The OT Alphabet Soup: Occupational Therapy Credentials

Have you ever wondered what all of those occupational therapy credentials behind a signature stood for?

Well, we are going to break it down for you. With the amazing, ever-growing, expansive field of occupational therapy, there are many routes to take. Accredited OT programs must maintain accreditation status, often granted by an accreditation council such as ACOTE, and being granted candidacy status and undergoing an on site evaluation are important steps in the accreditation process. Often times, occupational therapy credentials and certifications demonstrate an expertise in a certain area of practice or treatment modality.

The process of becoming an occupational therapist requires successful completion of an OT program, including required Level II fieldwork and essentials courses, before sitting for the NBCOT certification examination or national certification examination. There are a variety of OT degrees available, including master's degree programs, terminal degree options such as the OTD, and many PPOTD programs offer flexible pathways. Additional coursework, course bundles, and micro credentials are available for those seeking advanced or specialized training, and board certification is available in various OT practice areas. Organizations such as Evergreen Certifications and the Rehab Institute offer specialized certifications, including education specialist credentials, certified diabetes care, and neuro developmental treatment certification. Examples of specialized micro credentials include the falls prevention micro credential for working with community dwelling older adults, as well as certifications in areas like brain injuries and diabetes prevention. Job opportunities expand with advanced credentials and complementary degrees.

These credentials are a way to show that you have demonstrated the above and beyond skills through years of clinical practice, successfully passing a certification exam, or demonstrated a skilled treatment that defines you in the field of occupational therapy.

Introduction to Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a dynamic and rewarding profession dedicated to helping people of all ages participate in the activities that matter most to them. Occupational therapy practitioners—including both occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs)—work with individuals to improve their ability to perform daily tasks, whether at home, work, school, or in the community. Through therapeutic activities and evidence-based interventions, occupational therapy practitioners promote health, independence, and well-being across the lifespan.

To become an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, individuals must complete an accredited occupational therapy education program. These programs, recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), provide the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a successful career in occupational therapy. Depending on the chosen path, students may pursue a Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MOT), a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD), or other occupational therapy degrees. With a strong emphasis on both theory and practical skills, occupational therapy education prepares graduates to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients.

Credentials specifically related to an OT degree

• MOT- Masters in Occupational Therapy
• MSOT- Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
• OTD - Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• OTR/L or LOTR (Louisiana) - Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed
• COTA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
  
  

Credentials provided by AOTA

• FAOTA - Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Being selected as a member of the Roster of Fellows is an honor given to a therapist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the field of occupational therapy. Individuals are nominated for these awards and selected by AOTA’s Volunteer Leadership Development Committee (VLDC). Please visit AOTA for more details.
• BCG - Board Certified Gerontology
• BCMH - Board Certified Mental Health
• BCP - Board Certified Pediatrics
• BCRP - Board Certified Physical Rehabilitation
• SCDCM or SCDCM-A – Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility
• SCEM or SCEM-A - Specialty Certification in Environmental Modification
• SCFES or SCFES-A - Specialty Certification in Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
• SCLV or SCLV-A - Specialty Certification in Low Vision
• SCSS or SCSS-A - Specialty Certification in School Systems

The above board and specialty certifications, as well as micro credentials, require the submission of an application and portfolio that is then peer-reviewed to determine if a certification is granted. Applicants may be granted candidacy status before full OT certification is awarded, allowing them to complete additional requirements as needed. For more details, please visit here.

Specialty areas of practice in the field of OT

• ATP – Assistive Technology Practitioner. To become an Assistive Technology Practitioner you must complete 1,000 hours of direct Assistive Technology practice and have been a licensed therapist for 6 years to be eligible to sit for the certification exam.
• CAPS – Certified Aging in Place Specialist. The CAPS certification was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council to help provide training to allow individuals age 50+ to continue to live in their homes successfully. You must complete a series of three courses to become certified and submit 12 hours of related continuing education every 3 years.
• CBIS – Certified Brain Injury Specialist. To become CBIS certified you must have 500 hours of direct practice with individuals with brain injury, and successfully pass the certification exam.
• CDRS – Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. To become CDRS certified you must have 3,328 hours of direct driving rehabilitation practice and successfully pass the certification exam.
• CEAS – Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist. To become CEAS certified you must complete a 15-hour continuing education course (CEAS I) to become proficient in the OSHA-compliant ergonomic analysis. Additional courses are available (CEAS II and CEAS III) to advance your knowledge of ergonomic assessment.
• CHT – Certified Hand Therapist. To become of Certified Hand Therapist you must complete 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy practice and have been a licensed occupational or physical therapists for 3 years to be eligible to sit for the certification exam.
• CLT - Certified Lymphedema Therapist. To become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist you must have successfully passed a written and practical exam specifically related to the management of lymphedema throughout the entire body. There also an option to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist of the Upper Extremity (CLT-UE) if the therapist chooses to primarily treat clients with upper extremity lymphedema. A Certified Lymphedema Therapist can take an additional certification exam through Lymphedema Association of North American (LANA) to become CLT-LANA certified.
• CPE – Certified Professional Ergonomist. To become CPE certified you must have three years of direct work experience in ergonomics, successfully complete the application process, and successfully pass the certification exam.
• NDT – Neurodevelopmental Treatment Certification. To become a certified Neurodevelopmental Therapist, you much successfully take an NDT course in adulthood or pediatrics and be an active member of the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association (NDTA).
• SMS – Seating and Mobility Specialist. To become SMS certified you must complete 1000 or more hours in direct practice involving seating and mobility services. You must also demonstrate at least two professional activities related to providing seating and mobility services. After meeting these requirements, you are then eligible to sit for the SMS certification exam.
  
  

NGOT has an extensive, 3 part series on everything you need to know about Animal Assisted Therapy:

• Unleashing the Animal in Occupational Therapy: Resources for Practice, Training, and Research – Part I
• Unleashing the Animal in Occupational Therapy: Resources for Practice, Training, and Research – Part II
• Unleashing the Animal in Occupational Therapy: Resources for Practice, Training, and Research – Part III, Research

Additional degrees that are common for OTs to obtain

Occupational therapists may pursue complementary degrees such as an MPH (Master of Public Health) or MHA (Master of Health Administration) to expand their qualifications and job opportunities in specialized or leadership roles. These complementary degrees can align with career goals and open doors to new areas within healthcare.

• MBA - Masters in Business Administration
• MPH - Masters in Public Health (a complementary degree that can enhance OT practice and career advancement)
• DHSc – Doctorate in Health Sciences (a terminal degree offered by some ot programs, preparing graduates for advanced roles in research or academia)
• ScD – Doctorate of Science (terminal degree, often pursued through ot programs for specialization and leadership)
• PhD - Doctorate in Philosophy (terminal degree, typically offered by ot programs for careers in research, academia, and educational leadership)
• EdD - Doctorate in Education (terminal degree, with ot programs designed to prepare professionals for teaching, curriculum development, and leadership in OT education)
• ATC - Athletic Trainer Certified

Pursuing these advanced and terminal degrees through ot programs can significantly impact job opportunities, allowing occupational therapists to move into roles in academia, research, administration, and specialized clinical practice.

Career Development and Advancement

The field of occupational therapy offers a wealth of opportunities for career development and advancement. Occupational therapy practitioners can expand their expertise by pursuing advanced education, such as post-professional doctoral degrees like the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD). These advanced degrees allow occupational therapists to deepen their knowledge, engage in program development, and take on leadership roles within the profession.

In addition to formal education, occupational therapists can enhance their clinical practice by obtaining specialized certifications in areas such as aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, or as a seating and mobility specialist. These credentials not only broaden the scope of occupational therapy practice but also enable practitioners to deliver evidence-based interventions tailored to specific client needs. By staying current with the latest research and intervention strategies, occupational therapy practitioners can provide high-quality care and position themselves for career advancement in a variety of settings, from rehabilitation centers to community-based programs.

The Role of Certification in Career Advancement

Certification is a key factor in advancing a career in occupational therapy. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers the Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) credential, which is essential for licensure and professional practice in most states. Beyond this foundational certification, occupational therapists can pursue advanced training and specialty certifications to demonstrate their expertise in specific areas of occupational therapy.

For example, earning credentials such as Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS), Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS), Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), or Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) can open doors to specialized roles in rehabilitation centers, schools, and healthcare organizations. These certifications not only validate advanced skills and knowledge but also enhance job prospects, increase earning potential, and contribute to greater career satisfaction. By investing in ongoing professional development and advanced certification, occupational therapists can stay at the forefront of clinical practice and continue to grow within the field.

Did we miss something? Let us know! Or if you have a question about some occupational therapy credentials and you are curious what they mean, leave us a comment!