EKU Online > Online Occupational Therapy Degrees > Occupational Therapy Career Opportunities

Occupational Therapy Career Outlook

Occupational therapists address physical, mental, emotional and developmental needs for clients of all ages. Moreover, occupational therapy jobs are available in a variety of areas including schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient service providers, home health, early intervention and academia.

Doctoral degrees are becoming increasingly necessary in order to meet the complex demands of healthcare. Occupational therapists will need to pursue doctoral education in order to compete and exert leadership in the educational and healthcare services arenas.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapists with doctoral degrees can take a leadership role, effecting policies and strategies that help people with a variety of challenges including but not limited to:

  • Autism
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Stroke
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Parkinson’s disease
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Occupational Therapy Career Information

National

Median Annual Salary
$85,570/year
14% growth increase thru 2031
Master’s required for entry-level positions

Local

Estimated Base Salary
Updated April 2023
$62,243/year
Highest paying cities for occupational therapists in Kentucky:
Bowling Green, KY
$91,128
Richmond, KY
$87,828
Lexington, KY
$64,912

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

EKU OTD Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU OTD Graduates Worked?
  • University of Findlay
  • Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc.
  • Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT
  • Encompass Health
  • Commonwealth Hand and Physical Therapy
  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Program in OT
  • South Arkansas Community College
Choose the EKU Online OTD for Flexibility, Quality and Value

Eastern Kentucky University was one the first schools in the country to offer a 100% online post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. Designed for licensed occupational therapists, our program prepares you to become a leader in the profession.

Respected
Learn from expert faculty and earn your degree from a school that U.S. News and World Report ranks in the top 30 best OT programs. EKU is an accredited brick-and-mortar institution that has educated students for more than 100 years.

Flexible
Our students have full-time jobs and families. Our program was designed for them. It’s 100 percent online with no campus visits required. You will have the flexibility to earn your degree in a way that works for you.

Comprehensive
EKU supports individualized learning that allows you to pursue your passion. Our talented students have diverse interests – autism spectrum disorder, assistive technology, dementia care and so much more.

Supportive
Your advising team stays with you from application through graduation. They will help you stay on track.  Your professors are just a phone call or email away. Whether you have questions about an assignment or are looking for career advice, all you have to do is ask!

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
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  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
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