Atlanta · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Atlanta area, GA
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Atlanta area, GA has 5 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 3 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Georgia earn a median $104,010 a year.
Atlanta here means programs in Atlanta, Norcross, Acworth. See all Georgia programs.
Compare OT programs in Atlanta area, GA at a glance
NBCOT results, length, published cost and admission requirements side by side, all from official sources. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Min. GPA | GRE | Obs. hours | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia State University Atlanta | OTD | 100% | — | — | — | — | — |
| Brenau University, North Atlanta-Norcross Campus Norcross | OTD | 95% | — | — | — | — | — |
| Brenau University, North Atlanta-Norcross Campus Norcross | Master’s | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Mercer University Candidacy Atlanta | OTD | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| South College-Atlanta Campus Preaccreditation Atlanta | OTD | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— = not published or not yet verified. Costs are as each school publishes them (full-program tuition; * = all-in total). NBCOT = share of new graduates passing in 2025. Click a program for sources and quotes.
All occupational therapy programs in Atlanta area, GA
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brenau University, North Atlanta-Norcross Campus Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Norcross | See program | Hybrid evening & weekend (Norcross) | — | Accredited |
| Brenau University, North Atlanta-Norcross Campus Entry-level OTD | Norcross | See program | See program | 95% ’25 | Accredited |
| Georgia State University Entry-level OTD | Atlanta | See program | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Mercer University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Atlanta | See program | See program | — | Candidacy |
| South College-Atlanta Campus Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Atlanta | See program | See program | — | Preaccreditation |
Status and degree level from the ACOTE directory. Length and format only where confirmed on the program’s own website. NBCOT = share of the program’s new graduates who passed the NBCOT exam in the latest year reported (NBCOT school performance data, retrieved 2026-10-08); new programs have no results yet.
OTD programs in Atlanta area, GA
- Brenau University, North Atlanta-Norcross Campus · Norcross
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Mercer University · Atlanta
- South College-Atlanta Campus · Atlanta
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Atlanta area, GA
New OT programs opening in Atlanta area, GA
2 programs in Atlanta area, GA are in ACOTE’s accreditation process (Applicant, Candidacy or Preaccreditation). Under ACOTE policy, a new program must be granted full Accreditation status before its graduates can sit for the NBCOT exam, so ask each school where it is in that process.
- Mercer University — Entry-level OTD, candidacy (ACOTE on-site visit: 2028/2029)
- South College-Atlanta Campus — Entry-level OTD, preaccreditation (ACOTE on-site visit: 2026/2027)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Atlanta area, GA?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Georgia license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 4 OTD programs.
- 1 master's programs.
- 1 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 98% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
Pay in Georgia
U.S. median for occupational therapists: $100,330. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Compare all states.
How to become an occupational therapist in Georgia
- Earn a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisites your target programs require (usually anatomy and physiology, psychology, and statistics). See OT school prerequisites.
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited master’s or OTD program, including at least 24 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork (plus a 14-week capstone for the OTD).
- Pass the NBCOT OTR exam to become a registered occupational therapist.
- Apply for a Georgia license from the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy (Office of Secretary of State) before you practice. See how to get licensed in Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Atlanta area, GA?
ACOTE lists 5 entry-level OT programs at 4 schools in Atlanta area, GA: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 2 programs are new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Atlanta area, GA?
Both are entry-level degrees: graduates of either take the same NBCOT exam and get the same state license. The OTD adds a 14-week doctoral capstone, so it usually takes longer and costs more. Atlanta area, GA has 4 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in Georgia?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Georgia was $104,010 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $75,290 to $128,610.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Atlanta area, GA?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in Georgia.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website (linked on its page); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us and we will re-check the source.