District of Columbia · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in District of Columbia
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
District of Columbia has 3 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. Occupational therapists in District of Columbia earn a median $109,170 a year.
Compare OT programs in District of Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University Washington | OTD | 100% | — | $135,752 | 2.8 | No | None | — |
| Howard University Washington | OTD | 55% | 3 years | — | 3 | No | 40 | — |
| Trinity Washington University Washington | Master’s | 40% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— = 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 District of Columbia
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (eOTD) | Washington | See program | Hybrid | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Howard University Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy | Washington | 3 years | See program | 55% ’25 | Accredited |
| Trinity Washington University Entry-level master's | Washington | See program | See program | 40% ’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 District of Columbia
- George Washington University · Washington
- Howard University · Washington
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in District of Columbia
- Trinity Washington University · Washington
OTD or master's in District of Columbia?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a District of Columbia license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 2 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 55% of new graduates passing in 2025 (3 programs). Compare nationally.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
- 1 program says observation hours are not required. See which.
Pay in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia
- 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 District of Columbia license from the D.C. Department of Health, Health Professional Licensing Administration (Allied and Behavioral Health Boards) before you practice. See how to get licensed in District of Columbia.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in District of Columbia?
ACOTE lists 3 entry-level OT programs at 3 schools in District of Columbia: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in District of Columbia?
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. District of Columbia has 2 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in District of Columbia was $109,170 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $81,760 to $129,810.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in District of Columbia?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in District of Columbia.
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.