Occupational Therapy Schools in Tennessee

The Tennessee state has 5 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools, which provide an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy program. Plus, the state also has 6 ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools which provides an associate degree. The license is required to practice as an OT in Tennessee; one can appear for the licensure examination after clearing the OT entry-level degree from accredited OT schools.

The 5 Occupational therapy schools in Tennessee are-

1. Belmont University
2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)
3. Milligan College
4. Tennessee State University (TSU)
5. University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)

Occupational therapy in Tennessee-

The occupational therapist, Occupational therapy assistant, and OT/OTA students have their own state association, i.e. TNOTA (Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association).

The TNOTA is a non-profit volunteer organization which provides a professional community for its members. The TNOTA is a state-based professional organization and public voice for the occupational therapy profession in Tennessee.

The main role of the association is to promote the occupational therapy profession, create public awareness, provide support to the therapist in continuing education and improve and maintain the quality of occupational therapy profession in the state of Tennessee. The TNOTA is an affiliated state body of the American Occupational therapy association.

Website – www.TNOTA.org

Occupational therapy License in Tennessee-

Occupational therapist and Occupational therapy Assistants are required to get a license from the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy.

Satisfactory completion of both the academic program and fieldwork are required to be eligible to take the Certification Examination of the NBCOT and get license offered by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy. Successful completion of the licensure certification allows graduates to practice the profession in Tennessee.

The minimum requirements for the license are –

• Entry-level master degree or OTD degree
• NBCOT exam’s passing certificate.
• Application fees of $110.

Temporary OT/OTA License:

A temporary license to practice as an occupational therapist (OT) or as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) may be granted to persons who have completed the educational and experience requirements for licensure and are waiting to take or receive the results of the certification examination.

Tennessee only issues one temporary license to the individual who is scheduled to take the examination for the first time. If the candidate has previously failed the examination once in any state, he/she is not eligible for a limited permit in Tennessee.

Occupational Therapy Schools in Tennessee- List of OT schools with Overview

#1 Belmont University

The Occupational therapy school at Belmont University offers 2 entry-level degree options. The school provides excellent preparation to become a licensed professional in the dynamic field of occupational therapy. Both programs have been educating future therapists for over 15 years and are fully accredited by the ACOTE.

1. Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)– The entry-level doctoral program is one of the first accredited OTD programs by the ACOTE and is one of the most established clinical doctorate programs in occupational therapy offered in the United States.
2. Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – The master’s degree program (on weekend) is designed exclusively for licensed occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) who have also received initial certification by NBCOT. A limited number of spaces in the program are also available to licensed physical therapist assistants (PTAs) who have worked with an occupational therapist. The full-time program is offered in an accelerated format.

Belmont University Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing
Courses Offered–	Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD-entry level) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT for OTAs).
University Campus	Nashville, TN
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Chair, OT	Lorry Liotta-Kleinfeld EdD, OTR/L
Course Duration-	3-year program
Class Size	Around 36-40 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Candidate must apply through OTCAS and a personal interview is necessary for the selection.
Minimum Requirement (OTD)	A baccalaureate degree, A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. A competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores; Must complete a personal essay as part of the OTCAS application. Candidates must demonstrate familiarity with OT in the form of a minimum of 50 hours of observational, volunteer, and/or work experience in occupational therapy prior to application. Two recommendations required in which 1 must be from a licensed OT.
Prerequisites Course work (OTD)	Biology with lab; Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab; Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab; Introduction to Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Intro to Sociology or Anthropology; Statistics; Medical Terminology. Recommended- Human Growth and Development; Physics; Effective Writing; Public Speaking; Computer Literacy.
Address	School of Occupational Therapy 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212-3757 Email- otd@belmont.edu
Website	www.belmont.edu/ot/

#2 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

The Occupational therapy school at UTC offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. When UTC’s OTD program launched in 2013, there were only seven other entry-level OTD programs in the country. The UTC’s OTD program is one among the few public universities, with low tuition fee. The OT school offers state-of-the-art facilities, with excellent fieldwork opportunities.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Health, Education and Professional Studies (CHEPS)
Course Offered–	Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD-entry level)
University Campus	Chattanooga, TN
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Department Head	Susan McDonald, Ed.D, OTR/L
Course Duration-	3-year program
Class Size	Around 24 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Candidate must apply through OTCAS and complete a UTC Graduate School Application after notification of acceptance.
Minimum Requirement (OTD)	A bachelor’s degree, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (a min combined score of 300); Proof of first aid and CPR certification; Three references, submitted to OTCAS, including one from an OTR; Official transcripts showing prerequisite completion will be required prior to program matriculation; Criminal Background check.
Prerequisites Course work (OTD)	General Biology I & II with lab; General Chemistry with lab; Physics with lab; Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; Introduction to Psychology; Lifespan Human Development or Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Statistics; Sociology or Anthropology; Medical Terminology Course.
Address	Occupational Therapy Department 615 McCallie Avenue, Department 3103 Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598 Email- susan-mcdonald@utc.edu
Website	www.utc.edu

#3 Milligan College

The Occupational therapy school at Milligan College offers an entry-level Master of Science degree in Occupational therapy. The OT school has dedicated faculty, they bring real-world experience into the classroom every day because they continue to work in the fields they teach. Small class sizes provide personal interaction, exceptional training, and hands-on lab experience that will prepare students for success as an occupational therapist.

Milligan College School of Sciences and Allied Health
Courses Offered–	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT-entry level)
University Campus	Elizabethton, TN
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director	Dr. Jeff Snodgrass
Course Duration-	2 ½-year program
Class Size	Around 32 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	A candidate must apply through OTCAS and a personal interview is necessary for the selection.
Minimum Requirement (MSOT)	A baccalaureate degree, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (a min combined score of 297); Volunteer experience in a variety of OT clinical settings with a minimum of 40 documented hours or a disability related work/volunteer experience with the proper documentation. The TOEFL score must be at least 79 on the IBT. The IELTS score must be at least 6.5. (international students only) Three completed reference forms through OTCAS from persons who have adequate knowledge of the applicant’s Christian commitment, character, and professional qualities of potential for success as a graduate student.
Prerequisites Course work (MSOT)	Math and Science: 9-12 semester hours Math Course Anatomy & Physiology I (4 hrs) Anatomy & Physiology II (4 hrs). Social Science: 9 semester hours Intro to Psychology Intro to Sociology OR Intro to Anthropology Human Development OR Developmental Psychology. Communication: 6 semester hours Writing/English Public Speaking. Medical Terminology: 1-3 semester hours.
Address	Occupational Therapy Program P.O. Box 130 Milligan College, TN 37682 Email- msot@milligan.edu
Website	www.milligan.edu

#4 Tennessee State University (TSU)-

The Occupational therapy school at TSU offers an entry-level Master degree in Occupational therapy (MOT). The TSU offers an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, which fulfills the eligibility criteria for the master program in Occupational therapy.

Tennessee State University College of Health Sciences
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT-entry level)
University Campus	Nashville, TN
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Department Chair	Rita Troxtel, OTD, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2 ½-year program (7 semesters)
Class Size	Around 30 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Candidate must apply through OTCAS and a supplemental application to the college. An interview with the admissions committee is required.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	Completion of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (a min combined score of 292; 3.5 in writing section); Completion of a minimum of 30 hours of observation, volunteer, or work with an occupational therapist (OTR/L) in a minimum of two practice settings and populations. Submission of a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation is required.
Prerequisites Course work (MOT)	Anatomy & Physiology I; Anatomy & Physiology II; General Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Developmental Psychology covering the lifespan; Statistics; Medical Terminology; Physics with a lab; An introductory course in sociology or anthropology.
Address	College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Department 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, TN 37209-1561 Email – rtroxtel@tnstate.edu
Website	www.tnstate.edu/ot

#5 University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)

The Occupational therapy school at UTHSC offers an entry-level Master degree in Occupational therapy (MOT). Established in 1988, the UTHSC program was the first accredited occupational therapy program in the state of Tennessee.

Why choose MOT program at UTHSC –

• Inter-professional education.
• Faculty expertise in pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, assistive technology, low vision, and neuroscience.
• Over 500 fieldwork sites nationwide.
• Advanced classroom technologies, including simulation experience with live actors and lifelike mannequins.
• Small group learning experiences.
• Emphasis on diversity, community outreach, and research.
• Immersed in the UTHSC Health Science Center with opportunities across the state.

Advanced certification of faculty in assistive technology, sensory integration, low vision, parenting support, aging-in-place, manual therapy, and feeding.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Health Professions
Course Offered–	Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT-entry level)
University Campus	Memphis, TN
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Department Chair	Anne H. Zachry, Ph.D., OTR/L
Course Duration-	27-month program
Class Size	Around 30-40 students per year
OT Admission	Once a year (Spring).
Application Procedure	Candidate must apply through OTCAS. A personal interview is required for admission.
Minimum Requirement (MOT)	Completion of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (a min combined score of 300; 3.5 in writing section); Three professional or academic references (recommend at least one by an occupational therapist); Volunteer observation hours; Leadership and service experiences; An Essay;
Prerequisites Course work (MOT)	Anatomy & Physiology with lab; General Biology or Zoology with lab; Additional Science course with lab; Kinesiology; General Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Lifespan Psychology covering the lifespan; Statistics; Medical Terminology; English Composition; Sociology, Social Psychology or anthropology. Recommendations- Humanities- Foreign language (Spanish preferred), philosophy, logic, ethics, literature, and/or fine arts. Electives- Recommended courses include: computer/technology skills, education, technical or critical writing, logic, fine and performing arts, language and communication systems, philosophy, and industrial arts or activity-based courses (e.g., woodworking, ceramics, photography).
Address	College of Health Professions Department of Occupational Therapy  930 Madison, Suite 614 Memphis, TN 38163-0002 Email- azachry@uthsc.edu
Website	www.uthsc.edu

“Applicant” Occupational Therapy Schools in Tennessee-

These are new OT educational programs in Tennessee seeking accreditation (not yet holding Candidacy Status). Until Candidacy Status has been granted by ACOTE, these programs cannot admit students into the OT or OTA program in Tennessee.

#1 South College-Nashville Campus
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
616 Marriott Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
www.southcollegetn.edu
ACOTE’s Status: Applicant for entry-level doctoral (OTD)

#2 Tennessee Wesleyan University-Knoxville
Occupational Therapy Program
9845 Cogdill Road
Knoxville, TN 37932-3378
www.tnwesleyan.edu
ACOTE’s Status: Applicant for entry-level master (MSOT)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Tennessee-

#1 Concorde Career College-Memphis
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 132 
Memphis, TN 38137-0132 
(Day and evening/weekend programs offered)

#2 Jackson State Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
2046 North Parkway
Jackson, TN 38301-3722

#3 Nashville State Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
120 White Bridge Road, Suite D27
Nashville, TN 37209-4515 

#4 Roane State Community College
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 
701 Briarcliff Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(Program also offered at Regional Allied Health Science Consortium – Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga, TN.)

#5 South College-Knoxville Main Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
3904 Lonas Drive
Knoxville, TN 37909-3323
Status: Candidacy Status

#6 Walters State Community College-Greeneville Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Health Programs 
215 N. College Street
Greeneville, TN 37745
Status: Candidacy Status

Occupational Therapy Jobs in Tennessee-

The outlook for occupational therapy employment is very good in Tennessee. The United States’s Bureau of Labor Statistics includes occupational therapy as one of its fastest growing occupations, with registered occupational therapists predicted to have a faster than average growth (21- 36%). Many Health Care Recruitment providers have reported a shortage of occupational therapists and OTA in Tennessee. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 2100 employed and licensed occupational therapists in Tennessee in May 2017. And the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Tennessee for the occupational therapist and occupational therapy Assistant.

Occupational Therapy Salary in Tennessee-

As per indeed.com, the average salary of an occupational therapist in Tennessee was $77,800 per annum (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy professionals was $82,940 and $39.88, respectively in May 2017.