South Carolina · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in South Carolina
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
South Carolina has 5 entry-level occupational therapy programs listed by ACOTE: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 2 are fully accredited and admitting; the rest are new programs in development. Occupational therapists in South Carolina earn a median $101,130 a year.
Compare OT programs in South Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical University of South Carolina Charleston | OTD | 98% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Presbyterian College Clinton | OTD | 89% | — | — | — | No | — | — |
| Charleston Southern University Applicant Charleston | OTD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Columbia International University Applicant Columbia | Master’s | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Francis Marion University Preaccreditation Florence | OTD | — | 3 years | $80,065 | — | — | — | — |
— = 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 South Carolina
Filter by degree or format. Click a school for its verified details and a link to the program.
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical University of South Carolina Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Charleston | See program | Residential or hybrid | 98% ’25 | Accredited |
| Presbyterian College Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Clinton | See program | See program | 89% ’25 | Accredited |
| Charleston Southern University Entry-level OTD | Charleston | See program | See program | — | Applicant |
| Columbia International University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (in development) | Columbia | See program | See program | — | Applicant |
| Francis Marion University Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | Florence | 3 years | See program | — | Preaccreditation |
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 South Carolina
- Charleston Southern University · Charleston
- Francis Marion University · Florence
- Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston
- Presbyterian College · Clinton
Master’s (MOT/MSOT) programs in South Carolina
- Columbia International University · Columbia
New OT programs opening in South Carolina
3 programs in South Carolina are 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.
- Charleston Southern University — Entry-level OTD, applicant (ACOTE on-site visit: 2030/2031)
- Columbia International University — Entry-level master's, applicant (ACOTE on-site visit: 2029/2030)
- Francis Marion University — Entry-level OTD, preaccreditation (ACOTE on-site visit: 2026/2027)
All new OT programs nationwide and what each ACOTE status means →
OTD or master's in South Carolina?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a South Carolina license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 4 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 94% of new graduates passing in 2025 (2 programs). Compare nationally.
- 1 confirmed no-GRE program. No-GRE list.
Pay in South Carolina
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 South Carolina
- 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 South Carolina license from the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Board (Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation) before you practice. See how to get licensed in South Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in South Carolina?
ACOTE lists 5 entry-level OT programs at 5 schools in South Carolina: 4 doctoral (OTD) and 1 master's. 3 programs are new and still working toward full accreditation.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in South Carolina?
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. South Carolina has 4 OTD and 1 master's program. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in South Carolina?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in South Carolina was $101,130 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $75,370 to $123,110.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in South Carolina?
Yes: 4 OTA programs. See OTA schools in South Carolina.
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.