Colorado · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Colorado
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Colorado has 3 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 2 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Colorado earn a median $106,720 a year.
Compare OT programs in Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction | Master’s | 100% | — | $49,522* | 3 | No | 40 | Spring |
| Colorado State University Fort Collins | OTD | 98% | — | — | 3 | No | — | — |
| Augustana University-Denver Applicant Denver | 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 Colorado
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Grand Junction | 24 months (4 academic semesters + 2 fieldwork semesters) | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Colorado State University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Fort Collins | See program | See program | 98% ’25 | Accredited |
| Augustana University-Denver Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Denver | 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 Colorado
- Augustana University-Denver · Denver
- Colorado State University · Fort Collins
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Colorado
- Colorado Mesa University · Grand Junction
New OT programs opening in Colorado
1 program in Colorado 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.
- Augustana University-Denver — Entry-level OTD, applicant (ACOTE on-site visit: 2028/2029)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Colorado?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Colorado license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 2 OTD programs.
- 1 master's programs.
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 99% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
- 1 program starts in January or spring: Colorado Mesa University. All spring-start programs.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
Pay in Colorado
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 Colorado
- 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 Colorado license from the Colorado Office of Occupational Therapy (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations) before you practice. See how to get licensed in Colorado.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Colorado?
ACOTE lists 3 entry-level OT programs at 3 schools in Colorado: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 1 program is new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Colorado?
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. Colorado has 2 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in Colorado?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Colorado was $106,720 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $81,390 to $157,820.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Colorado?
Yes: 2 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Colorado.
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.