Pittsburgh · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Pittsburgh area, PA
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Pittsburgh area, PA 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 Pennsylvania earn a median $98,440 a year.
Pittsburgh here means programs in Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Greensburg. See all Pennsylvania programs.
Compare OT programs in Pittsburgh area, PA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duquesne University Pittsburgh | OTD | 100% | — | 3 | No | 16 | — |
| University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh | OTD | 100% | 2 years 8 months (8 terms) | 3 | — | 12 | — |
| Chatham University Pittsburgh | OTD | 98% | 28 months (7 terms) | — | — | — | Fall |
| Duquesne University Pittsburgh | Master’s | 88% | — | 3 | No | 16 | — |
| Carlow University Pittsburgh | Master’s | 55% | As few as 6 semesters | 3 | — | 20 | Fall |
| Seton Hill University Candidacy Greensburg | OTD | — | 3 years | — | — | — | Fall (August) |
— = 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 Pittsburgh area, PA
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlow University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Pittsburgh | As few as 6 semesters | On-campus | 55% ’25 | Accredited |
| Chatham University Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) · OTA-to-OT bridge | Pittsburgh | 28 months (7 terms) | See program | 98% ’25 | Accredited |
| Duquesne University Entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Pittsburgh | See program | See program | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
| Duquesne University Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Pittsburgh | See program | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Pittsburgh | 2 years 8 months (8 terms) | On-campus, full-time | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Seton Hill University Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Greensburg | 3 years | On-campus (in-person) | — | 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 Pittsburgh area, PA
- Chatham University · Pittsburgh
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- Seton Hill University · Greensburg
- University of Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Pittsburgh area, PA
- Carlow University · Pittsburgh
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
New OT programs opening in Pittsburgh area, PA
1 program in Pittsburgh area, PA 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.
- Seton Hill University — Entry-level OTD, candidacy (ACOTE on-site visit: 2028/2029)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in Pittsburgh area, PA?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Pennsylvania license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 4 OTD programs, typically 2 years to 3 years.
- 2 master's programs.
- 1 OTA-to-OT bridge program for working assistants. About bridge programs.
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 98% of new graduates passing in 2025 (5 programs). Compare nationally.
- 2 confirmed no-GRE programs. No-GRE list.
Pay in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania
- 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 Pennsylvania license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure before you practice. See how to get licensed in Pennsylvania.
More areas in Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Pittsburgh area, PA?
ACOTE lists 6 entry-level OT programs at 5 schools in Pittsburgh area, PA: 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 Pittsburgh area, PA?
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. Pittsburgh area, PA has 4 OTD and 2 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How long is OT school in Pittsburgh area, PA?
OTD programs run 2 years to 3 years (3 programs). Lengths are from each program’s website; most include fieldwork.
How much do occupational therapists make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Pennsylvania was $98,440 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $69,120 to $128,790.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Pittsburgh area, PA?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in Pennsylvania.
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.