As an occupational therapist (OT), you will have the opportunity to focus on one or more occupational therapy specialties during your career. Adding an occupational therapy certification demonstrates knowledge of an area you’re passionate about, enhances your credentials and opens doors to grant funding and new job possibilities.
Occupational Therapy Specialty Education
Typically, occupational therapists pursue an OT certification after earning a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and are working in that specialized area. Adding a specialty involves earning a certificate through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or another certificate-granting organization.1
For some occupational therapist specialties, you must take classes or an exam; in others, proving your prior experience is the only requirement. Rather than being a prerequisite to work in that specialty, an occupational therapy certification usually indicates prior experience.
We cover 19 popular occupational therapy specialties and micro credentials, and the requirements to get started.
Types of Occupational Therapy Specialties
1. Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise
Occupational therapists who work with clients in the water to help them increase mobility, coordination and muscle tone may earn an Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification (ATRIC).2 This occupational therapy certification validates these individuals’ training in aquatic therapy principles and methods, movement mechanics and safety and risk awareness strategies. OTs with these types of occupational therapy certifications help patients improve joint movement and reduce pain through exercises in warm or cool water.
Candidates can become certified through the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI). They must:2
- Gain 15 hours of education focused on aquatic therapy, aquatic rehab or aquatic therapeutic exercise (preferably hands-on education)
- Pass the ATRIC exam
2. Assistive Technology
Next on our list of occupational therapy specialties is assistive technology. The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification documents the OT’s competence in working with wheelchairs, seating products and other assistive technology to help patients with disabilities.3
Candidates earn occupational therapy certification through the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). They must:4
- Gain work experience between 1,000 and 6,000 hours, depending on the level of their previous education
- Complete 10, 20 or 30 training hours, also depending on previous education, earned concurrently with their work experience
3. Autism
If you work with individuals on the autism spectrum, consider earning your Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) certificate to boost your knowledge and credentials and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing training in this area.5
Candidates can acquire their CAS occupational therapy certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). They must:5
- Hold at least a master’s degree in OT (this can be waived if you have a bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience)
- Gain two years of experience working in a field that focuses on individuals with autism
- Complete 14 hours of continuing education that directly relates to autism within the last two years
- Pass IBCCES’ Autism Competency Exam
4. Brain Injuries
Another one of many OT specialties is a focus on the brain. Healthcare professionals who work with clients with brain injuries may earn a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) certificate. The certification exam covers brain behavior, different types of brain injury, how to interact with and educate patients and their families, safe medication management practices and more.6
Candidates become certified through the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). They must:7
- Gain 500 hours of direct contact experience with an individual suffering from a brain injury, completed under formal supervision or professional licensure
- Earn at least a high school diploma (or the equivalent)
- Pass an exam administered by BIAA
Learn More About USAHS’ Graduate OT Programs
5. Diabetes
A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is a health professional who demonstrates advanced knowledge in diabetes management, prediabetes and diabetes prevention. The CDCES educates those affected by diabetes to help them understand and manage their disease.8
Candidates can get their occupational therapy certification in this specialty through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE). In order to apply for the exam to become certified, they must:9
- Earn a master’s degree or be a licensed OT with a minimum of two years of practice experience
- Gain a minimum of 1,000 hours providing diabetes care and education within five years before the application date, with at least 200 of those hours accrued in the most recent year before applying
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education from a recognized CBDCE provider earned within two years before applying for the exam
6. Gerontology
The field of gerontology is another one of many occupational therapy specialties. Occupational therapists who earn their Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG) through the AOTA engage with older adults in their homes and clinical settings to improve their quality of life and well-being as they age.10
To receive an advanced occupational therapy certification from AOTA in gerontology, OTs must meet the following eligibility requirements:11
- Obtain certification or licensing by and remain in good standing with an AOTA-recognized credentialing or regulatory body
- Gain a minimum of three years of OT experience
- Complete 3,000 hours of experience in gerontology within the last five years, including direct intervention, supervision, teaching, consultation, administration, case or care management, community programming or research
- Complete 500 hours of experience delivering occupational therapy services to clients in gerontology within the last five years
7. Hand Therapy
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is one of the types of occupational therapy that works with patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities caused by trauma or disease.12
Candidates earn their occupational therapy certification through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC). Eligibility requirements include:13
- Earn a professional degree in OT, plus an active license, certification or registration
- Work as a licensed OT for a minimum of three years
- Complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of direct practice experience in hand therapy
8. Hippotherapy
According to the American Hippotherapy Certification Board, hippotherapy refers to how rehabilitation professionals “use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes.”14 If you’re an OT with experience in this field of OT specialties, consider becoming certified as a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS).
Eligibility requirements for an occupational therapy certification in hippotherapy include:15
- Earn OT licensure
- Possess skilled riding ability and experience working with horses
- One year of full-time or 2,000 hours of experience in occupational therapy
- Complete the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I and II equine skills and treatment principle courses or equivalent graduate-level courses
- Complete a minimum of 25 hours of one-on-one hippotherapy in patient treatment
- Pass the Hippotherapy Certification Examination
9. Lymphedema
A Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) treats lymphedema patients safely and effectively using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).16 During training for this type of occupational therapy, therapists will learn manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, patient-specific exercises and skin care.17
Candidates can get their Certified Lymphedema Therapist certification through lymphatic therapy schools such as the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy and the Brennan School of Innovative Lymphatic Studies. Eligibility requirements to become a CLT include:17, 18
- Be a licensed occupational therapist (or another listed healthcare professional)
- Complete a minimum of 135 hours of certification coursework in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
10. Neuro-Developmental Treatment
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is an interdisciplinary clinical practice model that uses movement analysis for the habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological pathophysiology.19 Occupational therapists who earn their Neuro-Developmental Treatment Certification (C/NDT) treat patients who have suffered from strokes, brain injuries, cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disorders.20
Candidates can earn their C/NDT certification through the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (NDTA). They must:21
- Maintain an active NDTA membership
- Complete one of the following NDTA-sponsored certificate courses:
- NDTA™ Certificate Course in the Contemporary Practice of NDT for the Management of Adults with Stroke and Brain Injury
- NDTA™ Certificate Course in the Contemporary Practice of NDT for the Management of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Neuromuscular Disorders
11. Pediatrics
Next on our list of occupational therapy specialties is pediatrics. Occupational therapists who earn their Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) help children of all ages with routine activities such as learning, playing and socializing. They work with children who need help with general functioning, such as walking and feeding, as well as kids with physical and mental disabilities.
To receive an advanced occupational therapy certification from AOTA in pediatrics, OTs must meet the following eligibility requirements:11
- Obtain certification or licensing and remain in good standing with an AOTA-recognized credentialing or regulatory body
- Gain a minimum of three years of OT experience
- Complete 3,000 hours of experience in pediatrics within the last five years, including direct intervention, supervision, teaching, consultation, administration, case or care management, community programming or research
- Complete 500 hours of experience delivering occupational therapy services to clients in pediatrics within the last five years
12. Physical Rehabilitation
Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR) is a formal occupational therapy certification available through the AOTA that OTs can obtain to demonstrate their knowledge across diverse rehab settings.22
To receive an advanced certification from AOTA in this type of occupational therapy, OTs must meet the following eligibility requirements:11
- Obtain certification or licensing by and remain in good standing with an AOTA-recognized credentialing or regulatory body
- Gain a minimum of three years of OT experience
- Complete 3,000 hours of experience in physical rehabilitation within the last five years, including direct intervention, supervision, teaching, consultation, administration, case or care management, community programming, or research.
- Complete 500 hours of experience delivering occupational therapy services to clients in physical rehabilitation within the last five years
13. Saebo
Saebo creates upper limb rehabilitation equipment. Those who become Certified Saebo Specialists are knowledgeable in this equipment and how it’s used to help patients suffering from neurological disorders, such as strokes.23
Candidates can receive occupational therapy certification through Saebo, an AOTA-accredited provider of continuing education. 24
14. Seating and Mobility Specialist
The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification focuses on seating, positioning, mobility and assistive technology.25 This occupational therapy certification demonstrates the OT’s expertise in rehab technology, such as wheelchairs, seating interventions and power mobility devices.
Candidates become certified through RESNA. Eligibility requirements for this specialty include:
- Obtaining Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification from RESNA
- Completing a minimum of 1,000 hours in any capacity of seating and mobility-related service
- Completing two of the following professional occupational therapy activities in the last five years: mentoring or supervision, leadership, publication, presentations or formal instruction, advocacy, continuing education or client service delivery
15. Stroke Rehabilitation
The Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) indicates advanced training in stroke rehabilitation. It’s a type of occupational therapy that strives to find the best methods of treatment and care for stroke survivors.
Candidates can become certified through the American Stroke Association (ASA) in collaboration with Neurorecovery Unlimited.26
- Be a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant
- Complete four 8-hour seminars in the education program offered by the ASA
- Pass the CSRS exam
16. Clinical Anxiety Treatment
The Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional Certification (CCATP) is one of the newer specializations. To become a CCATP, become certified through Evergreen Certifications. Candidates must:27
- Have at least a master’s degree in their profession and hold a state or national license. 27
- Complete at least 12 hours of continuing education in specific anxiety assessment and treatment topics
- Complete a minimum of 200 clinical mental health contact hours with anxiety-diagnosed patients, with weekly consultation or supervision
17. Driving and Community Mobility Micro Credential
Driving and Community Mobility is one of the critical specialties in occupational therapy that focuses on enhancing clients’ independence and safety in transportation. AOTA offers a micro-credential in this area that equips occupational therapists with advanced skills in evaluating driving readiness, providing adaptive solutions and exploring alternative mobility options.
The curriculum covers ethical considerations, visual dysfunction impacts, functional cognition interventions and screening for driving risks. To earn this micro credential on the way to obtaining a Home & Community Safety and Driving Professional occupational therapy certification, practitioners must complete three Essentials courses in mental health, functional cognition and population health before enrolling in the specialized bundle.28
18. Low Vision Rehabilitation Micro Credential
Low Vision Rehabilitation is a type of occupational therapy micro credential that addresses visual impairments across the lifespan. The First Response for Low Vision Rehabilitation micro-credential from AOTA provides OTs with advanced skills in this area.
The course bundle covers screening, assessment and intervention strategies for vision loss and neurological disorders. It also explores central vision loss and comprehensive service delivery 28
To earn this micro credential as part of a professional occupational therapy certification, practitioners must complete prerequisite courses in the following areas:28
- Low vision assessment
- Child development
- The impact of visual dysfunction on daily activities
19. Home Modifications and Falls Prevention Micro Credential
This type of occupational therapy specialty teaches OTs how to transform living spaces to maximize client independence. The Home Modifications and Falls Prevention micro credential offers advanced training in this field.
This comprehensive course bundle from AOTA explores:28
- Psychosocial aspects of home changes
- Innovative solutions for modification challenges
- Strategies for smooth hospital-to-home transitions
It also covers person-centered design principles and fall prevention techniques for community-dwelling older adults. To earn a micro-credential, aspiring specialists must first complete foundational courses in mental health, functional cognition and population health.28
We’ve explored several unique occupational therapy specialties and career paths. Stay tuned for the additional updates about innovative non-clinical and entrepreneurial OT roles.
The largest OT graduate school in the United States, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers hands-on Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees. Practice with mock patients in our state-of-the-art simulation centers and learn anatomy with our high-tech tools. Prepare for clinical practice with patients across the lifespan, as well as advanced roles in research, practice leadership and policymaking. Residential, Hybrid Immersion, and Flex pathways are available for MOT. We also offer an online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) program, designed for working clinicians and healthcare educators who need flexibility in earning their degree.
The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program at the Dallas, Texas, campus has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814-6519. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.
For more information about the occupational therapy accreditation process, contact the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814-6519, 301-652-6611 or visit www.acoteonline.org.
Sources:
- American Occupational Therapy Association, “American Occupational Therapy Association,” AOTA, 2024,https://www.aota.org/.
- Aquatic Exercise Association, “ATRI Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification Information,” ATRI Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, 2024, https://aeawave.org/ATRI/ATRI-Certification.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, “ATP General Info,” RESNA, 2024, https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, “ATP Exam Eligibility Requirements,” RESNA, 2024, https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP/ATP-Exam-Eligibility.
- International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, “Improve Your Reach & Outcomes as a Certified Autism SpecialistTM,” IBCCES, 2022, https://ibcces.org/certified-autism-specialist/.
- Centre for Neuro Skills, “Certified Brain Injury Specialist,” CNS, 2024, https://www.neuroskills.com/cbis/.
- Brain Injury Association of America, “Certified Brain Injury Specialist Information & Eligibility,” BIAA, 2024,https://www.biausa.org/professionals/academy-of-certified-brain-injury-specialists/certified-brain-injury-specialist/cbis-information-eligibility.
- Cleveland Clinic, “Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES),” Cleveland Clinic, 2024,https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/certified-diabetes-care-and-education-specialist-cdces.
- Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education, “Eligibility,” CBDCE, 2024, https://www.cbdce.org/eligibility.
- Nicklya Harris-Ray, “What Is Gerontology?,” WebMD, June 16, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-is-gerontology.
- American Occupational Therapy Association, “Advanced certification eligibility criteria,” AOTA, 2024,https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/eligibility-requirements.
- American Society of Surgery of the Hand, “Hand Therapist: What Is a CHT, OT OR PT?,” Handcare: The Upper Extremity Expert, 2024, https://www.assh.org/handcare/about-hand-therapy.
- Hand Therapy Certification Commission, “Certification: Eligibility Requirements,” HTCC, 2023,https://www.htcc.org/certification/examination-information/eligibility-requirements.
- American Hippotherapy Certification Board, “Hippotherapy Certification Board,” AHCB, 2024,https://hippotherapycertification.org/.
- American Hippotherapy Certification Board, “AHCB Hippotherapy Certification Exam,” AHCB, 2024,https://hippotherapycertification.org/exams-and-certification/ahcb-certification-exam/.
- Academy of Lymphatic Studies, “Complete Lymphedema Certification,” Academy of Lymphatic Studies, 2024,https://www.acols.com/courses/complete-lymphedema-certification.php.
- Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, “Full CDT Certification,” Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, 2024,https://www.nortonschool.com/cdt-lymphedema-certification-course.html.
- Brennan School of Innovative Lymphatic Studies, “Complex Lymphatic Therapy,” Brennan School of Innovative Lymphatic Studies, 2019, https://lymphedematraining.com/certification.
- Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association, “Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT),” NDTA, 2024,https://www.ndta.org/site/ndt-practice.
- Sarah Lyon, “30+ OT Certifications and Specialties,” OT Potential, February 8, 2024,https://otpotential.com/blog/where-to-go-ot-degree#cndt.
- Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association, “Certification Requirements,” NDTA, 2024,https://www.ndta.org/site/NDT-Certification.
- American Occupational Therapy Association, “AOTA’s Advanced Certification Program,” AOTA, 2024,https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program.
- Saebo, “Saebo,” Saebo, 2024, https://www.saebo.com/.
- Saebo, “Saebo Certification – Live,” Saebo, 2024, https://www.saebo.com/pages/saebo-certification-live.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, “SMS General Info,” RESNA, 2024, https://www.resna.org/Certification/Seating-and-Mobility-Specialist-SMS.
- “Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS™),” Neurorecovery Unlimited, 2024,https://strokecertification.com/seminars/csrs/.
- Evergreen Certifications, “Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional,” Evergreen Certifications, 2024,https://www.evergreencertifications.com/certification/certified-clinical-anxiety-treatment-professional/.
- American Occupational Therapy Association, “AOTA’s Professional Certificates & Micro Credentials,” AOTA, 2024, https://www.aota.org/career/continuing-education/micro-credentials-and-professional-certificates/certificates-and-credentials
