Nebraska · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Nebraska
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Nebraska has 6 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 2 master's. 5 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in Nebraska earn a median $93,740 a year.
Compare OT programs in Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Methodist College Omaha | Master’s | 100% | 24 months (6 semesters) | $71,799* | 3 | No | — | — |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha | OTD | 100% | 3 years (8 semesters) | $84,590* | 2.5 | No | None | Fall (August) |
| Creighton University Omaha | OTD | 97% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| College of Saint Mary Omaha | OTD | 67% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Union Adventist University Lincoln | Master’s | — | 2 years | $79,000 | — | — | — | — |
| Augustana University-Omaha Applicant Omaha | OTD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— = 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 Nebraska
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Saint Mary Entry-level OTD | Omaha | See program | See program | 67% ’25 | Accredited |
| Creighton University Entry-level OTD | Omaha | See program | See program | 97% ’25 | Accredited |
| Nebraska Methodist College Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) | Omaha | 24 months (6 semesters) | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Union Adventist University Master of Occupational Therapy (bridge program for OTAs) | Lincoln | 2 years | Hybrid (designed for working adult learners) | — | Accredited |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Omaha | 3 years (8 semesters) | Full-time; Kearney or Omaha campus (linked by distance technology) | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Augustana University-Omaha Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Omaha | See program | See program | — | 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 Nebraska
- Augustana University-Omaha · Omaha
- College of Saint Mary · Omaha
- Creighton University · Omaha
- University of Nebraska Medical Center · Omaha
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Nebraska
- Nebraska Methodist College · Omaha
- Union Adventist University · Lincoln
New OT programs opening in Nebraska
1 program in Nebraska 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.
- Augustana University-Omaha — 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 Nebraska?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Nebraska license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 4 OTD programs.
- 2 master's programs, typically 2 years.
- 1 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.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
- 1 program says observation hours are not required. See which.
Pay in Nebraska
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 Nebraska
- 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 Nebraska license from the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services before you practice. See how to get licensed in Nebraska.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Nebraska?
ACOTE lists 6 entry-level OT programs at 6 schools in Nebraska: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 2 master's. 1 program is new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Nebraska?
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. Nebraska has 4 OTD and 2 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How long is OT school in Nebraska?
Master's programs here that publish a length run 2 years (2 programs). Lengths are from each program’s website; most include fieldwork.
How much do occupational therapists make in Nebraska?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Nebraska was $93,740 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $70,370 to $107,780.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Nebraska?
Yes: 3 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Nebraska.
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.