A Professional Entry–Level Pathway to Becoming an Occupational Therapist

Our graduate programs are a perfect fit for career changers and those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another area of study.
Ithaca College OT student works with two children in clinic
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Choose between an entry-level master’s or doctoral degree pathway! Both lead to eligibility to take the NBCOT competency exam to become a registered occupational therapist.
Program Details

Our Professional–Entry Level (or PEL) degree programs are specifically designed to train people who have a bachelor’s degree in another area of study and/or who are career changers who want to be employed as an occupational therapist (OT).

Our program is a great fit if you are interested in:

  • Health and wellness and pursuing a rehabilitation profession
  • Working with people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives due to physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems
  • Supporting people with the “occupations” of self-care, work, and play/leisure activities to increase independence, enhance development, and/or prevent disability
  • Gaining knowledge and skills across the lifespan, with an opportunity to focus on specialty areas of practice  
  • Providing community- and-population based services to meet the needs of our changing society

You will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) competency exam to become a registered occupational therapist after earning your master’s or doctoral degree.

Apply Today via OTCAS

Applications for the master’s in OT and OT doctoral degrees are now open. Both degree programs start in January 2026. 

Apply via the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). The application deadline is November 10 for regular admission. Early application is strongly encouraged.

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Admission Criteria

Get detailed information about the admission criteria for the PEL programs.

Review Criteria
Application Process

Learn more about applying for your master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy and how to complete your application.

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Graduate Visit Opportunities

Connect with Dr. Rita Daly, OT Graduate Chair, and current students on campus or online. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Graduate Assistantships
Maximize funding to offset the costs of graduate school by working with faculty and staff.
Funding Options
Tuition and Fees
Familiarize yourself with the costs and billing policies for the PEL master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy.
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Interested in Learning More about IC’s Occupational Therapy Professional Entry-Level Programs?

If you would like more information about the Occupational Therapy Professional Entry–Level programs or if you would like to be notified when applications open for entry in 2027 (or beyond), please complete our graduate interest form.

Graduation Rates and Pathways to Practice

The total number of graduates from the IC Professional Entry-Level Master’s in Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period of 2021-2023 was 18, with an overall graduation rate of 94.7%. 

Graduation YearStudents Entering/GraduatingGraduation Rate
20238/8100%
2022No PEL classn/a
202111/1091%
Total19/1894.7%

Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) are available online.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The NBCOT exam can be individually scheduled for you once you have completed all degree requirements, including fieldwork, and the thesis if applicable.

After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
One Bank Street, Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
(301) 990-7979

To practice in most states occupational therapists must pass the national certification examination to become certified, and apply for a license to practice occupational therapy in the state or states where they intend to work. These are two separate processes and organizations.

Certification

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administers the certification program and can be contacted at:

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877-4150
Telephone: 301-990-7979
www.nbcot.org

Licensure

State licensure varies in each state. In New York, licensure is administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED):

New York State Education Department
89 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY12234
Voice Response Phone Number: 518-474-3852
www.nysed.gov

Licensure and certification exist to protect the public. When you apply to take the NBCOT exam or apply for a license you will be asked whether you have a criminal record. Having a criminal record can prevent you from becoming a practicing occupational therapist. If you have concerns about this, you may contact these agencies for a preliminary review prior to enrolling in the program.

Job postings are primarily managed by the college’s Center for Career Exploration and Development. They can also also assist you in creating a professional resume, drafting personal statements, and preparing for interviews.

Professional entry-level students must earn a C or better in required courses and earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA

Students must complete two level II fieldwork experiences with a grade of Satisfactory (S). The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) requires that all level II fieldwork experiences be completed within 24 months of the completion of the academic portion of the curriculum.

https://catalog.ithaca.edu/graduate/occupational-therapy/

Questions?

OT PEL Graduate Program
Ithaca College
953 Danby Road • Smiddy Hall • Ithaca, NY 14850
Fax: (607) 274-3055

(607) 274-3237