Charlotte · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Charlotte area, NC
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Charlotte area, NC has 3 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 2 master's. Occupational therapists in North Carolina earn a median $92,940 a year.
Charlotte here means programs in Charlotte, Concord, Wingate, Albemarle, Salisbury. See all North Carolina programs.
Compare OT programs in Charlotte area, NC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Concord | Master’s | 97% | — | $66,492 | 3 | No | — | — |
| Wingate University Wingate | OTD | 88% | — | $98,304* | 3 | No | 40 | — |
| Pfeiffer University-Albemarle Campus Albemarle | Master’s | 73% | 24 months | — | 3 | No | 25 | — |
— = 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 Charlotte area, NC
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) – for OTAs · OTA-to-OT bridge | Concord | 2 years (OTAs with a bachelor's) or 3 years (combined BS + MOT) | Hybrid (online + on-campus) | 97% ’25 | Accredited |
| Pfeiffer University-Albemarle Campus Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Albemarle | 24 months | In-person | 73% ’25 | Accredited |
| Wingate University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Wingate | See program | See program | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
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 Charlotte area, NC
- Wingate University · Wingate
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Charlotte area, NC
- Cabarrus College of Health Sciences · Concord
- Pfeiffer University-Albemarle Campus · Albemarle
OTD or master's in Charlotte area, NC?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a North Carolina license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 1 OTD programs.
- 2 master's programs.
- 1 OTA-to-OT bridge program for working assistants. About bridge programs.
- 1 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 88% of new graduates passing in 2025 (3 programs). Compare nationally.
- 3 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
Pay in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
- 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 North Carolina license from the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy before you practice. See how to get licensed in North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Charlotte area, NC?
ACOTE lists 3 entry-level OT programs at 3 schools in Charlotte area, NC: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 2 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Charlotte area, NC?
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. Charlotte area, NC has 1 OTD and 2 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in North Carolina?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in North Carolina was $92,940 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $62,230 to $118,300.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Charlotte area, NC?
Yes: 3 OTA programs. See OTA schools in North Carolina.
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.