In Georgia, those looking to become occupational therapists (OTs) will need to obtain a license. If you are waiting for a permanent license, you may apply for a temporary one. Before obtaining a license, applicants must first:
- Receive a degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE);
- Complete a 24-week internship in a clinical setting;
- Pass the National Certification Exam conducted by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT);
- Submit an application, along with fees, official transcripts, NBCOT verification and references to the board;
- Acquire certification in Physical Agent Modalities (this is optional);
- Continue 20 hours of education every two years.
The demand for licensed occupational therapists is increasing throughout the United States; in fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects this profession to grow much faster than other occupations, with as many as 23,700 new jobs added by 2028. The BLS also states that the average annual wage in Georgia is $82,060, which is just below the national average income for OT professionals. However, Georgia has one of the highest salaries compared to its neighboring states, save for Alabama and Tennessee. For occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), the average annual wage is $64,630, which is less than an OT but more than the national average income for OTAs.
Typically, you must either have a graduate or postgraduate degree to become an OT. From beginning to end, the process to become an OT in Georgia could last anywhere from four to six years, depending on your degree. Luckily, there are many degree options in the peach state.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Augusta
Augusta is near the South Carolina border, and is home to the Augusta Riverwalk. Those looking to become OTs in Georgia’s second-largest city can expect to make an average of $81,979 per year.
Augusta University
Department of Occupational Therapy
Health Sciences Bldg
987 St. Sebastian Way
EC – 2304
Augusta, GA 30912
studyot@augusta.edu
- Degree Level: Master of Health Science – 89 credit hours
- Tuition:
- In-State: 12 or more hours – $5,806.00
- In-State: 1-11 hours – $484.00
- Out of State: 12 or more hours – $14,220.00
- Out of State: 1-11 hours – $1,185.00
- Application Due Dates: Feb 15th
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: When applying for the Master’s program, make sure you complete the minimum requirements for admission.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Gainesville
Gainesville, the principal city of the Gainesville, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, sits in Northern Georgia. It is also known as the poultry capital of the world. Recent graduates in the OT program can expect to make an average of $86,600 per year.
Brenau University – Gainesville
School of Occupational Therapy
500 Washington St SE
Gainesville, GA 30501
sjohnston1@brenau.edu
- Degree Level:
- Master of Science – 110 credit hours
- Bachelor of Science
- Occupational Therapy Doctorate – 36 credit hours
- Tuition:
- Master of Science: $15,375/sem.
- Bachelor of Science: $651/hr.
- Occupational Therapy Doctorate: $1,128/hr.
- Application Due Dates: December
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: When applying, make sure you complete the minimum requirements for admission, which can be found on the programs’ home pages.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Norcross
Norcross is a small town in Northern Georgia with a population of 16,563. According to Salary.com, OTs can expect to make an average of $86,970 per year.
Brenau University – North Atlanta/Norcross
School of Occupational Therapy
3139 Campus Drive
Norcross, Georgia 30071
sredmon@brenau.edu
- Degree Level: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – 110 credit hours
- Tuition: $12,000/sem.
- Application Due Dates: December
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: When applying, make sure you complete the minimum requirements for admission, which can be found on the program’s homepage.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Atlanta
Atlanta, the state’s capital, is also the most populous state in Georgia. Home to 5.9 million people, Atlanta is the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Recent OT graduates can expect to make an average of $87,217 per year — $5,000 more than the state average.
Georgia State University
Department of Occupational Therapy
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
occuptherapy@gsu.edu
- Degree Level: Occupational Therapy Masters – 24 months
- Tuition:
- Resident: $4,776/sem.
- Non-Resident: $15,108/sem.
- Application Due Dates: October
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: When applying, make sure you complete the minimum requirements for admission, which can be found on the program’s homepage.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Albany
Albany is located in southwest Georgia, close to the border of Alabama and Florida. OTs can make an average of $81,048 per year, which is just under the statewide average.
Albany State University – West Campus
2400 Gillionville Rd
Albany, GA 31707
Elaine Hambric: (229) 500-2239
- Degree Level: Associate Degree
- Tuition:
- 15 hours or more: $1,425/credit hour
- Less than 15 hours: $95/credit hour
- Application Due Dates: May
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: When applying, make sure you complete the minimum requirements for admission, which can be found on the program’s homepage.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Augusta
Augusta also has an accredited occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program. OTAs can expect to make an average salary of $55,309, however, salaries can vary depending on education, certifications, and experience.
Augusta Technical College
3200 Augusta Tech Dr.
Augusta, GA 30906
admission@augustatech.edu
- Degree Level: Associate of Applied Science – 73 credit hours
- Tuition: $516 for one credit (each extra credit is an extra $100)
- Application Due Dates:
- Fall Semester – August 1
- Spring Semester – December 1
- Summer Term – May 1
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: Requirements can be found on August Tech’s Admissions and Registrations Page
Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Canton
Canton is a small city in northern Georgia that lies 40 miles north of Atlanta. It also houses one of the technical colleges that is an accredited OTA school. Recent OTA graduates can expect to make an average of $58,427 per year.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Health Sciences Division
1645 Bluffs Parkway
Canton, GA 30114
Health.Sciences@ChattahoocheeTech.edu
- Degree Level: Associate of Applied Science – five semesters
- Tuition:
- Instate: $100/credit hour
- Out-of-state: $200/credit hour
- International students: $400/credit hour
- Application Due Dates:
- Summer Semester: May 15
- Fall Semester: July 10
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: Requirements can be found on Chattahoochee Tech’s Admissions and Registrations page.
Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Macon
Macon is located in the middle of Georgia and is home to a large Native American museum. Those looking to become an OTA can do so at Middle Georgia State University. Recent graduates can expect to make an average of $55,256 per year.
Middle Georgia State University
Department of Rehabilitation Science
100 University Pkwy
Macon GA 31206
admissions@mga.edu
- Degree Level: Associate of Applied Science – two years
- Tuition: $113.67/credit hour
- Application Due Dates: N/A
- Prerequisites/Application Requirements: Requirements can be found on Middle Georgia’s State University’s Admissions and Registrations page.