To become an occupational therapist (OT) in Idaho, you must first obtain a degree from a college or a university that is accredited by either the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (AOTE). Idaho also requires at least six months of OT clinical work under the supervision of a licensed OT. Then, you must apply for a state license.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for an OT in Idaho is $81,230, or $39.05 an hour, which is just below the national average salary for OTs. Compared to surrounding states like Washington and Oregon, OT salaries in Idaho are on the low side. The BLS also states that job demand in south-western northern Idaho is higher than average for this line of work, indicating that there is a need for workers in this field.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Pocatello

Pocatello is the largest city of Bannock County, and the fifth-largest city in the state. In 2007, it was on the Forbes list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers. Pocatello is also the home of the only accredited school with an OT program. Recent graduates can expect to make a salary of $76,621.

Idaho State University

This 33-month program is the only accredited school in Idaho.

Degree Level: Doctorate; Master’s
Credits Hours: 103 credits for a Doctorate; 90 credits for a Master’s
Tuition: 
Idaho Resident: $4,962
Idaho Non-Resident: $13,110.98

Admission Dates: N/A
Application Requirements:

  • You must have a Bachelor’s degree;
  • Your GPA should be 3.0 or higher;
  • You must apply for general admission;
  • You must take either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) OR the Miller Analogies Test (MAT);
  • You must have anatomy and physiology prerequisites;
  • You must have 40 hours of OT clinical experience for the master’s program; 80 hours for the doctorate program;
  • And three letters of recommendation (for the doctorate program only).