Top Occupational Therapy Schools (US)

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on enabling individuals to participate in everyday activities despite physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. As an essential part of the rehabilitation and healthcare systems, occupational therapists (OTs) work with individuals across various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and homes to help them regain independence and improve their quality of life. Choosing the right school for occupational therapy training is crucial for prospective students aiming to make a meaningful impact in this field. The rankings of occupational therapy programs provide insight into the quality and reputation of different programs, which can be essential for students when selecting where to pursue their education.

Among the many programs available, the following schools stand out for their exceptional occupational therapy programs, as reflected in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings and other sources. These institutions are recognized for offering rigorous academic curricula, innovative research opportunities, and strong clinical training that prepare students for successful careers as occupational therapists.

Washington University in St. Louis, tied for 1st place with Boston University in the U.S. News Graduate School Rankings, has long been a leader in the field of occupational therapy. The program boasts a rich history of continuous accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This accreditation ensures that the program meets or exceeds the high standards set for the profession, preparing graduates to excel in the competitive field of occupational therapy. Washington University's program is renowned for its emphasis on evidence-based practice, advanced clinical training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which are essential for success in the diverse settings where occupational therapists work.

Boston University, also tied for 1st place with Washington University, offers one of the top-ranked occupational therapy programs in the United States. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in the basic sciences and clinical practice while providing students with opportunities for specialized training in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurological rehabilitation. Like Washington University, Boston University’s program is accredited by ACOTE and prepares students to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The program's commitment to producing highly skilled, compassionate practitioners is evident in its impressive faculty and innovative curriculum.

The University of Southern California (USC) ranks 3rd on the list of top occupational therapy schools. USC’s program is well-respected for its strong academic curriculum and advanced clinical training opportunities. The program is renowned for its commitment to research, with faculty members contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various areas of occupational therapy. The University’s location in Los Angeles also provides students with access to a diverse population and a wide range of healthcare settings where they can apply their skills in real-world environments.

Ranked 4th, University of Illinois–Chicago (UIC) has a distinguished history in the field of occupational therapy. The Department of Occupational Therapy at UIC consistently ranks among the top programs in the U.S., with a reputation for its rigorous academic coursework, clinical education, and research opportunities. UIC is also known for its focus on leadership and advocacy in the field, offering students the chance to engage in initiatives that promote the advancement of occupational therapy at the local, national, and international levels.

Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy shares the 5th position with several other top schools, including the University of Kansas Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. Tufts' program is known for its excellent faculty, strong clinical placement opportunities, and its focus on training students to work with a variety of patient populations, from children with developmental disabilities to adults with physical injuries. The program is also committed to preparing students for leadership roles in the field through its emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced research skills.

The University of Kansas Medical Center, also ranked 5th, offers a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on both clinical practice and research. The program is designed to prepare students to meet the diverse needs of the populations they will serve, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals recovering from injuries. The school is known for its commitment to service learning and provides students with opportunities to engage in community-based projects, further enhancing their skills and understanding of the profession.

The University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, tied for 5th place, is another prestigious program that offers a strong academic curriculum and an interdisciplinary approach to occupational therapy education. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, access to cutting-edge research, and the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population in various clinical settings. UNC’s program also emphasizes leadership development, equipping students with the skills needed to take on key roles in the occupational therapy profession.

Colorado State University is ranked 8th in the country for occupational therapy programs. The university's Department of Occupational Therapy offers a Master of Science degree and provides students with the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The program is known for its collaborative approach, with students working closely with faculty members on research projects and clinical placements. Colorado State's commitment to interdisciplinary education allows students to develop the broad set of skills needed to be effective occupational therapists.

New York University (NYU), University of Pittsburgh, and University of Washington, which are all tied for 9th place, are also recognized for their excellent occupational therapy programs. NYU’s program is known for its strong academic curriculum and emphasis on hands-on clinical experience. The University of Pittsburgh offers specialized training in neurological rehabilitation and pediatric occupational therapy, while the University of Washington is known for its community-based approach to occupational therapy education, emphasizing service learning and real-world practice.

Ranked 12th is University of Wisconsin–Madison, which has an established reputation in the field of occupational therapy. The program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students to work with individuals across the lifespan, from children to older adults. Students at Wisconsin benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning, allowing them to develop the skills necessary for success in a variety of clinical settings.

Columbia University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Florida, and Virginia Commonwealth University are all tied for 13th place, with each offering a strong academic foundation and ample opportunities for clinical training. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in diverse occupational therapy settings. Students benefit from access to leading researchers in the field, advanced clinical experiences, and a curriculum that integrates the latest evidence-based practices.

The Texas Woman’s University, University of Alabama–Birmingham, University of New Mexico, and University of Texas Medical Branch–Galveston round out the top 17 schools in the U.S. for occupational therapy education. These schools are known for their strong academic programs, excellent faculty, and diverse clinical placements. They also offer specialized programs and research opportunities that enable students to focus on particular areas of interest within occupational therapy.

Ranking of Occupational Therapy Schools (Top 20 list):
1. Boston University (Sargent)
1. Washington University in St. Louis
3. University of Southern California
4. University of Illinois–Chicago
5. Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy
5. University of Kansas Medical Center
5. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
8. Colorado State University
9. New York University
9. University of Pittsburgh
9. University of Washington
12. University of Wisconsin–Madison
13. Columbia Univ
13. Thomas Jefferson Univ
13. Univ of Florida
13. Virginia Commonwealth Univ
17. Texas Woman’s Univ
17. Univ of Alabama–Birmingham
17. Univ of New Mexico
17. Univ of Texas Medical Branch–Galveston
Source: US News & World Report (2009)