Kentucky · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Kentucky
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Kentucky has 5 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 4 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Kentucky earn a median $97,650 a year.
Compare OT programs in Kentucky 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 | Min. GPA | GRE | Obs. hours | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murray State University-Paducah Regional Campus Paducah | Master’s | 100% | 2 years | — | No | 40 | — |
| Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights | OTD | 100% | — | 3 | — | 20 | January |
| Eastern Kentucky University Richmond | OTD | 97% | — | — | — | — | — |
| Spalding University Louisville | OTD | 71% | — | — | — | — | — |
| U. of the Cumberlands Applicant Williamsburg | OTD | — | About 3 years (9 semesters) | 3 | — | — | — |
— = 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 Kentucky
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Richmond | See program | See program | 97% ’25 | Accredited |
| Murray State University-Paducah Regional Campus Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Paducah | 24 months (continuous, year-round) | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Northern Kentucky University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Highland Heights | See program | Mostly in-person or hybrid (some summer courses online) | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Spalding University Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Louisville | See program | See program | 71% ’25 | Accredited |
| U. of the Cumberlands Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Williamsburg | About 3 years (9 semesters) | Hybrid (on-campus lab immersions in Williamsburg, KY) | — | Applicant |
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 Kentucky
- Eastern Kentucky University · Richmond
- Northern Kentucky University · Highland Heights
- Spalding University · Louisville
- U. of the Cumberlands · Williamsburg
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Kentucky
New OT programs opening in Kentucky
1 program in Kentucky 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.
- U. of the Cumberlands — Entry-level OTD, applicant (ACOTE on-site visit: 2029/2030)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Kentucky?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Kentucky license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 4 OTD programs.
- 1 master's programs.
- 2 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 99% of new graduates passing in 2025 (4 programs). Compare nationally.
- 1 program starts in January or spring: Northern Kentucky University. All spring-start programs.
- 1 confirmed no-GRE program. No-GRE list.
Pay in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
- 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 Kentucky license from the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy before you practice. See how to get licensed in Kentucky.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Kentucky?
ACOTE lists 5 entry-level OT programs at 5 schools in Kentucky: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 1 program is new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Kentucky?
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. Kentucky has 4 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in Kentucky?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Kentucky was $97,650 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $71,030 to $119,250.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Kentucky?
Yes: 3 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Kentucky.
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.