Description: The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate degree may be an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The OTA program prepares students to assist occupational therapists in helping individuals of all ages achieve independence in daily activities. Graduates work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. 

Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults. 

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Criminal background check may be required. 

Certification & Licensure: Graduates of an OTA program are eligible to take the  Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After passing the exam, individuals can obtain licensure through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board. In addition, 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years is needed for license renewal. 

Description: The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program trains students to become licensed occupational therapists who assess and treat individuals with physical, mental, or developmental conditions to enhance their ability to perform daily activities.

Program Duration: 2-4 years (full-time), or longer or part-time. Programs are likely to be full-time and in person.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree. GRE exam scores and volunteer hours in occupational therapy settings may be recommended or required. 

Certification & Licensure: Graduates are eligible to take the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After passing the exam, individuals can obtain licensure through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board. In addition, 20 hours of continuing education are required every 2 years for license renewal.

Description: The Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is an optional, additional step after the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT). The OTD teaches advanced clinical practice, leadership, and research. Most OTD programs require the completion of a doctoral capstone project, which most MOT programs do not. An OTD is appropriate for individuals who ultimately plan to pursue a role in leadership, advocacy, policymaking, or higher education.

Program Duration: 3-4 years (full-time), or longer or part-time. Programs are likely to be full-time and in person.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree. Undergraduate coursework in specific areas of science and math are often required. GRE exam scores and volunteer hours in occupational therapy settings may be recommended or required. The MOT is not a required prerequisite for the OTD. 

Certification & Licensure:  Graduates are eligible to take the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After passing the exam, individuals can obtain licensure through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board. In addition, 20 hours of continuing education are required every 2 years for license renewal.

Description: The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art Therapy combines art education with psychology to prepare students to use creative processes to help individuals express emotions, improve mental health, and achieve personal growth.

Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Submission of an art portfolio may be required for admission. Criminal background check may be required for fieldwork placements. 

Certification & Licensure: To become a licensed Art Therapist, individuals will have to obtain a master’s degree in Art Therapy.

Description: A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Art Therapy prepares individuals to work as a licensed art therapist. Coursework may include dance-movement therapy or drama therapy, family therapy studies, trauma studies, addiction studies, vocational and career development, and medical art therapy. Choose a program approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a related field. Submission of an art portfolio may be required for admission, and a criminal background check may be required for fieldwork placements. 

Certification & Licensure: Graduates are eligible to obtain board certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). After receiving their credential, they can then apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Art Therapist through the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Description:  The Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Therapy prepares the graduate for a career as a Music Therapist. The degree includes coursework in music theory, history, and performance; psychology; music therapy; science and psychology; statistics; anatomy; biological, social, and behavioral sciences; and disabling conditions. The degree also includes clinical training. The Bachelor in Music Therapy may be a good fit for anyone with a musical background who wants to work in the behavioral health field. 

Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults. 

Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Most programs require a musical audition on an instrument of choice.  A criminal background check may be required for fieldwork placement. 

Certification & Licensure: Upon completion of the degree program and internship, graduates are eligible to take the Board Certification Examination in Music Therapy administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). After attaining Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC), individuals must apply for music therapy licensure through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. 

Description:  The Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Music (MM) in Music Therapy prepares the graduate for a career as a Music Therapist. While Ohio allows holders of a Bachelor in Music Therapy to attain licensure, other states may require a Master in Music Therapy. The MA or MM in Music Therapy includes more advanced coursework in music theory, history, and performance; psychology; music therapy; and other topics. 

Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults. 

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree. Most programs require a musical audition on an instrument of choice. A criminal background check may be required for fieldwork placement. 

Certification & Licensure: Upon completion of the degree program and internship, graduates are eligible to take the Board Certification Examination in Music Therapy administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). After attaining Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC), individuals must apply for music therapy licensure through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Description: The Ph.D. in Music Therapy is the most advanced degree for music therapists. Individuals who want to pursue music therapy research and teaching may choose a Ph.D. in Music Therapy program. 

Program Duration: 4-5 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults. 

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree. Most programs require a musical audition on an instrument of choice. A criminal background check may be required for fieldwork placement. 

Certification & Licensure: Upon completion of the degree program and internship, graduates are eligible to take the Board Certification Examination in Music Therapy administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). After attaining Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC), individuals must apply for music therapy licensure through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.