Top Schools for Occupational Therapy

Those wishing to learn more about physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation in centers, hospitals and clinics should consider pursuing a degree in occupational therapy. Continue reading for more information on the top schools offering degrees in this field.

View 24 Popular Schools »

Top Schools for Occupational Therapy

1. University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA

Founded in 1880, USC is a private research university situated in the center of Los Angeles, and the school serves approximately 37,000 students every year. It has been ranked highly by a U.S. News and World Report in many areas including 23rd in the 2011 National Universities ranking. Its Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy department is well-regarded as well, having placed third in the 2008 edition of the U.S. News and World Report 'Best Occupational Therapy Programs' list. Several degrees in occupational therapy are offered, including a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), a 1-year Master of Arts (M.A.), a 2-year M.A., a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). An undergraduate minor in occupational science, an accelerated B.S. to M.A. in Occupational Therapy and a specialty area of study known as Sensory Integration (SI) are also offered.

2. University of Illinois - Chicago

The Chicago campus of the University of Illinois is a public university with an emphasis on research, serving over 27,000 students every year. The Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Applied Health Sciences is well-regarded, having ranked fourth in the nation in U.S. News and World Report in 2008. The department offers several graduate degrees, including an ODT and a joint Ph.D. in Disability Studies that is administered by two additional departments, the Department of Physical Therapy and the Department of Disability and Human Development. In addition, a Master of Science (M.S.)/Certification combination program is offered, which allows students to meet the state requirements for certification as an occupational therapist.

3. Tufts University - Boston School of Occupational Therapy in Medford, MA

Tufts University's Boston School of Occupational Therapy, founded in 1918, was among the first occupational therapy schools opened in the U.S. and has also been one of the highest-ranked, placing fifth in the 2008 edition of 'Top Occupational Therapy Programs' in U.S. News and World Report. It is part of a consortium of schools, working with cross-registration with Boston University, Boston College and Brandeis University. The school offers an Entry-Level Master's Program, a Post-Professional Master's Program and an ODT to its students. There are also three study abroad options available to students, including a program in Oxford, England, a program in Stockholm, Sweden and a program in Edinburgh, Scotland.

List of Ten Good Occupational Therapy Schools

School Name Distinction Location
Boston University Ranked number one by U.S. News and World Report for occupational therapy programs in 2008 Boston, MA
Colorado State University The Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) Colorado Springs, CO
New York University The post-professional Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) program New York, NY
Tufts University - Boston School of Public Health The three international programs in Europe Medford, MA
University of Florida The interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Science Doctoral Program Gainesville, FL
University of Illinois - Chicago The M.S./Certification combination program Chicago, IL
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill The Sensory Experiences Project Chapel Hill, NC
University of Southern California The SI specialty program Los Angeles, CA
University of Wisconsin - Madison The variety of research centers including the Institute on Aging and Waisman Center Madison, WI
Washington University in St. Louis The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Apprenticeship program St. Louis, MO
Show me popular schools

Related to Top Schools for Occupational Therapy

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Occupational Therapist: Summary of Occupational Therapy Career Education

Occupational therapists help patients, who have a sustained an injury, enhance their life and job skills. Individuals...

Overview of Occupational Therapy Specializations

Occupational therapists (OTs) help the injured, elderly and disabled rehabilitate and adapt to physical and cognitive...

Online Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification Info

Occupational therapy assistants have two primary professional certification options. Certification exams can be...

Online Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Classes and Courses

Several academic institutions offer online courses for individuals interested in becoming certified occupational...

Occupational Therapy Aide: Online Diploma

24 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics