School Occupational Therapy Degree Programs

Last reviewed and updated November 5, 2024 by

Maria Theresa Bautista, OT

Occupational Therapist, experience with neurological, visual, psychological, and physical disabilities. Doctor of Occupational Therapy (University of Texas Medical Branch).

School-based occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are practitioners that support children and youth in their roles as students. This means that interventions are focused on improving classroom participation and engagement in school-related activities. OTs work alongside educators and other service providers to identify and support learners facing challenges related to gross and fine motor skills, executive function, and psychosocial skills.

Are there online School Occupational Therapy programs?

There are no 100% fully online school occupational therapy degree programs, although many universities offer a hybrid of online didactic coursework, campus-based laboratory classes, and on-site fieldwork and capstone projects. Below are a few occupational therapy programs to consider. You might consider viewing online OT programs here.

What degree does a school occupational therapist need?

A school occupational therapist must have completed a Master's in Occupational Therapy degree or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and pass the NBCOT licensure exam.

All entry-level MSOT and OTD programs provide education and training in school-based practice and pediatric care. However, a comprehensive curriculum also covers topics relevant to other practice areas to prepare students for hospital settings, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and even non-clinical work. Individuals specifically interested in working in a school-based setting should ask the program’s fieldwork coordinator if their university offers fieldwork opportunities in public school districts or private educational institutions. Those who have not yet applied to an OT program but are collecting observation hours as part of the admission requirements could also reach out to schools that employ occupational therapists for opportunities to learn more about school-based OT.

In depth review of top online MOT programs that may focus on school occupational therapy

The following are five univsersities that offer occupational therapy master's or doctorate programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

New England Institute of Technology - Master of Science in Occupational Therapy & Doctorate of OT

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) is a hybrid program designed for certified occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) looking to advance their careers and become OTRs. The curriculum combines in-person classes during the weekend and online learning during the weekdays, allowing students to continue working while pursuing a Master's degree. The program spans approximately two years, is completed in ten terms, and includes both academic coursework and hands-on clinical training. Students gain practical experience through Level I and Level II Fieldwork, which involves working in diverse settings to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.

NEIT MSOT

NEIT's MSOT program emphasizes the development of clinical and non-clinical skills necessary for a successful career in occupational therapy. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to become well-rounded practitioners for a variety of roles in healthcare, community-based settings, and the school system. The program also provides comprehensive support through experienced faculty, career services, and flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate.

Applicants to the NEIT MSOT program must have the following:
1. An associate degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited educational institution.
2. Current certification as an occupational therapy assistant by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
3. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (out of 4.0) in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited educational institution.
4. A personal statement in response to provided prompts.

As of 2024, the NEIT MSOT program has a tuition rate of $850 per credit.

In the past three years, the NEIT MSOT program has an overall graduation rate of 86%:
2021: 83% (45 of 54 students)
2022: 82% (40 of 49 students)
2023: 94% (45 of 48 students)

NEIT Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

The online Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program is designed for registered occupational therapists (OTRs) seeking to advance their practice in academia and research or pursue leadership roles, such as program director or health policy maker.

The program offers flexible, student-centered learning in a supportive online environment, allowing completion in 15 months for full-time enrollment or over two years for part-time enrollment. NEIT's MSOT program concludes with the completion of a doctoral project determined by the student according to their expressed interest.

Here are the admission requirements for the NEIT PP-OTD program:
1. Proof of completing an ACOTE-accredited OT degree program. OTs coming from outside of the United States who wish to enroll as international students may submit proof of a bachelor’s degree approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)
2. Proof of NBCOT certification.
3. A resume that demonstrates work experience in the field as a registered occupational therapist.
4. A reference who will act as your mentor outside of the university.
5. Minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 in an ACOTE-accredited MSOT program.
6. An essay outlining the focus of your doctoral work. The essay should be no more than 500 words and must use font size 12 and a double-spaced line format, with 1-inch margins.

The PP-OTD program has an initial tuition rate of $650 per credit as of 2024.

NEIT's OT program stands out for its specialized master's degree, which prepares students to excel in leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving for service management in healthcare and community settings.

University of Minnesota OTD Program

The University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program offers a 37-month, 116-credit hybrid curriculum that includes comprehensive coursework, fieldwork experiences, and a doctoral capstone project.

Students complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and a 14-week capstone experience to advance their skills in areas such as clinical practice, research, administration, leadership, advocacy, and education. The capstone involves implementing a scholarly project designed to benefit the practice setting assigned to or selected by the student and requires close collaboration with faculty and site advisors.

Graduation requirements include completing all required courses and fieldwork, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.80, and demonstrating professionalism throughout the program.

The University of Minnesota's OTD program has several academic and non-academic requirements for prospective students:

1. Prerequisite Courses: Applicants must complete four out of nine core prerequisite courses before applying. These include Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Statistics. All prerequisites must be completed at any regionally accredited institution before starting the OTD program in the fall. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, with no grade lower than a C.
2. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution for US-based applicants or an equivalent international degree for foreign applicants. The University of Minnesota's OTD program cannot accept students on F1 or F2 visas due to federal regulations regarding online degree programs. English proficiency must be demonstrated with TOEFL or TSE scores.
3. A minimum of 20 hours of observation with an occupational therapist or completion of the Introduction to Occupational Therapy course (OT 1003) at the University of Minnesota.
4. Meet the program's Minimum Technical Standards, which include cognitive, physical, and social abilities essential to occupational therapy practice. The Disability Resource Center is available to support students with disabilities.
5. Admitted applicants must pass a criminal background study as required by the State of Minnesota to participate in fieldwork experiences.

For the past two years, the University of Minnesota's OTD program has had an average graduation rate of 92%.

2022: 94% (47 out of 50 students)
2023: 90% (44 out of 49 students)

The UMN OTD program is the only public doctoral-level OT program in the state of Minnesota and one of the oldest OT programs in the U.S. The program emphasizes active involvement in the community, with initiatives focused on mental health care and working with refugees.

Idaho State University MSOT

The Idaho State University offers a 3-year, full-time Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program for 90 total credit hours. A maximum of 36 students are accepted each year, and each student is expected to complete 40 hours of academic work per week. The MSOT program is available on both ISU campuses at Pocatello and Meridian.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent from another country.
2. Maintain an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, calculated either from the most recent degree-seeking GPA or the last 60 credits of coursework.

MSOT Program Specific Requirements:
1. Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of B or higher:
- Two courses in Anatomy and Physiology (with labs) completed within the last 5 years
- Statistics (excluding research methods or tests/measures)
- Medical Terminology (online course with a certificate is acceptable)
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human Development
- One of either a) Introductory Sociology or b) Introductory Anthropology
2. Demonstrate understanding of the field of occupational therapy through one of the following:
- Ten (10) observation hours with an occupational therapist or assistant
- An interview with an occupational therapist
- Completion of an “Introduction to Occupational Therapy” course (e.g., OT 2209 at ISU)
- Two letters of recommendation that speak about the applicant's professionalism.
- Personal statement.

Additional Requirements for International Students:
If your undergraduate education was not completed at a U.S. institution and English is not your first language, achieve satisfactory scores on either:
- TOEFL: Minimum total score of 80, with at least 20 on each section (23 on speaking for graduate assistants)
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
- ELS Language Centers: Level 112

Early Entry Option for ISU Undergraduates:
ISU undergraduates have the benefit of applying for early entry into the MOT program through the Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy Accelerated Concentration. This allows students to complete the MOT program seamlessly after earning their BSHS degree.

The ISU MSOT program has an overall graduate rate of 85% in the past three years:

2021: 85% (17 of 20 students)
2022: 80% (16 of 20 students)
2023: 90% (17 of 20 students)

The ISU MSOT program offers small class sizes, typically around 30 students, which allows instructors to provide more individualized feedback and support. Additionally, the program features competitive tuition rates. Most non-resident graduate students become eligible for resident tuition after their first year of full-time enrollment, meaning they only pay non-resident tuition for their first year. For the current academic year, full-time graduate students are estimated to pay between $5,761 (residents) and $15,316 (non-residents) in tuition fees per semester.

Keiser University MOST

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge Program at Keiser University is a hybrid curriculum designed for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) transitioning into licensed occupational therapists. The program consists of 75 total credit hours and is available at Keiser University's three Florida campuses - Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. As of August 2024, the Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers campuses are ACOTE-accredited while the Jacksonville campus has been given Candidacy Status.

Prerequisite Courses:
1. Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with laboratory (completed within the last five years)
2. Statistics
3. College Algebra
4. English Composition I and II
5. Introduction to Psychology
6. Abnormal Psychology
7. Life Span Development These prerequisites must be completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA, with no grade lower than a "C." Credits earned in an OTA program may be accepted to fulfill some of these prerequisites.

Admission Requirements:
1. Submit an application to the Keiser University Graduate School and pay a $55 application fee.
2. Provide unofficial transcripts from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program. Official transcripts must be turned in by the end of the first semester, or the student risks dismissal.
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
4. Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
5. If a candidate’s GPA is below 3.0, they must submit a personal statement explaining the factors contributing to the lower GPA and how they are better prepared for academic success in graduate-level study. The personal statement can also highlight relevant life experiences, career outcomes, and educational achievements.
6. Supplemental documents, such as letters of recommendation and GRE/GMAT scores, can also be included to support the application.

Graduation rates for Keiser University's MSOT program reflect a strong track record of success.
1. The Fort Lauderdale campus had a graduation rate of 94% for cohorts from 2021 to 2023
2. The Fort Myers campus had an 88% graduation rate in 2021.

Keiser University's MSOT program provides training that prepares its students to deliver high-quality, accessible, and culturally competent care in a technology-driven environment. The program emphasizes a commitment to supporting a diverse student body by offering educational opportunities for minority and non-traditional students.

Muskingum University MSO

The Muskingum University Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is offered in a hybrid format that is primarily online with 18 on-campus weekend sessions. The program offers two pathways - a bridge program for credentialed occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and another for applicants with a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. Muskingum's MSOT program consists of 69 total credit hours and lasts for two years.

Basic Prerequisite Courses:
1. Abnormal Psychology (3 semester credits)
2. Anatomy & Physiology (6 semester credits)
3. Human Development (2 semester credits)
4. Human Disease (2 semester credits)
5. Statistics (3 semester credits)

Additionally, candidates must complete occupational science prerequisites before applying to the MOT program. These courses offered online through the Muskingum Adult Program, must be taken in this sequence:

1. HLSC 351 Occupational Science (3 semester credits)
2. HLSC 453 Elder Cognitive Health and Wellness (3 semester credits)
3. HLSC 455 Sensory Function Across the Lifespan (3 semester credits)
4. PSYC 419 Cognitive Neuroscience Prep Course (1 semester credit)

Applicants in the Alternative Pathway must also complete additional occupational science prerequisites:

1. OCSC 415 Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3 semester credits)
2. OCSC 425 Occupational Analysis and Clinical Reasoning (3 semester credits)
3. OCSC 475 Experiences in Occupational Therapy (3 semester credits)

Muskingum University's Master of Occupational Therapy program had a total of 74 graduates out of 78 students in the past three years, resulting in an overall graduation rate of 94.9%.
2021: 96.2% (25 of 26 students)
2022: 88.4% (23 of 26 students)
2023: 100% (26 students)

Muskingum University's MSOT program emphasizes hands-on learning in state-of-the-art lab spaces designed specifically for occupational therapy. Students are guided by experienced and supportive faculty and gain fieldwork experience at some of the region’s most respected institutions. The program's main goal is to prepare its students to become well-rounded generalists.

Typical coursework you might take in this degree

Occupational therapy programs usually include these courses that are related to school-based care:

• Lifespan Development – explores human development across all stages of life, focusing on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth.
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy – focuses on common diagnoses encountered in pediatric settings, such as autism and ADHD, with emphasis on evaluation and intervention strategies for pediatric clients.
• Assistive Technology – examines the use of assistive technology to support individuals with various disabilities, covering evaluation methods and implementation strategies.
• Cognitive Practice for Occupational Therapy – explores different interventions aimed at improving an individual’s cognitive abilities that are used in daily activities, such as memory, attention, perception, and planning.
• Neurological Practice for Occupational Therapy – emphasizes rehabilitation strategies for individuals recovering from neurodegenerative diseases and injuries to the brain or spinal cord.
• Musculoskeletal Practice for Occupational Therapy – discusses various interventions used to address a wide range of conditions and injuries to the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other connective tissues).
• Research Methods – introduces aspiring OTs to different health-related research methods based on levels of evidence. Examples of these methods are systematic reviews, meta-analyses, non-experimental studies (cohort or case-control), randomized control trials, and descriptive studies.

What would you do as a school occupational therapist?

School OT’s work to identify any classroom accommodations that may be beneficial for students with diverse sensory processing profiles and consult with teachers on ways to support their students with disabilities. Additionally, school-based occupational therapy practitioners work with students in areas of feeding, dressing, and hygiene – all of which are essential activities for their day-to-day life at school.

OT services may be delivered through consultation, collaboration, direct one-on-one services, or group services. Sessions may be conducted in the learning environment during active instruction or delivered using a pull-out model where the child is seen by an OT outside of class. All of these interventions aim to support the student’s educational pursuits and reduce barriers to participation.

Goals of a school occupational therapy program

Here are a few specific examples of school-based occupational therapy goals:

1. Improve handwriting strategies and other fine motor skills, including cutting and coloring.
2. Identify appropriate accommodations such as extended time, curriculum modifications, and flexible seating arrangements and positioning.
3. Create a sensory plan for students who benefit from movement breaks or sensory tools such as fidgets and ear defenders for students with sensory sensitivities.
4. Provide training in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including self-care skills performed at school, such as managing clothes and shoes, feeding oneself during lunch, and toileting.
5. Identify the need for adaptive tools or assistive technology, including mobile devices with specialized apps and wheelchair accessories.

It is important to note that a school occupational therapist has a different role compared to a clinical occupational therapist. School-based OTs focus on supporting students in their education and within the school environment. They work according to the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Clinic-based occupational therapists, however, address broader activities of daily living with less emphasis on school-specific needs. Note that all OT programs will prepare students for clinical and school-based practice, however, if you are set on practicing as a school occupational therapist, it would be helpful to ask the program you are applying to about fieldwork opportunities in school districts and other learning institutions.

What can you do with an OT degree?

In 2023, an estimated 150,500 occupational therapists were employed across the United States. 29% of them worked at hospitals while 13% worked at local, private, and state-level educational services like schools and learning centers.

Registered OT

Registered Occupational Therapists typically earn about $46.33 per hour or $96,370 annually, while Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants average $31.47 per hour or $65,450 per year. Salaries may vary depending on years of experience, location, and work setting.

School OT

Working as a school-based occupational therapist introduces you to an experience different from a clinical setting. You might work with children of different ages and diagnoses, allowing for a diverse and engaging caseload.

School-based OTs also have the opportunity to be creative in their interventions, incorporating fun activities like games, crafts, and technology to help children achieve their goals. Occupational therapists often work closely with teachers, aides, parents, and counselors to create and implement strategies for student success.

In terms of work hours, school-based OTs typically have the benefit of being able to rest during weekends, holidays, summers, and other periods when schools have no regular classes. This type of schedule promotes a healthier work-life balance and provides OTs with more time for professional development.