In order to progress into occupational therapy (OT) in Connecticut, you must become aware of the general licensing policies and procedures within the state. An occupational therapist is defined as a medical professional who assists patients with mental, physical, or social disabilities in order to help increase their quality of life. Occupational therapists can expect patients of all types and ages who suffer from medical issues that stem from accidents, birth, illness, aging, or lifestyle. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is responsible for state licensing surrounding occupational therapy. In order to become an occupational therapist in the state of Connecticut you must go through 4 main steps:

  1. Enroll and graduate from an accredited program (typically 3 to 4 years);
  2. Complete 24 weeks of supervised on-the-job training;
  3. Undergo a criminal background check;
  4. Pass the National Certification Exam;
  5. Apply for Connecticut State License online.

All required documents and fees should be sent via mail to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health
Occupational Therapist Licensure
410 Capitol Ave., MS #12APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134

For any additional issues that may arise:

Phone: (860) 509-7603
Fax: (860) 707-1982
Email: dph.alliedhealth@ct.gov

In Connecticut, the average salary for an occupational therapist is $95,226, with a low of $79,951, and a high of $111,506. This is significantly higher than the average national occupational therapist’s salary. Connecticut also tops the average pay of neighboring states Massachusetts and New York, where OTs make closer to $87,000 annually.

The job outlook for occupational therapy in Connecticut is high. According to a study done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Connecticut has the fifth-highest concentration of occupational therapy jobs in the United States.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Connecticut

The importance of accreditation is to recognize and validate a program or institution that meets — or goes beyond — the minimum standards of quality. Accredited programs help create parallel standards to follow in order to ensure a high standard of education. In Connecticut, there are two accredited occupational therapy programs.

Quinnipiac University

School of Health Sciences
275 Mt Carmel Ave
Hamden, CT 06518
medicine@qu.edu

Program: Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master’s in Occupational Therapy
School: Private
Contact: (203) 582-8600
Cost: $47,960/year
Requirements: Admissions Requirements

Sacred Heart University

College of Health Professionals
5151 Park Ave
Fairfield, CT 06825
CHP@sacredheart.edu

Program: Accelerated Bachelor of Arts/Sciences to Master Occupational Therapy, Master’s in Occupational Therapy
School: Private
Contact: (203) 371-7999
Cost: $39,820/year
Requirements: Admission Requirements

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Connecticut

Becoming an occupational therapy assistant is an alternative to — or a stepping stone towards — occupational therapy that takes generally only takes two years of full-time academics and 16 weeks of fieldwork. There are three accredited occupational therapy assistant programs throughout the state of Connecticut.

Goodwin College

Occupational Therapy Assistant
One Riverside Dr
East Hartford, CT 06118
DWilliamson@goodwin.edu

Program: Occupational Therapy Assistant
School: Private
City: East Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: (860) 528-4111
Cost: $33,970/year
Requirements: Admissions Requirements

Housatonic Community College

Occupational Therapy Program
900 Lafayette Blvd
Bridgeport, CT 06604
mmoriarty@manchestercc.edu

Program: Occupational Therapy Assistant
School: Public
Contact: (203) 332-5000
Cost: $17,204/year
Requirements: Admissions Requirements

Manchester Community College

Health Career Programs
STEM Division Office, MS #17
OTA Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 1046, Manchester, CT 06045

Program: Occupational Therapy Program
School: Public
Contact: (860) 512-3000
Cost: $17,748/year
Requirements: Admissions Requirements