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School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences

Now Open for Registration - UM OT Virtual Open House - October 2025

Prospective students, learn about UM OT. Use the form below to sign up to register for the UM OT Virtual Open House. We'll send you an email with date, times, and video link when the event is announced (slated for mid-October)

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Outcomes and Career Pathways

A Career That Makes a Difference
Graduates of the 猎奇重口’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program enter a profession dedicated to helping people live their best lives. Occupational therapy is about more than treatment—it’s about asking “What matters to you?” and empowering individuals of all ages and abilities to achieve their goals.

Strong Job Prospects and Competitive Salaries

The outlook for occupational therapists is bright.

  • High Demand: OT is one of the fastest-growing health professions in the U.S., with demand increasing as healthcare systems, schools, and communities recognize the importance of holistic, client-centered care.

  • Competitive Salaries: According to national data, the median annual salary for OTs is around $95,000, with earning potential varying by region, setting, and specialty.

  • Job Security: With opportunities in nearly every state and across a wide range of settings, OT professionals enjoy both stability and flexibility in their careers.

 

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Strong Job Prospects and Competitive Salaries

One of the strengths of an OTD degree is its versatility. Occupational therapists can practice in a wide variety of settings, including:

  • Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers – supporting patients after surgery, illness, or injury.

  • Primary Care & Outpatient Clinics – helping individuals manage health conditions and daily routines.

  • Schools & Pediatric Clinics – working with children on motor skills, sensory regulation, and learning participation.

  • Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing, & Assisted Living – enhancing independence and quality of life for older adults.

  • Mental Health Facilities – addressing psychological and social well-being.

  • Home Health & Community Centers – adapting environments and promoting participation in daily life.

  • Corporate & Vocational Rehabilitation – improving workplace ergonomics and helping people return to work after injury.

  • Military & Veterans Services – supporting service members with recovery and reintegration.

Wherever people need support to live fully, OTs are there.

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Specialties and Emerging Areas

The OTD degree also opens doors to specialized and evolving practice areas, such as:

  • Pediatrics and early intervention

  • Hand therapy and orthopedics

  • Mental health and trauma-informed care

  • Low vision and neurological rehabilitation

  • Assistive technology and home modifications

  • Lifestyle medicine, wellness, and prevention

  • Innovative approaches like animal-assisted therapy, nature-based interventions, and ergonomic consulting

As healthcare needs grow and change, occupational therapists are at the forefront of creating new solutions.

 

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The Versatility of an OT Career

An OTD is more than preparation for clinical practice—it’s a gateway to multiple career pathways:

  • Clinical Practitioner – delivering direct care across diverse settings.

  • Leader & Advocate – shaping healthcare systems and policies.

  • Researcher & Innovator – contributing to new evidence and creative solutions.

  • Educator & Mentor – teaching the next generation of OTs.

  • Entrepreneur – opening private practices, consulting firms, or wellness businesses.

Whether your passion is hands-on care, leadership, or innovation, occupational therapy offers a career that grows with you.

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