in their careers.
A more comprehensive education
Beyond clinical training, an entry-level OTD covers areas like:
- Policy and Advocacy – Learn how to influence legislation and healthcare policies affecting OT
- Technology and Innovation – Explore how artificial intelligence, virtual reality and telehealth are transforming rehabilitation
If you’re passionate about advancing OT beyond traditional practice, a doctorate gives you the tools to make a bigger impact.
A more efficient pathway to a doctorate
Some students pursue a master’s first and later return for a post-professional doctorate. If you already know you want to reach a higher level in OT, an entry-level OTD allows you to complete your education in one step—saving time and money compared to earning two separate degrees.
Why choose University of the Pacific’s entry-level OTD program
At Pacific, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in Sacramento goes beyond traditional OT education to ensure our graduates are leaders, changemakers and innovators in the profession. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Cutting-edge capstone projects – Hands-on experiences that directly impact real-world practice.
- Strong community partnerships – Over 300 partnerships with clinics, nonprofits, tech companies and more.
- High job placement rate – Most students have secured jobs before graduation.
- Interdisciplinary and leadership focus – Training that goes beyond clinical practice to include business, policy and advocacy.
- Student-centered support system – Our program is designed with your success in mind, offering dedicated faculty mentors and peer mentoring programs to guide you through coursework, fieldwork, and career development. You’ll be supported every step of the way, ensuring you graduate confident and competent as a general practitioner.
Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree right for you?
If you’re looking for a career in OT that goes beyond clinical practice and offers opportunities in leadership, research, and innovation, an entry-level OTD could be the right path. While both a master’s and doctorate prepare you for licensure, an OTD can provide a broader skill set and more career flexibility in the long run.
Thinking about your next steps? Research different OT programs, talk to practicing OTs and explore how this career aligns with your goals.
Learn more about applying to Pacific Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
