OT may suit you if you like solving practical problems with people, enjoy science and creativity in equal measure, and want a career with a median wage around $100,330 (BLS, May 2025) after six to seven years of education.
Signs it could be a good fit
- You are patient and find meaning in small, steady progress.
- You like adapting tasks and environments, and thinking creatively about how people do things.
- You are comfortable with anatomy, neuroscience and psychology.
- You want to work with people of a particular age group or condition, or want the flexibility to change settings over your career.
Things to weigh
- Graduate school costs and two to three years of full-time study.
- Full-time fieldwork, often away from home.
- Productivity expectations and documentation in some settings.
Next steps
Learn about the career · See the path to becoming an OT · Consider becoming an OTA first