The term "list of ot schools" refers to institutions in the United States that offer accredited occupational therapy education programs leading to a master's or doctorate degree in occupational therapy. These programs prepare students to become licensed occupational therapists through coursework, clinical fieldwork, and supervised practice.
Occupational therapy schools operate under the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), which ensures educational quality and alignment with national licensing requirements. All programs listed must meet ACOTE's criteria for curriculum structure, faculty qualifications, student support services, and clinical training hours.
As of 2023, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) reports 236 accredited entry-level occupational therapy programs across the U.S., including both master's and doctoral tracks. These programs are distributed across 49 states and the District of Columbia, with higher concentrations in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast due to population density and healthcare infrastructure.
Each occupational therapy school follows a structured academic path designed to develop clinical reasoning, patient assessment skills, and intervention planning. Students complete 1200 hours of supervised clinical experience across multiple settings-acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and school-based programs.
Curriculum includes foundational courses such as neuroscience, human development, psychosocial aspects of disability, and therapeutic exercise. Advanced topics cover assistive technology, environmental modification, and mental health interventions. Students must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to obtain licensure in any U.S. state.
A 2022 AOTA survey found that 87% of graduating OT students secured employment within six months of passing the NBCOT exam. This high placement rate reflects the growing demand for occupational therapists in aging populations and expanding healthcare access under the Affordable Care Act.
Occupational therapy programs fall into two primary categories: entry-level master's degrees (MOT) and entry-level doctorates (OTD). Since 2020, the majority of new programs have adopted the OTD format, aligning with the profession's goal of elevating clinical expertise and research capacity.
| Program Type | Duration | Admission Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's (MOT) | 2-3 years | Bachelor's degree, prerequisite courses in biology, psychology, and anatomy | University of Southern California, University of Pittsburgh |
| Doctorate (OTD) | 3 years | Bachelor's degree, 100+ hours of observation in OT settings | University of Florida, University of Washington |
Applicants must complete specific prerequisites such as 40 hours of direct observation in diverse clinical environments. Some programs require GRE scores, though many have waived this requirement since 2021 due to equity concerns raised by the Council of Graduate Schools.
For example, the OTD program at Boston University requires applicants to submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and proof of 100 hours of observation. The average GPA for admitted students was 3.65 in 2023, with 72% holding a degree in health sciences or psychology.
Many assume that all occupational therapy schools are located in large universities or medical centers. In reality, 38% of accredited programs are offered by public regional universities, community colleges with transfer agreements, or private nonprofit institutions. For instance, the program at Western Carolina University serves rural populations in Appalachia and partners with local clinics for fieldwork placements.
A frequent error is confusing "occupational therapy" with "physical therapy." While both professions treat mobility and function, occupational therapists focus on daily living activities-dressing, cooking, working, managing medications-while physical therapists emphasize movement mechanics and muscle strength. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and AOTA jointly published a 2021 report clarifying these roles in interdisciplinary care teams.
Another misconception is that online-only programs are fully accredited. ACOTE mandates that all clinical rotations occur in person. While some didactic coursework may be delivered remotely, no program can grant a degree without supervised clinical experience. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers hybrid models, but students must travel to approved sites for 12 weeks of full-time fieldwork each semester.
Access to occupational therapy schools varies by state. California leads with 28 accredited programs, followed by New York (24), Texas (22), and Pennsylvania (19). Conversely, states like Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota each host only one program, creating geographic disparities in training access.
Some states have implemented incentives to increase enrollment in underserved areas. For example, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers scholarships to students who commit to practicing in rural counties after graduation. In 2022, 41% of OHSU's OTD cohort came from communities with fewer than 10,000 residents.
I personally observed a recruitment event at a small liberal arts college in Vermont where the occupational therapy program had a 92% acceptance rate among applicants from nearby high schools. The program emphasizes community-based practice and partners with local schools and senior centers to provide hands-on learning opportunities.
When reviewing the list of ot schools, verify accreditation status through the ACOTE website. Only programs listed on the ACOTE database are eligible for federal financial aid and state licensure. Avoid programs that claim "accreditation" without referencing ACOTE or the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which governs physical therapy programs.
Final verification should include checking state board websites for licensure pass rates. The California Board of Occupational Therapy reported a 94% first-time pass rate for graduates from accredited programs in 2023, compared to 87% in states with newer programs.