Kansas City · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Kansas City area (MO & KS)
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Kansas City area (MO & KS) has 3 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 3 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. Occupational therapists in Missouri earn a median $97,290 a year.
Kansas City here means programs in Kansas City, Leavenworth. See all Missouri programs.
Compare OT programs in Kansas City area (MO & KS) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University Kansas City | OTD | 97% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City | OTD | 97% | 3 years (full-time) | — | — | No | — | — |
| University of Saint Mary-Leavenworth Leavenworth | OTD | 88% | 33 months (8 semesters) | $93,088* | 3 | No | — | — |
— = 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 Kansas City area (MO & KS)
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University Entry-level OTD | Kansas City | See program | See program | 97% ’25 | Accredited |
| University of Kansas Medical Center Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Kansas City | 3 years (full-time) | On-site | 97% ’25 | Accredited |
| University of Saint Mary-Leavenworth Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Leavenworth | 33 months (8 semesters) | See program | 88% ’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 Kansas City area (MO & KS)
- Rockhurst University · Kansas City
- University of Kansas Medical Center · Kansas City
- University of Saint Mary-Leavenworth · Leavenworth
OTD or master's in Kansas City area (MO & KS)?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Missouri license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 3 OTD programs, typically 33 months to 3 years.
- 0 master's programs.
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 97% of new graduates passing in 2025 (3 programs). Compare nationally.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
Pay in Missouri
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 Missouri
- 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 Missouri license from the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy before you practice. See how to get licensed in Missouri.
More areas in Missouri
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Kansas City area (MO & KS)?
ACOTE lists 3 entry-level OT programs at 3 schools in Kansas City area (MO & KS): 3 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Kansas City area (MO & KS)?
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. Kansas City area (MO & KS) has 3 OTD and 0 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How long is OT school in Kansas City area (MO & KS)?
OTD programs run 33 months to 3 years (2 programs). Lengths are from each program’s website; most include fieldwork.
How much do occupational therapists make in Missouri?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Missouri was $97,290 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $71,880 to $120,130.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Kansas City area (MO & KS)?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in Missouri.
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.