OT academic programs can last from 2 to 4 years. Those students with a high school diploma may enter directly into a 4 year undergraduate program. A few programs will accept transfer students with 2 years of undergraduate work and some prerequisite courses. There are 2-year post baccalaureate and master s programs available as well, again requiring prerequisite course work, usually in the sciences, mathematics, psychology and statistics. Course work in any program is usually followed by 6 months of field work and a national accreditation exam.
Some states also regulate the practice in their jurisdictions.