Occupational Therapy Schools in Ohio

The Ohio State has 9 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctoral degree. Plus, the state also has 14 ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools which provides an associate degree. The license is required to practice as an OT or OTA in the state of Ohio and it’s compulsory for the graduates of OT schools to apply for the licensure.

The 9 Occupational therapy schools in Ohio are-

1. Cleveland State University;
2. Ohio State University;
3. Shawnee State University;
4. University of Findlay;
5. Xavier University;
6. Kettering College;
7. The University of Toledo (UT);
8. University of Cincinnati (UT);
9. Walsh University

Occupational therapy in Ohio-

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

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

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 Ohio. The OOTA is an affiliated state body of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Website – www.OOTA.org

Occupational therapy License in Ohio-

Occupational therapist and Occupational therapy Assistants are required to get a license from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board.

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. The permit cannot be renewed if the applicant has failed the exam.

List of Occupational Therapy Schools in Ohio

#1 Cleveland State University

The OT school at Cleveland State University offers an entry-level master of occupational therapy degree. The OT school also offers a pre-OT track, which fulfills the minimum requirement. This MOT program is of two-year but a part-time option is also available for students who wish to complete the program over three years.  The school provides occupation-centered curriculum, laboratory, and clinical experiences through seven consecutive semesters.

Cleveland State University College of Sciences and Health Professions
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Cleveland, OH
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Department Chair-	Susan S Bazyk (Sue), Ph.D.
Course Duration-	27 months program.
Class Size	45 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS.
Minimum Requirement (MSOT)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; GRE Score report (min. 3.5 in writing); A personal statement; Names of 3 references, but no reference letters, are required; Volunteer hours are strongly recommended but not required.
Prerequisite Coursework (MSOT)	Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Pathology; Neuroscience; Lifespan Development; Abnormal Psychology; Social Science Statistics; Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 2121 Euclid Avenue Health Sciences (HS) 109 Cleveland, OH 44115-2440 Email – [email protected]
Website	www.csuohio.edu

#2 Ohio State University

The OT school at Ohio State University offers the entry-level Doctor of occupational therapy degree. The master of occupational therapy program has been discontinued.

The Occupational Therapy program at The Ohio State University is one of the country’s most established and top-ranked occupational therapy graduate programs (since 1942).

Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Columbus, OH
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Division Director	Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Course Duration-	2.5-year program.
Class Size	—-
OT Admission	Once a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS.
Minimum Requirement (MSOT)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Completed a minimum of 40 documented hours of practical experience (observation, volunteer and/or work experience) in at least two occupational therapy settings.
Prerequisite Coursework (MSOT)	Anatomy (lab recommended but not required); Human Physiology (lab recommended, not required); Abnormal Psychology; Introductory/General Biology; Introductory Sociology; Human Intermediate or Technical Writing; Statistics; Medical Terminology.
Address	School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Division of Occupational Therapy 406 Atwell Hall, 453 West 10th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210-2205
Website	https://hrs.osu.edu

#3 Shawnee State University

The Occupational therapy school at Shawnee offers 2 pathways to earn a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (MS). One is a combined BS/MS degree program and the second is a Master’s degree in Occupational therapy. The combined degree program offers a BS degree in Health and Occupation and an MS degree in Occupational therapy. This program is based on 3+2 model (3-year for the completion of the pre-requisites and 2-year professional phase of the program).

The OT program offers a wide range of inter-professional academic and clinical experiences.

Shawnee State University College of Professional Studies
Courses Offered–	BS/MS Occupational Therapy (combined) Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Portsmouth, OH
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Director-	Debra Scurlock, Ph.D., OTR/L
Course Duration-	BS/MS- 5-year program MSOT- 27-month program
Class Size	Max 30 students per year
OT Admission	Once in a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS. Applicants must also submit a graduate application and $30 nonrefundable fee
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A completed Bachelors’ degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2; Proof of 40 hours of volunteer work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist; An essay; Three professional letters of recommendation; GRE score (if available).
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Human Anatomy with Cadaver lab; Neuroanatomy with lab; Advanced Human Physiology with lab OR Pathophysiology; Two courses of physical science (CHEM/GEOL/NTSC/PHYS); Developmental Psychology or Human Development; Abnormal Psychology; Adult development and/or Aging; Social or Cultural Anthropology; Medical Terminology; Statistics.
Prerequisite Coursework (BS/MS)	Minimum 3.5 High School GPA ACT score of 26 or greater (cumulative) High School College Prep track Maintain 3.2 or higher GPA while in 3+2 Program.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 940 Second Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-4303 Email – [email protected]
Website	www.shawnee.edu

#4 University of Findlay

The Occupational therapy school at University of Findlay offers 2 pathways to earn an entry-level degree in Occupational Therapy. One is a combined BS/MS degree program and second is a Doctoral degree in Occupational therapy. The combined degree program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in health studies with a master of occupational therapy. This program is based on 2+3 model (2-year for the completion of the pre-requisites and 3.5-year professional phase of the program).

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is a three-year, post-baccalaureate program. An early assurance option is available to high school seniors who complete their bachelor’s degree at the University of Findlay. 

*Note: The Traditional MOT Program is no longer accepting applications. The OTD program has received Applicant status and may begin classes from June 2019.

University of Findlay College of Health Professions
Courses Offered–	BS/MS Occupational Therapy (combined) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Findlay, OH
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Department Chair-	Mary Beth Dillon, OTD
Course Duration-	BS/MS- 5.5-year program OTD- 3-year program
Class Size	Max 55 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS. Applicants must also submit a supplemental application.
Minimum Requirement (OTD)	A completed Baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3; Proof of 50 hours of observation in 2 different OT settings with a minimum of 20 hours in each setting. ; Three professional letters of recommendation.
Prerequisite Coursework (OTD)	Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology with lab; Conceptual physics or applied physics for occupational therapy; Statistics; General Psychology; Lifespan Development; Abnormal Psychology; Medical Terminology.
Prerequisite Coursework (BS/MS)	Minimum overall GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale 25 or higher on the ACT or 1240 or higher on the SAT
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 1000 North Main Street Findlay, OH 45840-3695 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.findlay.edu

#5 Xavier University

The OT school at Xavier University offers entry-level Doctor of occupational therapy degree. As of Fall 2018, OT school is no longer accepting applications for the BLA to MOT and pre-MOT to MOT Program.

The OT school offers well established sensory integration room, activities of the daily living lab, creative lab, industrial lab, and state of the art computer lab.

Xavier University
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Cincinnati, OH
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director	Dr. Carol Scheerer, EdD, OTR/L
Course Duration-	3-year program
Class Size	40 students in a year (MOT)
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program directly in the university; an interview and writing essay is required.
Minimum Requirement (OTD)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher; Two separate volunteer experiences under direct supervision of an OTR who has no personal connection to applicant; minimum of 20 hours each at a different type of setting and each with a different population; Two letters of recommendation, one related to academics and one from work or volunteer supervisor, both reflecting active relationships within the past two years; Competitive GRE score (writing- 3.5 or higher).
Prerequisite Coursework (OTD)	Neuroanatomy or neuroscience, lab recommended; Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab; Kinesiology with lab; Introductory level Sociology or Anthropology; Physics with lab; Abnormal Psychology; Developmental Psychology (lifespan); Statistics; Medical Terminology.
Address	Department of Occupational Therapy 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45207-7341 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.xavier.edu

#6 Kettering College

The OT school at Kettering College offers an entry-level Doctor of occupational therapy degree. The OT school focuses on student-centered, occupation-based, client-centered, evidence-based, and reflective learning.

Kettering College
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Beavercreek, OH
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director	Dr. Terrance Anderson,
Course Duration-	3-year program
Class Size	28 students in a year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS; An interview is required.
Minimum Requirement (OTD)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Five letters of recommendations from individuals with direct experience in evaluating your academic or work performance (e.g. work supervisor, course instructor); Twenty (20) hours of observation of an occupational therapist (OTR); GRE score report.
Prerequisite Coursework (OTD)	Anatomy and Physiology with lab; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Sociology; Statistics; Writing and Rhetoric II; Medical Terminology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program 68 Darst Road Beavercreek, OH 45440 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.kc.edu/otd

#7 The University of Toledo (UT)

The Occupational therapy school at UT offers an entry-level Doctor of occupational therapy degree. The OT school also offers DUAL DEGREES: The Occupational Therapy Doctorate and the Doctor of Philosophy.

UT is a public institution and therefore, the tuition fee is relatively reasonable when compared with private institutions.

The OT school is nationally ranked and provides a small class size with Advanced Technology learning. The school includes advanced clinical labs, research spaces, and classrooms. The school focuses on Hands-on learning with clients and patients.

Along with these, they have excellent fieldwork and capstone opportunities in all aspects of occupational therapy, including structured clinical learning opportunities in every semester of the program starting with the first semester.

The University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services
Course Offered–	Doctor of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Toledo, OH
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director	Susan Margaret (Maggie) Maloney, PhD, OTR/L
Course Duration-	3-year program
Class Size	20 students in a year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OT program through OTCAS, and complete the UT supplemental application.
Minimum Requirement (OTD)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Three letters of recommendations from individuals with direct experience in evaluating your academic or work performance (e.g. work supervisor, course instructor); GRE score report. TOEFL score report for international candidate.
Prerequisite Coursework (OTD)	Introductory Biology (Lab not required); Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab; Introduction to Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Introductory Sociology OR Anthropology; Medical Terminology; Lifespan Human Development; Statistics.
Address	College of Health and Human Services Occupational Therapy Program 2801 W. Bancroft Street, Mail Stop 119 Toledo, OH 43606-3390 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.utoledo.edu

#8 University of Cincinnati (UC)

The OT school at UC offers an entry-level MOT degree program. The Master of Occupational Therapy program uses a blended curriculum model that includes frequent involvement in eLearning environments. To participate and be successful in this program, candidates must have unlimited access to a computer that meets minimum system requirements. 

The OT school also offers two tracks, which are designed to meet the undergraduate course requirements for application to most graduate Occupational Therapy programs. For those who need to complete an undergraduate degree appropriate for application to a graduate Occupational Therapy program, the on-campus Health Sciences Behavioral and Occupation Studies track (HLSC-BO) is available for freshman enrollment, transition students and transfer students. The online version of this track (HLSC-BO-DL) is also available for enrollment and is limited to students who hold an Associates’ Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance (OTA). 

ACOTE’s Status: Candidacy Status;

University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	Cincinnati, OH
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Director-	Valerie Hill, Ph.D., OTR/L
Course Duration-	2-year program.
Class Size	30 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Summer).
Application Procedure	Complete and submit UC graduate application.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Minimum of 40 hours of occupational therapy observation (not required for OTA with current state licensure). Must be completed in two settings for a minimum of 20 hours per setting; Two recommendation letters (Professional or Academic / Non-Relative); Completion of the GRE with a preferred minimum score of 150 in each of the two areas; TOEFL score (for an international candidate).
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Human Anatomy and Physiology (a gross anatomy lab is highly recommended but not required); Neuroanatomy / Biological Psychology (no lab required); Pharmacology; Lifespan Development; Abnormal Psychology; Sensation and perception; Statistics; Medical Terminology; Biomechanics; Healthcare Ethics; English composition; Sociology or anthropology; Psychology.
Address	College of Allied Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program Health Sciences Building, PO Box 670394 Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.cahs.uc.edu

#9 Walsh University

The Occupational Therapy School at Walsh University offers an entry-level MOT degree program. The OT School has the advantage of experienced faculty and small classes, which assure individual attention and encourage active participation. The School also provides Hands-on clinical experience opportunities throughout Ohio and the entire U.S. with State-of-the-art facilities.

ACOTE’s Status: Candidacy Status.

Walsh University College of Allied Health Sciences
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (entry level)
University Campus	North Canton, OH
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Stephanie Bachman, OTD
Course Duration-	2-year program.
Class Size	—
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply through OTCAS; Campus interview (by invitation).
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	A bachelor’s degree; A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Minimum of 20 hours of occupational therapy observation and must be completed in two OT settings; Three recommendation letters (maybe from an instructor, employer, supervisor); Competitive GRE score; TOEFL score (for an international candidate).
Prerequisite Coursework (MOT)	Anatomy and Physiology I; Anatomy and Physiology II; General Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Statistics; Medical Terminology; Kinesiology or Biomechanics; Principles of Sociology.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program 2020 East Maple Street North Canton, OH 44720-3336 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.walsh.edu

“Applicant” Occupational therapy program in Ohio

#1 Wilmington College
Occupational Therapy Program
1870 Quaker Way
Wilmington, OH 45177-2473
ACOTE’s Status: Applicant OT school (entry-level doctoral) 

#2 Muskingum University
Master of Occupational Therapy Program
163 Stormont Street
New Concord, OH 43762-1118
ACOTE’s Status: Applicant OT school (entry-level master’s) 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in Ohio-

#1 Bryant & Stratton College-Eastlake Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
35350 Curtis Boulevard
Eastlake, OH 44095

#2 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
Health and Public Safety Division
3520 Central Parkway 
Cincinnati, OH 45223-2690 

#3 Cuyahoga Community College 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
2900 Community College Avenue 
Cleveland, OH 44115-3196 

#4 EHOVE Adult Career Center/Lorain County Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
316 W. Mason Road
Milan, OH 44846-9500 

#5 Kent State University at Ashtabula 
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
3300 Lake Road West
Ashtabula, OH 44004

#6 Kent State University at East Liverpool
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
400 East Fourth Street 
East Liverpool, OH 43920-3497 

#7 Marion Technical College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
1467 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Marion, OH 43302-5694 

#8 North Central State College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Health and Public Services 
2441 Kenwood Circle 
Mansfield, OH 44901-0698 

#9 Owens Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
Toledo Campus, Oregon Road 
P.O. Box 10000 
Toledo, OH 43699-1947 

#10 Rhodes State College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
4240 Campus Drive, TEL 102G 
Lima, OH 45804-3597 

#11 Shawnee State University
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
940 Second Street 
Portsmouth, OH 45662-4303 

#12 Sinclair Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
444 West Third Street 
Dayton, OH 45402-1460 

#13 Stark State College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Health and Public Services Division
6200 Frank Avenue, N.W. 
North Canton, OH 44720-7228 

#14 Zane State College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
1555 Newark Road 
Zanesville, OH 43701-2694 

Occupational Therapy Jobs in Ohio-

The outlook for occupational therapy employment is very good in Ohio. The United States’s 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 Ohio. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 4670 employed and licensed occupational therapists in Ohio in May 2017. And the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Ohio for the occupational therapist and occupational therapy Assistant.

Occupational Therapy Salary in Ohio-

As per indeed.com, the average salary of an occupational therapist in Ohio was $86,000 per annum (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy professionals were $85,480 and $41.10, respectively in May 2017.