OTD vs. MOT: What's the Difference?

If you're considering a career in occupational therapy, you've likely encountered two graduate degree options: the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT). Both degrees prepare graduates to become occupational therapists, complete the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination, and pursue state licensure.

So how do you choose?

The answer depends less on which degree is "better" and more on the type of educational experience, professional preparation, and long-term goals you're seeking. While both degrees qualify graduates for entry-level occupational therapy practice, an OTD includes additional doctoral-level preparation, including a capstone experience that emphasizes leadership, advanced clinical reasoning, scholarship, and professional development.

This guide explains the similarities and differences between the two degree pathways so you can make an informed decision about your future.

What Is a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)?

A Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)—sometimes called a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)—is an entry-level graduate degree that prepares students to become occupational therapists. Students complete graduate coursework, laboratory experiences, and supervised fieldwork before becoming eligible to pursue NBCOT certification and state licensure.

MOT programs focus on helping students develop the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills needed for entry-level occupational therapy practice. Coursework commonly includes anatomy, neuroscience, occupational science, evaluation, intervention planning, research, ethics, and fieldwork experiences.

Graduates of accredited MOT programs are eligible to pursue the same occupational therapy license and many of the same career opportunities as graduates of accredited OTD programs.

What Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)?

A Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is also an entry-level professional degree that prepares graduates for occupational therapy practice. Like an MOT, it includes classroom learning, laboratory experiences, and extensive fieldwork. In addition, an entry-level OTD includes doctoral-level preparation designed to help students develop advanced leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and professional skills.

One defining feature of the OTD is the doctoral capstone experience. During this individualized experience, students work closely with faculty and community partners to explore an area of professional interest such as clinical practice, leadership, education, research, administration, advocacy, or program development.

Rather than preparing graduates for a different license, the OTD provides additional opportunities for professional growth and leadership before entering practice.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association , both master's and doctoral programs prepare graduates for entry-level occupational therapy careers.

OTD vs. MOT at a Glance

Feature	MOT	OTD
Prepares graduates for occupational therapy practice	X	X
Eligible for NBCOT certification examination*	X	X
Eligible for state licensure*	X	X
Includes Level I and Level II Fieldwork	X	X
Includes doctoral capstone		X
Additional leadership and doctoral scholarship experiences		X
Professional doctoral credential		X

*Graduation from an ACOTE-accredited program and successful completion of applicable certification and state licensing requirements are required.

How Are the Degrees Similar?

One of the biggest misconceptions about occupational therapy education is that an MOT and OTD prepare graduates for different careers. In reality, both degrees prepare graduates to become licensed occupational therapists.

Students in both types of programs:

Study occupational science and occupational therapy theory
Learn anatomy, neuroscience, kinesiology, and evidence-based practice
Develop clinical reasoning and patient-centered care skills
Complete supervised Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences
Graduate from ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy programs
Become eligible to take the NBCOT certification examination
Pursue occupational therapy licensure
May work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient clinics, mental health settings, home health, skilled nursing facilities, pediatric settings, and community organizations

Regardless of degree level, occupational therapists help people of all ages participate more fully in meaningful daily activities through evidence-based evaluation, intervention, education, and advocacy.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) establishes accreditation standards that help ensure graduates are prepared for entry-level practice.

The Right Degree Depends on Your Goals

Choosing between an MOT and an OTD is not simply a question of which degree leads to employment—both do. Instead, prospective students should consider how they want to prepare for their careers and whether they value opportunities for doctoral-level leadership, scholarship, advanced clinical learning, and professional development before entering practice.

What Are the Key Differences Between an OTD and an MOT?

Although both degrees prepare graduates to become occupational therapists, they differ in several important ways. These differences relate primarily to the educational experience rather than the ability to practice. Both graduates pursue the same national certification examination and state licensure, and both may work in the same healthcare, educational, and community settings.

Doctoral-Level Preparation

The most significant difference is the additional doctoral preparation included in an entry-level OTD program. Beyond foundational occupational therapy education, OTD students complete advanced learning experiences designed to strengthen leadership, scholarship, clinical reasoning, advocacy, and professional development.

These experiences help students explore complex healthcare issues, develop innovative solutions, and prepare for leadership opportunities throughout their careers.

Doctoral Capstone Experience

One feature unique to the OTD is the doctoral capstone. Unlike traditional coursework, the capstone provides students with an opportunity to pursue an area of professional interest through an individualized experience completed in partnership with faculty and community mentors.

Capstone experiences may emphasize:

Advanced clinical practice
Leadership and administration
Research
Program development
Advocacy
Community health initiatives
Teaching and education
Emerging areas of occupational therapy practice

The capstone allows students to apply what they have learned while developing additional expertise before entering professional practice.

Professional Identity

An OTD curriculum often places additional emphasis on professional leadership, systems thinking, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. These experiences prepare graduates not only to deliver occupational therapy services, but also to contribute to the future growth and advancement of the profession.

Does an OTD Lead to Different Career Opportunities?

In most cases, graduates of both MOT and OTD programs are eligible to pursue many of the same occupational therapy positions after completing certification and state licensure requirements. Occupational therapists from either educational pathway may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient clinics, pediatric settings, skilled nursing facilities, mental health programs, home health agencies, and community organizations.

Rather than opening an entirely different career path, an OTD provides additional preparation that may support professional growth over time. Some graduates find that doctoral education helps prepare them for opportunities involving leadership, education, program development, quality improvement, research, advocacy, or administrative responsibilities as their careers progress.

Career advancement depends on many factors—including experience, interests, continuing education, and employer needs—not solely on degree level.

Should You Choose an OTD or an MOT?

There is no single answer that is right for every student. Instead, prospective occupational therapists should consider the type of educational experience they want and how they hope to grow throughout their careers.

An MOT may be a good option for students seeking a master's-level pathway into occupational therapy practice.

An OTD may be especially attractive for students who value:

Doctoral-level education
Extensive hands-on learning experiences
A doctoral capstone experience
Leadership development
Research and evidence-based practice
Advocacy and healthcare innovation
Advanced clinical reasoning
Professional growth beyond entry-level competence

Neither pathway is universally "better." Instead, the best choice depends on your learning preferences, career aspirations, and the educational experience that best fits your goals.

Why Students Choose an Entry-Level OTD

Many students are drawn to an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program because they appreciate the opportunity to complete doctoral education before beginning professional practice.

Students frequently cite reasons such as:

Wanting additional preparation before entering practice
Interest in leadership and professional development
The opportunity to complete a doctoral capstone project
Learning through extensive fieldwork, simulation, and experiential education
Developing advanced clinical reasoning skills
Preparing for future leadership opportunities within healthcare organizations

For students who value these experiences, an entry-level OTD can provide a comprehensive educational foundation while preparing them for entry-level occupational therapy practice.

Why Choose the University of Saint Mary OTD Program?

The University of Saint Mary Doctor of Occupational Therapy program combines doctoral-level education with personalized faculty mentorship, extensive experiential learning, and a mission rooted in the University's Catholic and Vincentian tradition.

Students benefit from:

Three-year entry-level OTD curriculum
Hands-on laboratory instruction and simulation experiences
Four Level I and two Level II fieldwork experiences
A 14-week doctoral capstone
Small class sizes and individualized faculty support
Purpose-built learning spaces, including the Bedside Manor apartment laboratory
Preparation grounded in ethical leadership, service, and compassionate care

Located in the greater Kansas City area, USM prepares graduates to enter occupational therapy practice with the confidence, knowledge, and professional skills needed to serve individuals, families, and communities.

Learn more about the University of Saint Mary's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a licensed occupational therapist with both an MOT and an OTD?

Yes. Graduates of accredited MOT and OTD programs who successfully complete the NBCOT certification examination and applicable state licensing requirements may become licensed occupational therapists.

Is an OTD required to become an occupational therapist?

No. Entry-level master's and doctoral occupational therapy programs both prepare graduates for professional practice. Students should choose the educational pathway that best aligns with their goals.

Does an OTD take longer than an MOT?

Many entry-level OTD programs require additional time because they include doctoral-level coursework and a capstone experience. Program length varies by institution.

Do OTD graduates earn more than MOT graduates?

Salary depends on many factors, including geographic location, years of experience, employer, practice setting, and professional responsibilities. Degree level alone does not determine earnings.

Can both MOT and OTD graduates work in the same settings?

Yes. Graduates of either degree pathway may work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, pediatric settings, mental health programs, and many other practice environments.

Continue Exploring Occupational Therapy

Still exploring whether occupational therapy is the right profession for you? The University of Saint Mary has additional resources to help you learn about the profession and prepare for graduate education.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the University of Saint Mary's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, review the admissions requirements, or learn more about the curriculum and fieldwork experiences.

Request information about the USM OTD program