Rhode Island · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in Rhode Island
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Rhode Island has 2 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. Occupational therapists in Rhode Island earn a median $100,040 a year.
Compare OT programs in Rhode Island 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence | OTD | 100% | — | — | — | — | — |
| New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich | Master’s | 85% | — | — | — | — | — |
— = 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 Rhode Island
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence Entry-level OTD | Providence | See program | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| New England Institute of Technology Entry-level master's | East Greenwich | See program | See program | 85% ’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 Rhode Island
- Johnson & Wales University-Providence · Providence
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in Rhode Island
- New England Institute of Technology · East Greenwich
OTD or master's in Rhode Island?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a Rhode Island license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 1 OTD programs.
- 1 master's programs.
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 93% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
Pay in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island
- 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 Rhode Island license from the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health) before you practice. See how to get licensed in Rhode Island.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in Rhode Island?
ACOTE lists 2 entry-level OT programs at 2 schools in Rhode Island: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in Rhode Island?
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. Rhode Island has 1 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in Rhode Island?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in Rhode Island was $100,040 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $75,760 to $126,630.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in Rhode Island?
Yes: 2 OTA programs. See OTA schools in Rhode Island.
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.