Best Occupational Therapy Schools

Boston University (BU) and Washington University in St. Louis are widely regarded as two of the most prestigious institutions for Occupational Therapy (OT) education in the United States, with both ranked as the top programs in the U.S. according to the U.S. News & World Report's Graduate Schools rankings for 2008. The Occupational Therapy program at BU’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences stands out for its long history of excellence, innovative approaches to education, and research-driven training. Similarly, Washington University in St. Louis has built a reputation for producing highly skilled, clinically prepared, and research-oriented occupational therapists.

Boston University, specifically through its Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, offers a comprehensive suite of graduate and undergraduate programs across health disciplines such as Athletic Training, Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health, and Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, among others. Sargent College, a renowned hub for health-related education and research, places a strong emphasis on hands-on training, interprofessional education, and the integration of scientific knowledge into practice.

The Occupational Therapy program at BU is particularly notable for its consistently high rankings. According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, it has been rated as the number one OT program in the nation, outshining 151 other programs across the country. The strength of BU’s OT program lies not only in its high academic standards but also in its collaborative environment, where students are trained to become leaders in the field. BU’s OT students benefit from a combination of rigorous coursework, community outreach, and clinical practice, providing them with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a wide range of career paths in OT.

BU’s Sargent College is committed to a patient-centered and evidence-based approach to education, ensuring that students understand the importance of using the latest research and techniques to improve the quality of life for their patients. The program has a strong focus on research, with faculty and students working together to explore new methods of treatment and assess the effectiveness of existing therapies. BU’s OT program also offers multiple specialized tracks, allowing students to tailor their education according to their specific interests, whether that be pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or rehabilitation.

Another key strength of the Boston University OT program is its close connection to the community. The program emphasizes service learning and the development of skills in real-world settings, with students participating in extensive clinical internships at a range of facilities, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community-based organizations. Through these clinical placements, students are able to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations, under the guidance of experienced practitioners. These experiences not only enhance students’ clinical skills but also allow them to develop strong professional networks, which is crucial for their career advancement after graduation.

On the other hand, Washington University in St. Louis is another prominent name in the field of Occupational Therapy education. Like BU, Washington University has also achieved the top ranking in the U.S. News & World Report Graduate Schools rankings for its OT program. Washington University’s program is part of the Program in Occupational Therapy within the School of Medicine. The program is dedicated to producing occupational therapists who are skilled in both clinical practice and research, ensuring that graduates are prepared to tackle the most complex challenges in the field.

The Occupational Therapy program at Washington University is distinguished by its emphasis on research-driven education and clinical excellence. The program is known for its commitment to advancing knowledge in occupational therapy through scientific inquiry. Washington University boasts a highly regarded faculty composed of internationally recognized experts in various fields of occupational therapy, and students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge research on topics such as neurorehabilitation, cognitive health, and adaptive technologies.

The program at Washington University is grounded in a hands-on, experiential learning model, where students are provided with opportunities to engage in clinical rotations, research projects, and fieldwork early in their education. Students also benefit from access to the university’s vast network of clinical partners, which includes some of the best hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare organizations in the St. Louis area. In addition to its focus on clinical excellence, the program encourages students to pursue advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy, to contribute to the development of new practices and innovations in the field.

Washington University’s program is also known for its interdisciplinary approach, where students are encouraged to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, and nurses, to improve patient care. This approach allows students to understand the holistic nature of healthcare, where the focus is not only on treating individual conditions but on addressing the whole person and their environment. As a result, students graduate with a well-rounded understanding of how to integrate occupational therapy practices into various settings.

The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) round out the top four rankings for Occupational Therapy programs in the U.S. These institutions have long been recognized for their contributions to the field of OT education and practice.

USC’s Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, part of the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, has been ranked as the third-best OT program in the U.S. USC’s program is known for its broad scope and its commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment. The university’s OT program emphasizes a global perspective on rehabilitation and patient care, preparing students to work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to schools to community organizations. Like Boston University and Washington University, USC is also deeply committed to research and innovation, with students encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and contribute to the development of new therapies and technologies.

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), ranked fourth, is also an important contributor to the field. Its OT program is known for its focus on urban health and underserved communities. UIC’s commitment to promoting social justice through healthcare is reflected in its curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of providing equitable care to all populations. The program prepares students to engage in community outreach, public health initiatives, and advocacy efforts, in addition to traditional clinical practice.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings for Occupational Therapy programs highlight the importance of having access to top-tier faculty, clinical placements, research opportunities, and a comprehensive curriculum. Institutions like Boston University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Southern California, and the University of Illinois at Chicago provide students with the tools they need to excel in the field, contributing to advancements in healthcare and improving the lives of those in need of rehabilitation services.

These universities not only offer outstanding education in occupational therapy, but they also produce graduates who go on to become leaders in the field. Whether students choose to pursue clinical practice, research, teaching, or leadership roles in healthcare settings, the rigorous training they receive at these top-ranked institutions provides them with the expertise to make a significant impact in the world of occupational therapy. These schools are shaping the future of the profession, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving healthcare landscape.

Ranking of Best Occupational Therapy Schools:
1. Boston University (Sargent)
1. Washington University in St. Louis
3. University of Southern California
4. University of Illinois–Chicago
5. Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy
5. University of Kansas Medical Center
5. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
8. Colorado State University
9. New York University
9. University of Pittsburgh
9. University of Washington
12. University of Wisconsin–Madison
13. Columbia University
13. Thomas Jefferson University
13. University of Florida
13. Virginia Commonwealth University
17. Texas Woman’s University
17. University of Alabama–Birmingham
17. University of New Mexico
17. University of Texas Medical Branch–Galveston
21. College of St. Catherine
21. Ohio State University
21. Texas Woman’s University–Houston
24. Creighton University
24. Duquesne University
24. Eastern Kentucky University
24. Medical University of South Carolina
24. San Jose State University
24. Texas Woman’s University–Dallas
24. University of New Hampshire
24. University of Puget Sound
24. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
33. St. Louis University
33. Temple University
33. Towson University
33. University at Buffalo–SUNY
33. University of Toledo
33. Western Michigan University
39. Brenau University
39. Indiana University
39. Loma Linda University
39. Medical College of Georgia
43. Cleveland State University
43. East Carolina University
43. Nova Southeastern University
43. Rush University
43. SUNY–Downstate Medical Center
43. Spalding University
43. University of Indianapolis
43. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
43. University of Texas Health Science Center–San Antonio
52. Eastern Michigan University
52. Quinnipiac University
52. Stony Brook University
52. The Sage Colleges
52. University of New England
52. University of South Alabama
58. Pacific University
58. Springfield College
58. University of North Dakota
58. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
58. University of Puerto Rico
58. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
58. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
65. CUNY–York College
65. Florida International University
65. Ithaca College
65. Shenandoah University
65. University of Central Arkansas
65. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
65. University of Missouri–Columbia
65. University of Southern Maine (Lewiston-Auburn)
65. University of Utah
65. University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
65. Utica College
65. Worcester State College
65. Xavier University
78. College of St. Scholastica
78. Elizabethtown College
78. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–New Orleans
78. Midwestern University
78. Misericordia University
78. Mount Mary College
78. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
78. Uni of North Dakota at Casper College
78. Uni of Scranton
78. Uni of Southern Indiana
78. Uni of Texas–El Paso
78. Wayne State Univ
90. Belmont Univ
90. Concordia Univ
90. Eastern Washington Univ
90. Governors State Univ
90. Howard Univ
90. Kean Univ
90. Mercy College
90. Sacred Heart Univ
90. Samuel Merritt College
90. Seton Hall Univ
90. St. Ambrose Univ
90. Uni of South Dakota
102. College of St. Mary
102. D’Youville College
102. Florida Gulf Coast Univ
102. Grand Valley State Univ
102. Husson College
102. James Madison Univ
102. Louisiana State Univ Health Sciences Center–Shreveport
102. Maryville Univ
102. Medical College of Georgia at Columbus State Univ
102. Philadelphia Univ
102. Rockhurst Univ
102. Saginaw Valley State Univ
102. Salem State College
102. West Virginia Univ
102. Winston-Salem State Univ
Source: U.S. News & World Report (2009 Edition)