South Dakota · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Schools in South Dakota
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
South Dakota has 1 entry-level occupational therapy program listed by ACOTE: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's. Occupational therapists in South Dakota earn a median $85,050 a year.
All occupational therapy programs in South 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 South Dakota Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) | Vermillion | See program | On-campus (Vermillion) | 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 South Dakota
- University of South Dakota · Vermillion
OTD or master's in South Dakota?
Both degrees qualify you for the NBCOT exam and a South Dakota license. The difference is time, cost, and the 14-week doctoral capstone.
- 1 OTD programs.
- 0 master's programs.
- NBCOT pass rate: the median program here reported 96% of new graduates passing in 2025 (1 programs). Compare nationally.
Pay in South 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 South 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 South Dakota license from the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners before you practice. See how to get licensed in South Dakota.
Frequently asked questions
How many occupational therapy schools are in South Dakota?
ACOTE lists 1 entry-level OT program at 1 school in South Dakota: 1 doctoral (OTD) and 0 master's.
Should I choose an OTD or a master's program in South 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. South Dakota has 1 OTD and 0 master's programs. See master's vs. doctorate.
How much do occupational therapists make in South Dakota?
The median annual wage for occupational therapists in South Dakota was $85,050 (BLS, May 2025). The middle 80% earned $65,820 to $106,520.
Are there occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs in South Dakota?
Yes: 1 OTA program. See OTA schools in South 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.