Boston · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Boston area, MA
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Boston area, MA has 6 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 3 doctoral (OTD) and 3 master's. 5 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Massachusetts earn a median $100,930 a year.
Boston here means programs in Boston, Medford, Salem, North Andover, Weston, Danvers. See all Massachusetts programs.
Compare OT programs in Boston area, MA 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 | Published cost | Min. GPA | GRE | Obs. hours | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions Boston | OTD | 100% | 3 years | — | — | No | — | Summer (June) |
| Tufts University Medford | OTD | 100% | — | $141,744* | — | — | — | — |
| Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Sargent College) Boston | OTD | 95% | 3 years | $209,774* | 3 | No | — | — |
| Salem State University Salem | Master’s | 88% | — | — | 3 | — | — | — |
| Regis College Weston | Master’s | 70% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Merrimack College Applicant North Andover | Master’s | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— = 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 Boston area, MA
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Sargent College) Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Boston | 3 years | Hybrid (on-campus + online courses) | 95% ’25 | Accredited |
| Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Boston | 3 years | On-campus (onsite) | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Regis College Entry-level master's | Weston | See program | See program | 70% ’25 | Accredited |
| Salem State University BS/MS in Occupational Therapy (for OTA graduates) · OTA-to-OT bridge | Salem | See program | Part-time, evening | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
| Tufts University Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Medford | See program | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Merrimack College Entry-level master's | North Andover | See program | See program | — | Applicant |
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 Boston area, MA
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Boston area, MA
- Merrimack College · North Andover
- Regis College · Weston
- Salem State University · Salem
New OT programs opening in Boston area, MA
1 program in Boston area, MA is 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.
- Merrimack College — Entry-level master's, applicant (ACOTE on-site visit: 2029/2030)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Boston area, MA?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Massachusetts license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 3 OTD programs, typically 3 years.
- 3 master's programs.
- 1 OTA-to-OT bridge program for working assistants. About bridge programs.
- 2 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 95% of new graduates passing in 2025 (5 programs). Compare nationally.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
Pay in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts
- 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 Massachusetts license from the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professionals (Division of Occupational Licensure) before you practice. See how to get licensed in Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Boston area, MA?
ACOTE lists 6 entry-level OT programs at 6 schools in Boston area, MA: 3 doctoral (OTD) and 3 master's. 1 program is new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Boston area, MA?
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. Boston area, MA has 3 OTD and 3 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How long is OT school in Boston area, MA?
OTD programs run 3 years (2 programs). Lengths are from each program’s website; most include fieldwork.
How much do occupational therapists make in Massachusetts?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Massachusetts was $100,930 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $73,140 to $127,380.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Boston area, MA?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in Massachusetts.
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.