Iowa · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Iowa
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Iowa has 4 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. 3 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Iowa earn a median $89,910 a year.
Compare OT programs in Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University Des Moines | OTD | 98% | 3 years (full-time) | $163,616 | — | — | None | — |
| St. Ambrose University Davenport | OTD | 92% | 34 months | $142,200* | 3 | — | — | Fall |
| Des Moines University Des Moines | OTD | — | 33 months (eight terms) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Allen College Preaccreditation Waterloo | OTD | — | 3 years (9 semesters) | — | — | — | — | Fall |
— = 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 Iowa
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Des Moines | 33 months (eight terms) | Campus or hybrid pathway (labs on campus for both) | — | Accredited |
| Drake University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Des Moines | 3 years (full-time) | See program | 98% ’25 | Accredited |
| St. Ambrose University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Davenport | 34 months | Hybrid | 92% ’25 | Accredited |
| Allen College Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Waterloo | 3 years (9 semesters) | See program | — | Preaccreditation |
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 Iowa
- Allen College · Waterloo
- Des Moines University · Des Moines
- Drake University · Des Moines
- St. Ambrose University · Davenport
New OT programs opening in Iowa
1 program in Iowa 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.
- Allen College — Entry-level OTD, preaccreditation (ACOTE on-site visit: 2027/2028)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Iowa?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Iowa license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 4 OTD programs, typically 33 months to 3 years.
- 0 master's programs.
- 2 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 95% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
- 1 program says observation hours are not required. See which.
Pay in Iowa
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 Iowa
- 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 Iowa license from the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy before you practice. See how to get licensed in Iowa.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Iowa?
ACOTE lists 4 entry-level OT programs at 4 schools in Iowa: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. 1 program is new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Iowa?
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. Iowa has 4 OTD and 0 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How long is OT school in Iowa?
OTD programs run 33 months to 3 years (4 programs). Lengths are from each program’s website; most include fieldwork.
How much do occupational therapists make in Iowa?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Iowa was $89,910 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $64,610 to $109,200.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Iowa?
Yes: 3 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Iowa.
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.