The small state of Rhode Island offers only two occupational therapy programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). These programs can be found at the New England Institute of Technology and the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). The former hosts both a master’s and post-professional program, while the latter offers solely an occupational therapy assistant program. Both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants explore topics largely related to healthcare and patient treatment in their respective degree programs and career choices.

All licenses are administered by the Rhode Island Health Department’s Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, upon completion of an accredited program. 

The average salary for an occupational therapist in Rhode Island is $92,761 per year. This positions them in the 60th percentile for average occupational therapist salaries in the U.S. According to the RI Department of Labor and Training’s Occupational Outlook To 2026, professions in the healthcare industry are expected to grow at a rate of 5.1%.  

For more information regarding accredited programs in the state, continue reading below: 

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in East Greenwich

East Greenwich lies near the middle of the small state of Rhode Island. Aspiring occupational therapists in and around East Greenwich can apply to New England Institute of Technology’s program to learn relevant information regarding the profession, as detailed below:

New England Institute of Technology 

Occupational Therapy Program
One New England Tech Boulevard
East Greenwich, RI 02818-1205
ametzger@neit.edu OR mcaruso@neit.edu

  • Degree Level: The New England Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and a Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD). The PP-OTD is an online, hybrid degree program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program is suited for certified occupational therapists who wish to advance their careers. The master’s program, on the other hand, prepares students for certification.
  • Credit Hours: There are 38 credit hours for the Post-Professional program. Interested parties should inquire for information regarding the exact number of credit hours and courses needed to complete the Master of Science program.
  • Tuition (In-state): New England Institute of Technology’s tuition costs $775 per credit hour for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy; tuition is $745 per credit hour for the Post-Professional Occupational Doctorate degree.
  • Application Due Date: Interested parties should inquire for more information. 
  • Prerequisites/Application Requirements: Applicants for the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate program must include an official transcript from an ACOTE-accredited school, a CV, and a copy of their certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, among other admissions requirements. For the Master of Science, interested parties should inquire to learn more.  

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Newport

Home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport lies on the coast of Rhode Island. Professions in the town tend to be lucrative due to its coastal location. For instance, occupational therapists in Newport earn an average salary of $104,550, Occupational therapy assistants in the town earn an average of $62,241 per year. Each of these averages is comparatively high given the respective annual salaries of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the U.S. 

Individuals looking to become assistants may apply to CCRI. More information regarding their program is included below:

Community College of Rhode Island

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Newport Campus
One John H. Chaffee Boulevard
Newport, RI 02840
lgatewood@ccri.edu

  • Degree Level: CCRI provides an Associate of Applied Science for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). 
  • Credit Hours: There are 72 credit hours in the program, 45 of which are related specifically to the major. 
  • Tuition (In-state): Tuition for in-state residents is $2,141 per semester, additional fees apply
  • Application Due Date: Applications are typically sent in February. However, interested parties should inquire for specific application due dates.
  • Prerequisites/Application Requirements: Minimum requirements for the program include, but are not limited to: a high school transcript, completion of a standardized test issued by the CCRI’s Department of Advising and Counseling, and completion of health industry-related courses. Further requirements can be found through the aforementioned link to the program.