Mississippi · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Mississippi
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Mississippi has 2 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 1 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Mississippi earn a median $94,930 a year.
Compare OT programs in Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson | OTD | 100% | 3 years | — | — | — | Summer |
| William Carey University Candidacy Hattiesburg | Master’s | — | — | 3 | — | 40 | 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 Mississippi
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi Medical Center Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Jackson | 3 years (9 semesters, full-time) | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| William Carey University Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) | Hattiesburg | See program | In-person (Hattiesburg campus); OTA-to-MOT bridge is hybrid | — | Candidacy |
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 Mississippi
- University of Mississippi Medical Center · Jackson
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Mississippi
- William Carey University · Hattiesburg
New OT programs opening in Mississippi
1 program in Mississippi 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.
- William Carey University — Entry-level master's, candidacy (ACOTE on-site visit: 2026/2027)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Mississippi?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Mississippi license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 1 OTD programs.
- 1 master's programs.
- 1 with hybrid, online or weekend formats (confirmed on the school’s site).
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 100% of new graduates passing in 2025 (1 programs). Compare nationally.
Pay in Mississippi
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 Mississippi
- 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 Mississippi license from the Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure before you practice. See how to get licensed in Mississippi.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Mississippi?
ACOTE lists 2 entry-level OT programs at 2 schools in Mississippi: 1 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 Mississippi?
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. Mississippi has 1 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in Mississippi?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Mississippi was $94,930 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $73,200 to $113,950.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Mississippi?
Yes: 4 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Mississippi.
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.