Occupational Therapy Schools in Missouri

The Missouri state has 7 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy program. Plus, the state also has 9 ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools which provides an associate degree. The license to practice as an OT or OTA is compulsory for the passed out students of OT schools.

The 7 Occupational therapy schools in Missouri are-

1. Washington University
2. Missouri State University
3. Rockhurst University
4. Saint Louis University
5. University of Missouri
6. Maryville University
7. Cox College

Occupational therapy in Missouri-

The occupational therapist, Occupational therapy assistant, and OT/OTA students have their own state association, i.e. MOTA (Missouri Occupational Therapy Association).

The MOTA is a non-profit volunteer organization which provides a professional community for its members. The MOTA is a state-based professional organization and public voice for the occupational therapy profession in Missouri.

The main role of the association is to promote the occupational therapy profession, create public awareness, provide support to the therapist in continuing education and improve and maintain the quality of occupational therapy profession in the state of Missouri. The MOTA is an affiliated state body of the American Occupational therapy association.

Website – www.motamo.net

Occupational therapy License in Missouri-

Occupational therapist and Occupational therapy Assistants are required to get a license from the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

The minimum requirements for the license are –

• Entry level master degree or OTD degree
• NBCOT exam’s passing certificate.
• Application fees of $100.

Temporary OT/OTA License:

A temporary license to practice as an occupational therapist (OT) or as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) may be granted to persons who have completed the educational and experience requirements for licensure and are waiting to take or receive the results of the certification examination.

A temporary license shall only be effective up to but not to exceed the time the results of the second available exam are received by the board unless the person successfully passes the exam in which instance the limited permit shall remain valid for an additional 60 days.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Schools in Missouri

#1 Washington University

The OT school is celebrating 100 years of occupational therapy education in 2018 at Washington University School of medicine. The school has a rich history of the occupational therapy profession.

The OT school holds the number one position in the OT school ranking in the USA. The OT school offers many entry-level options to the aspirant OT. The courses offered by the schools are-

• BS/MS OT (Fast Track/ combined)- The 3+2 program at Washington University allows students to finish their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five and a half years.
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT- entry level)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD- entry level)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy ( OTD- post professional)
• MSOT/MPH (joint degree)- The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)/Master of Public Health (MPH) degree will give students a unique combination of skills and knowledge to benefit communities and populations, and create new pathways of research, practice and health programming.
• Ph.D. in Rehabilitation and Participation Science.

Students interested in entering the field of occupational therapy may do so with a master’s or doctoral degree. It is possible to enroll in either program and apply to transfer to the other later, as both the master’s and the doctoral programs share the same curriculum for the first year of study.

Washington University School of Medicine
Courses Offered–	BS/MS OT (combined) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT- entry level) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD- entry level) Doctor of Occupational Therapy( OTD- post professional) MSOT/MPH (joint degree) Ph.D. in Rehabilitation and Participation Science
University Campus	St. Louis, MO
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	M. Carolyn Baum, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA
Courses Duration-	BS/MS OT- 5-year program MSOT- 2.5-year program OTD- 3.5-year program MSOT/MPH- 3.5-year program Ph.D.- 4-5year program.
Class Size	The average size of the entering class of MSOT and OTD students is 90.
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS.
Minimum Requirement for entry-level MSOT and OTD-	A baccalaureate degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher; A personal statement; 3 letters of recommendation (1 from academic source & 1 from OT observation supervisor); A minimum of 30 hours of documented under observation with an Occupational Therapist in different areas of practice; GRE score (min score- verbal-156; quantitative-153 & writing -4); TOEFL score (for an international candidate); Participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, work, research or other pursuits is encouraged.
Prerequisite Coursework for entry-level MSOT and OTD-	Human Anatomy; Human Physiology; Abnormal Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Sociology or Anthropology; Statistics.
Address	School of Medicine Program in Occupational Therapy 4444 Forest Park Avenue, Campus Box 8505 St. Louis, MO 63108 Email- WUOTinfo@ wusm.wustl.edu
Website	www.ot.wustl.edu

#2 Missouri State University (MSU)

The OT school at MSU is attached with the O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center, which is providing state-of-the-art facilities. The OT school has good Classrooms, collaborative student spaces, and laboratories offer students the opportunity to learn in simulated real-world settings, including access to high fidelity mannequins and a rehabilitation courtyard that is utilized for education, research, and treatment.

Missouri University College of Health and Human Services
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Springfield, MO
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Director-	Dr. Sapna Chakraborty, OTD
Course Duration-	27 months program.
Class Size	24 students
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS. After Selection– submit an application to the Graduate College and appear for a personal interview
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A baccalaureate degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; A personal statement; 2 letters of recommendation (1 from academic source & 1 from OTR/L); A minimum of 20 hours of documented under observation with an Occupational Therapist in 2 different areas of practice; GRE score (min score- verbal-153; quantitative-150 & writing -3.5); TOEFL score (Min 79 for an international candidate)
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; English; College Algebra or higher; Statistics; Algebra-Based Physics with lab; Introductory Chemistry with lab; Introductory Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Human Development over the Lifespan; General Biology/Biomedical Sciences with lab; Introductory Sociology or Cultural Anthropology; Medical Terminology; U.S. Government or U.S. History; Provide evidence of current CPR and AED certification.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 901 S. National Avenue Springfield, MO 65897-0027 Email- cardin114@missouristate.edu
Website	www.missouristate.edu/ot/

#3 Rockhurst University

The OT school at Rockhurst University offers different entry level options to the students. This includes-

• Freshman Pre-admission –

A program for exceptional students. Admission is based on a combination of your ACT or SAT scores, high school GPA and prerequisite courses.

• OT Scholars Program-

An advanced admission program for outstanding current RU students. Students can apply by submitting a letter of intent to the OT office at the beginning of your sophomore year.

• Fast Track / combined degree (3+2 Program)-

It’s a five-year Master of Occupational Therapy program, available to students consecutively enrolled at RU since freshman year.

• Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level) –

It’s a 2-year program, but OT school also offers a part-time sequence for those who wish to complete the program in three years.

The Occupational Therapy school at Rockhurst University is preparing to transition from a master to a doctoral-level program. 

• Dual Degree-

Students can get a dual degree by preferring this option. It includes a Master of Occupational Therapy, along with either an MBA or a Master of Arts.

Rockhurst University College of Health and Human Services
Courses Offered–	BS/MS Occupational Therapy (combined) Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Kansas City, MO
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Mylene Schriner, Ph.D., OTR/L
Course Duration-	BS/MS OT- 5-year program. MOT- 2-year program.
Class Size	40-43 students
OT Admission	Once a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS. After Selection– appear for a personal interview.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; A personal essay; 3 professional references; A minimum of 16 hours of documented under observation with an Occupational Therapist in 2 different areas of practice; TOEFL score (Min 79 for an international candidate)
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Anatomy with lab; Physiology with lab; General biology with lab; English composition I and II; Interpersonal communication; Statistics; Ethics; Abnormal psychology; Developmental psychology; Introductory sociology or anthropology; Introductory physics with lab.
Address	College of Health and Human Services Occupational Therapy Program 1100 Rockhurst Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2561 Email- occupational.therapy @rockhurst.edu
Website	ww2.rockhurst.edu/ot

#4 Saint Louis University

The Occupational Therapy school at Saint Louis University offers 2 entry-level options to the students. This includes-

• BS/MS combined program-

This 5-year program provides you a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science (BSOS) and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree. The BSOS students progress into the master’s program if they fulfill the program requirements.

• Master of Occupational Therapy program

Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences
Courses Offered–	BS/MS Occupational Therapy (combined) Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	St. Louis, MO
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Department Chair-	Debra Rybski, Ph.D., MSHCA, OTR/L
Course Duration-	BS/MS OT- 5-year program. MOT- 2-year program.
Class Size	MOT- 10-15 students
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; A personal essay; 2 professional references; TOEFL score (for an international candidate)
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Biology with lab; Chemistry with lab; Basic anatomy; Physiology; Physics; Lifespan human development; Abnormal psychology; Research methods; Medical terminology.
Address	Doisy College of Health Sciences Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy 3437 Caroline Street St. Louis, MO 63104-1111 Email- ot@slu.edu
Website	www.slu.edu

#5 University of Missouri

University of Missouri (MU) School of Health Professions
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Columbia, MO
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Department Chair-	Timothy Wolf, OTD, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Course Duration-	2-year program.
Class Size	44 students
OT Admission	Once in a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A baccalaureate degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; A personal statement; 2 letters of recommendation; A minimum of 20 hours of documented under observation with an Occupational Therapist in 2 different areas of practice; GRE score (not required); TOEFL score (for an international candidate)
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; General Biology; Statistics; Physics with lab; Abnormal Psychology; Human Development over the Lifespan; Sociology; Medical Terminology.
Address	School of Health Professions Department of Occupational Therapy 810 Clark Hall Columbia, MO 65211-4240 Email- muot @health.missouri.edu
Website	www.missouri.edu

#6 Maryville University

Maryville University
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	St. Louis, MO
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Robert Cunningham
Course Duration-	2.5-year program.
Class Size	—–
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A baccalaureate degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; A minimum of 20 hours of documented volunteer or shadow experience with an Occupational Therapist; Document pertinent to health related, volunteer/community, employment, internship, research, and extracurricular activities. 3 letters of recommendation; GRE score. TOEFL score (Min 85 for an international candidate)
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Human Anatomy & Physiology I Human Anatomy & Physiology II General Psychology Human Development Through Lifespan Abnormal Psychology Understanding Statistical Inference (Psychology or Maths Statistics) Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, MO 63141 Email- smiller@maryville.edu
Website	www.maryville.edu

#7 Cox College

Cox College applied to the ACOTE for candidacy status in 2013; it was granted in late 2013. The first class was started in Fall 2015.

Current ACOTE Status: Candidacy Status

Cox College
Course Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Springfield, MO
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Department Chair-	Amy Vaughan, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Course Duration-	2.5-year program.
Class Size	26 students per year
OT Admission	Once in a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS. Complete the Cox College Graduate Application through the College website. Complete a personal interview.
Minimum Requirement (MSOT)	A baccalaureate degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; 3 professional references (one must be from an occupational therapist); Proof of 15 hours of clinical observation of an occupational therapist; Proof of 15 hours of volunteer work/ community service in any area; Personal essay.
Prerequisite Coursework (MSOT)	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Statistics; Introduction to Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Lifespan Development; Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology; Public Speaking, Speech or equivalent; English Composition; Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 1423 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802-1917 Email- amy.vaughan @coxcollege.edu
Website	coxcollege.edu

Occupational Therapy Assistant schools in Missouri

#1 Crowder College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Allied Health
600 South Ellis
Webb City, MO 64870
www.crowder.edu/academics/departments/allied-health/ota/

#2 Jefferson College – Hillsboro
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Career and Technical Education Division
1000 Viking Drive
Hillsboro, MO 63050-2440
www.jeffco.edu/jeffco/content/view/633/116

#3 Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Health Science Institute
3444 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111-2412 
http://mcckc.edu/occupationaltherapy

#4 Missouri Health Professions Consortium\ 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
201 Business Loop 70W 
Columbia, MO 65203
http://www.mhpc.missouri.edu/

#5 National American University Independence Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
3620 Arrowhead Avenue
Independence, MO 64057-1791
www.national.edu/program-page-auto/?Campus_ID=10&Program_ID=30&Tuition_ID=1&school=2°ree=2
Status: Probationary Accreditation

#6 Ozarks Technical Community College 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1001 East Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802-3625 
https://academics.otc.edu/alliedhealth/occupational-therapy-assistant/

#7 St. Charles Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
1 Academy Place 
Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368-7602 
www.stchas.edu/academics/departments/Occupational-Therapy-Assistant

#8 St. Louis College of Health Careers, County Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1297 N. Highway Drive
Fenton, MO 63026
http://slchc.edu/occupational-therapy-assistant.html

#9 St. Louis Community College at Meramec 
(Next visit: 2024/2025)
(OTA – associate degree) 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
11333 Big Bend Boulevard 
St. Louis, MO 63122-5799 
http://cte.stlcc.edu/occupational-therapy-assistant/

Occupational Therapist jobs in Missouri-

The outlook for occupational therapy employment is very good in Missouri. The United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics includes occupational therapy as one of its fastest growing occupations, with registered occupational therapists predicted to have a faster than average growth (21- 36%). Many Health Care Recruitment providers have reported a shortage of occupational therapists and OTA in Missouri. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 2490 employed licensed occupational therapists in Missouri in May 2016. And the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Missouri for the occupational therapist and occupational therapy Assistant.

Occupational Therapy Salary in Missouri-

As per indeed.com, the average salaries of an occupational therapist in Missouri were $75,000 per annum (in 2016) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy professionals were $74,170 and $35.66, respectively in May 2016.