Best institutions to study Occupational Therapy/Therapist
A program that prepares individuals to assist patients limited by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and learning disabilities, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their independence and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents.
250 U.S. institutions graduated 9,796 Occupational Therapy/Therapist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.2306, a specialization of Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23), and leads most directly to the Occupational Therapists occupation (BLS SOC 29-1122).
About Occupational Therapy/Therapist programs
A program that prepares individuals to assist patients limited by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and learning disabilities, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their independence and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, psychology, sociology, patient assessment and evaluation, standardized and non-standardized tests and measurements, assistive and rehabilitative technologies, ergonomics, environmental health, special education, vocational counseling, health education and promotion, and professional standards and ethics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Occupational Therapy/Therapist program prepares individuals to support patients facing various physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges. This program is designed for those who wish to help people maximize their independence and maintain optimal health through tailored therapeutic interventions and environmental adaptations. Students will learn to work with diverse populations, addressing a wide range of disabilities and health conditions.
Core coursework includes instruction in medical sciences, psychology, patient assessment, assistive technologies, and professional ethics. Students develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication, which are crucial for successful practice in occupational therapy.
Credentials awarded
What Occupational Therapy/Therapist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree4,927 graduates / yr · 152 institutions50%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice3,529 graduates / yr · 121 institutions36%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship758 graduates / yr · 23 institutions7.7%
- Bachelor's degree441 graduates / yr · 27 institutions4.5%
- Doctor's degree - other74 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.8%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate36 graduates / yr · 5 institutions0.4%
- Associate's degree27 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.3%
- Post-master's certificate4 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Occupational Therapy/Therapist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 6,289 |
| 2013 | 6,616 |
| 2014 | 6,906 |
| 2015 | 7,243 |
| 2016 | 7,684 |
| 2017 | 8,338 |
| 2018 | 8,780 |
| 2019 | 9,138 |
| 2020 | 9,117 |
| 2021 | 9,922 |
| 2022 | 10,545 |
| 2023 | 10,215 |
| 2024 | 10,416 |
| 2025 | 9,796 |
Top 50 institutions for Occupational Therapy/Therapist, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Doctoral | 612 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Texas Woman's University Denton, TXPublicDoctoral | 138 | 49% | — | $38,339 |
| 3 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KYPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 129 | 50% | — | — |
| 4 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Associate'sPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 128 | 69% | $26,034 | $46,768 |
| 5 | Creighton University Omaha, NEPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 122 | 83% | $27,353 | — |
| 6 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master'sBachelor's | 121 | 92% | $26,873 | — |
| 7 | Stanbridge University Irvine, CAPrivate for-profitMaster's | 118 | 62% | $25,244 | — |
| 8 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Post-degree cert.Doctoral | 107 | 80% | $35,682 | — |
| 9 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 98 | 75% | — | — |
| 10 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NHPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 98 | 76% | — | $7,725 |
| 11 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 91 | 76% | $28,970 | $7,071 |
| 12 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 86 | 80% | $24,886 | — |
| 13 | Belmont University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 86 | 71% | $29,246 | — |
| 14 | Shenandoah University Winchester, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 83 | 67% | $27,455 | — |
| 15 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, ALPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 82 | 64% | — | — |
| 16 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 82 | 76% | $36,137 | — |
| 17 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicDoctoral (prof.)Master'sPost-degree cert. | 78 | 85% | — | $39,836 |
| 18 | Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 77 | 76% | $22,907 | — |
| 19 | Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 76 | 61% | $35,483 | — |
| 20 | Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SCPublicDoctoral | 75 | — | — | — |
| 21 | West Coast University - Center for Graduate Studies Los Angeles, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 73 | — | — | — |
| 22 | San Jose State University San Jose, CAPublicMaster's | 72 | 69% | — | — |
| 23 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 72 | 89% | $21,956 | $36,705 |
| 24 | Misericordia University Dallas, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 70 | 72% | $22,477 | — |
| 25 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicDoctoral (prof.)Bachelor's | 69 | 58% | — | — |
| 26 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 68 | 78% | $36,004 | — |
| 27 | California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CAPublicMaster's | 67 | 43% | — | — |
| 28 | Lenoir - Rhyne University Hickory, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 67 | 48% | $23,920 | — |
| 29 | Bay Path University Longmeadow, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 66 | 44% | $16,859 | — |
| 30 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 66 | 71% | $21,150 | — |
| 31 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 66 | 96% | $15,315 | — |
| 32 | Concordia University - Wisconsin Mequon, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 65 | 68% | $24,409 | — |
| 33 | Long Island University Brookville, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 64 | 57% | $24,639 | — |
| 34 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TXPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 64 | — | — | — |
| 35 | Brenau University Gainesville, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 63 | 33% | $21,115 | — |
| 36 | Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 63 | 43% | $18,836 | — |
| 37 | Touro University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 62 | 72% | $27,110 | — |
| 38 | The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Galveston, TXPublicDoctoral | 62 | — | — | — |
| 39 | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 61 | 62% | $35,358 | — |
| 40 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 61 | 46% | — | $33,926 |
| 41 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 60 | 67% | — | $43,631 |
| 42 | The University of Montana Missoula, MTPublicDoctoral | 60 | 48% | — | — |
| 43 | Moravian University Bethlehem, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 59 | 72% | $28,454 | — |
| 44 | Midwestern University - Glendale Glendale, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 59 | — | — | — |
| 45 | Dominican University of California San Rafael, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 58 | 78% | $48,448 | — |
| 46 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MIPublicMaster's | 58 | 48% | — | $59,937 |
| 47 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral (prof.) | 58 | 49% | — | $30,561 |
| 48 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 57 | 91% | — | — |
| 49 | Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 57 | 77% | $32,060 | — |
| 50 | University of Scranton Scranton, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 56 | 80% | $25,834 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field (CIP 51.23) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 49 states & territories
Where Occupational Therapy/Therapist graduates come from. Each state links to all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1122, Occupational Therapists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Occupational Therapy/Therapist program typically pursue careers as Occupational Therapists, with a much faster than average job growth rate of 13.8%. There are approximately 10,200 annual job openings, and the median wage for this profession is $98,340, typically requiring a Master's degree for entry.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.2306
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Occupational Therapistsprimary SOC 29-1122 | $100,330 | +13.8% Much faster than average | ~10,200 | Master's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Occupational Therapy/Therapist programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- Complete and maintain necessary records.
- Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
Tools and technology used
Other Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23).
- Physical Therapy/CIP 51.2308
Therapist 13,795 graduates / yr277 institutions - Rehabilitation ScienceCIP 51.23141,023 graduates / yr47 institutions
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/CIP 51.2310
Counselor 935 graduates / yr58 institutions - Art Therapy/CIP 51.2301
Therapist 675 graduates / yr62 institutions - Therapeutic Recreation/CIP 51.2309
Recreational Therapy 640 graduates / yr49 institutions - Music Therapy/CIP 51.2305
Therapist 635 graduates / yr70 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2399582 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Orthotist/CIP 51.2307
Prosthetist 302 graduates / yr17 institutions - Animal-Assisted TherapyCIP 51.2313108 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Kinesiotherapy/CIP 51.2311
Kinesiotherapist partial data96 graduates / yr6 institutions - Play Therapy/CIP 51.2317
Therapist partial data93 graduates / yr6 institutions - Assistive/CIP 51.2312
Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering partial data52 graduates / yr8 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2300partial data51 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Dance Therapy/CIP 51.2302
Therapist partial data39 graduates / yr5 institutions - Horticulture Therapy/CIP 51.2316
Therapist limited data11 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Drama Therapy/
Therapist51.2315
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs →
Common questions
What is the typical degree required for this program?+
Most students earn a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What types of careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as an Occupational Therapist or a Health Specialties Teacher.
What is the job outlook for Occupational Therapists?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with 10,200 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Occupational Therapy/Therapist?+
Occupational Therapy/Therapist is CIP 51.2306 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to assist patients limited by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and learning disabilities, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their independence and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, psychology, sociology, patient assessment and evaluation, standardized and non-standardized tests and measurements, assistive and rehabilitative technologies, ergonomics, environmental health, special education, vocational counseling, health education and promotion, and professional standards and ethics.
How many institutions offer Occupational Therapy/Therapist programs?+
250 U.S. institutions reported Occupational Therapy/Therapist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 49 states & territories, awarding 9,796 credentials in the year. That is 34.0% of all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates.
How much do Occupational Therapy/Therapist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Occupational Therapists occupation, which Occupational Therapy/Therapist most directly leads to, pays a median of $100,330 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field report median earnings of $38,339 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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