3 answers
Reyna
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3
Questions
Updated
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How difficult is it to get accepted into occupational therapy school?
I'm currently in college looking towards becoming a pediatric OT, but wondering how challenging the process will be and how long it usually takes.
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3 answers
Carol Michot
Occupational Therapist
5
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Carol’s Answer
I’ve been an OTR for 30+ years with emphasis on pediatrics for 24. Getting into OT school is not easy. When I applied, 4 were turned away for each one of us that got in. They are making a huge investment in each student as there is a shortage; and they try to produce one OT for each students slot.
That being said, getting in was easier than staying in. OT school is a very demanding curriculum. Everyone in my classes struggled to keep their head above water. All most of us did was eat, sleep, and study.
Your fieldwork experiences can vary depending on your clinical instructor from awesome to scary.
Passing the certification exam to be registered can be daunting, but most schools have an excellent pass rate,
I’ve loved my career, and I trust you can find this profession satisfying as well. Good luck!!!
That being said, getting in was easier than staying in. OT school is a very demanding curriculum. Everyone in my classes struggled to keep their head above water. All most of us did was eat, sleep, and study.
Your fieldwork experiences can vary depending on your clinical instructor from awesome to scary.
Passing the certification exam to be registered can be daunting, but most schools have an excellent pass rate,
I’ve loved my career, and I trust you can find this profession satisfying as well. Good luck!!!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Reyna,
The path is, we'll, A Wild but Worthwhile Ride
So, you want to be a pediatric occupational therapist? That’s awesome—basically, you’ll be a superhero helping kids develop the skills they need for life… but first, you have to survive OT school admissions.
Is It Hard to Get Into OT School?
Yes, but not "rocket science while juggling chainsaws" hard. OT schools are competitive, with acceptance rates usually around 10-40%, depending on the program. Because the world needs great OTs, not just people who can spell "occupational therapy" correctly.
You’ll need a solid GPA (typically 3.0 or higher), good GRE scores (if required), observation hours, and some experience working with people. But don’t panic—thousands of students get in every year, and with the right game plan, you can too!
Challenges You’ll Face (And How to Crush Them Like a Boss)
1. Keeping Your GPA Up
Some programs have a minimum 3.0 GPA, but competitive schools often want a 3.5 or higher. Think of your GPA like a plant—water it (study), give it sunlight (take breaks), and don’t let it die (avoid procrastinating until 3 AM). If one class lowers your GPA, crush your other classes to balance it out.
2. Getting Enough Observation Hours
Many schools require 40-100+ hours of shadowing or volunteer work. Reach out to clinics, hospitals, or schools ASAP and offer to volunteer, shadow, or just be their most enthusiastic unpaid helper. Remember though ask good questions while shadowing. They’ll remember you—and maybe even write you a killer recommendation letter.
3. Writing the Personal Statement
Summarizing your life’s passion in 500-700 words without sounding like a robot.
Make it personal (why OT?), engaging (show your personality), and clear (don’t just list achievements—tell your story!).
Tip: Have a friend read it. If they say, “Wow, this sounds exactly like you!”—you nailed it.
4. The Interview Process
Sitting in front of professors, sweating, and trying to sound like a future OT instead of a nervous mess.
So, practice, practice, practice. Get comfortable answering:
“Why do you want to be an OT?”
“Tell us about a time you handled a challenge.”
“What’s your spirit animal and why?” (Okay, maybe not that one, but be prepared for curveballs.)
Power move which I totally recommend is Smile, make eye contact, and breathe. You got this!
Now now,
How Long Does It Take?
Well, Becoming a pediatric OT takes about 🤔🤔🤔🤔:
4 years of undergrad (unless you do an accelerated program)
2-3 years of OT school
6 months of fieldwork (basically OT boot camp)
Passing the NBCOT exam (Final Boss Level)
Total? About 6-7 years—but hey, good things take time, like cheese, wine, and your future career as an amazing OT.
How to Boost Your Skills Before OT School
Take psychology, anatomy, and child development courses—your future self will thank you.
Work or volunteer with kids—camps, tutoring, special needs programs. Anything that helps you understand how little humans function.
Get hands-on experience—look for jobs as a rehab aide, teacher’s assistant, or caregiver.
Final Pep Talk because you know you cna do it and know that I know too cause I believe in you and you should too, if you are passionate about it nothing can stop you pal.
Yes, OT school is competitive, but so is getting the last slice of pizza at a party—and you’ve probably won that battle before. If you work hard, get experience, and show your passion, you WILL get in.
So, keep going, stay motivated, and remember: Every great OT once started exactly where you are now—wondering if they could do it. And they did. So will you.
Al the best of lucks and if you need anything just call out, wait, you know just send a question over here. 😎🤗
The path is, we'll, A Wild but Worthwhile Ride
So, you want to be a pediatric occupational therapist? That’s awesome—basically, you’ll be a superhero helping kids develop the skills they need for life… but first, you have to survive OT school admissions.
Is It Hard to Get Into OT School?
Yes, but not "rocket science while juggling chainsaws" hard. OT schools are competitive, with acceptance rates usually around 10-40%, depending on the program. Because the world needs great OTs, not just people who can spell "occupational therapy" correctly.
You’ll need a solid GPA (typically 3.0 or higher), good GRE scores (if required), observation hours, and some experience working with people. But don’t panic—thousands of students get in every year, and with the right game plan, you can too!
Challenges You’ll Face (And How to Crush Them Like a Boss)
1. Keeping Your GPA Up
Some programs have a minimum 3.0 GPA, but competitive schools often want a 3.5 or higher. Think of your GPA like a plant—water it (study), give it sunlight (take breaks), and don’t let it die (avoid procrastinating until 3 AM). If one class lowers your GPA, crush your other classes to balance it out.
2. Getting Enough Observation Hours
Many schools require 40-100+ hours of shadowing or volunteer work. Reach out to clinics, hospitals, or schools ASAP and offer to volunteer, shadow, or just be their most enthusiastic unpaid helper. Remember though ask good questions while shadowing. They’ll remember you—and maybe even write you a killer recommendation letter.
3. Writing the Personal Statement
Summarizing your life’s passion in 500-700 words without sounding like a robot.
Make it personal (why OT?), engaging (show your personality), and clear (don’t just list achievements—tell your story!).
Tip: Have a friend read it. If they say, “Wow, this sounds exactly like you!”—you nailed it.
4. The Interview Process
Sitting in front of professors, sweating, and trying to sound like a future OT instead of a nervous mess.
So, practice, practice, practice. Get comfortable answering:
“Why do you want to be an OT?”
“Tell us about a time you handled a challenge.”
“What’s your spirit animal and why?” (Okay, maybe not that one, but be prepared for curveballs.)
Power move which I totally recommend is Smile, make eye contact, and breathe. You got this!
Now now,
How Long Does It Take?
Well, Becoming a pediatric OT takes about 🤔🤔🤔🤔:
4 years of undergrad (unless you do an accelerated program)
2-3 years of OT school
6 months of fieldwork (basically OT boot camp)
Passing the NBCOT exam (Final Boss Level)
Total? About 6-7 years—but hey, good things take time, like cheese, wine, and your future career as an amazing OT.
How to Boost Your Skills Before OT School
Take psychology, anatomy, and child development courses—your future self will thank you.
Work or volunteer with kids—camps, tutoring, special needs programs. Anything that helps you understand how little humans function.
Get hands-on experience—look for jobs as a rehab aide, teacher’s assistant, or caregiver.
Final Pep Talk because you know you cna do it and know that I know too cause I believe in you and you should too, if you are passionate about it nothing can stop you pal.
Yes, OT school is competitive, but so is getting the last slice of pizza at a party—and you’ve probably won that battle before. If you work hard, get experience, and show your passion, you WILL get in.
So, keep going, stay motivated, and remember: Every great OT once started exactly where you are now—wondering if they could do it. And they did. So will you.
Al the best of lucks and if you need anything just call out, wait, you know just send a question over here. 😎🤗
Kaitlyn Corey
Occupational Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Student
60
Answers
Graniteville, South Carolina
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
OT school can be competitive, but it is not impossible if you plan ahead. Most programs look at your GPA, volunteer or shadowing hours, letters of recommendation, and sometimes GRE scores. Having experience in different OT settings can make your application stronger. The process usually takes a few months once you apply, but preparing for it can take a couple of years while you finish your bachelor’s degree and prerequisites. Many students apply during their last year of undergrad so they can start graduate school right after. It may feel overwhelming, but if you stay focused on your grades, get experience in the field, and build good relationships with professors or supervisors for references, you will put yourself in a good position to be accepted.