Planning

Is Occupational Therapy School Hard?

By · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: NBCOT school data, program websites, BLS

OT school is demanding, but most graduates pass the board exam. In 2025 the median OT program reported 95% of new graduates passing the NBCOT exam (273 programs), and 66% of programs were at 90% or higher. The harder part for many students is getting in.

What makes it hard

  • Science-heavy coursework: gross anatomy, neuroscience, kinesiology and clinical conditions, usually in the first year.
  • Pace: many programs run year-round, including summers.
  • Fieldwork: at least 24 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork, often away from home and unpaid.
  • The OTD capstone: doctoral programs add a 14-week individual capstone.

How competitive admission is

Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 (see GPA requirements), specific prerequisites, observation hours, letters and an interview. The good news: most programs have dropped the GRE (list).

Board exam results

NBCOT publishes each program’s pass rate. In 2025 the median OT program was at 95% and the median OTA program at 88% (194 programs). Check a program’s rate on its page before you apply.

Is it worth it?

Median OT pay is $100,330 (May 2025) and demand is growing (15% projected growth). Cost is the main variable: see OT school cost and the cheapest programs.

Frequently asked questions

Is OT school hard?

It is demanding but very doable. Expect graduate-level anatomy, neuroscience and clinical reasoning, hands-on labs, and at least 24 weeks of full-time fieldwork. Most graduates pass the NBCOT exam: in 2025 the median OT program reported 95% of new graduates passing.

Is OT school hard to get into?

It is competitive. Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA (median minimum 3 across 177 programs we checked), prerequisites, observation hours and recommendations. Applying to several programs through OTCAS is common.

Is OT school worth it?

For most graduates, yes: median OT pay is $100,330 and BLS projects 15% job growth from 2025 to 2035. Weigh that against program cost, which for master’s and OTD tuition ranges widely (median published tuition $90,000). Choosing an in-state public program and a master’s rather than an OTD keeps debt lower.

Is OT school harder than nursing school?

They are different paths rather than harder or easier. Registered nurses can enter practice with an associate or bachelor’s degree and the NCLEX; occupational therapists need a graduate degree (master’s or OTD) and the NBCOT exam, so OT takes longer overall.