North Dakota · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in North Dakota
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
North Dakota has 3 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. Occupational therapists in North Dakota earn a median $83,200 a year.
Compare OT programs in North Dakota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota Grand Forks | OTD | 96% | — | $78,729* | 3 | — | — | — |
| University of Mary-Bismarck Bismarck | OTD | 95% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| University of Mary Bismarck | Master’s | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— = 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 North Dakota
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 Mary Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Bismarck | See program | In person (Bismarck) or hybrid (on-site 2–3 days a week or interactive video) | — | Accredited |
| University of Mary-Bismarck Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) | Bismarck | See program | In person (Bismarck) or hybrid (on-site 2–3 days a week or interactive video) | 95% ’25 | Accredited |
| University of North Dakota Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Grand Forks | See program | See program | 96% ’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 North Dakota
- University of Mary-Bismarck · Bismarck
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in North Dakota
- University of Mary · Bismarck
OTD or master's in North Dakota?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a North Dakota license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 2 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 96% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
Pay in North Dakota
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 North Dakota
- 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 North Dakota license from the North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice before you practice. See how to get licensed in North Dakota.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in North Dakota?
ACOTE lists 3 entry-level OT programs at 3 schools in North Dakota: 2 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in North Dakota?
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. North Dakota has 2 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in North Dakota?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in North Dakota was $83,200 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $66,890 to $106,300.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in North Dakota?
Yes: 2 OTA programs. See OTA schools in North Dakota.
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.