Payment for services is provided under some provisions of Medicare and Medicaid and other federal and state health programs. Many private health insurance plans also cover occupational therapy services. Occupational therapists hold bachelor's or master's degrees, and occupational therapy assistants have associate degrees. Occupational therapy education includes the study of human growth and development with specific on the social, emotional, and physiological implications of illness and injury. Occupational therapy practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings and are required to pass a national certification examination.
Many states also regulate the practice of occupational therapy.