Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the U.S. Due to the high population, this state offers immense job opportunities and a bright career to occupational therapy aides, assistants, and therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy professionals in 2018 in Missouri was $75,120 and $36.81. This is lower compared to Kansas, which has an average salary of $78,720, and lower than the national average salary for occupational therapists. Occupational therapy licenses must be administered by the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy. It is important to note that license approval and issuance may take several weeks.

Candidates who are already working as professional occupational therapists and are graduates in the same field can complete the master’s program in one to two years. However, if you are a graduate with a degree in a different field, you will be able to obtain a master’s degree in two to three years. Those who want to do both graduation and post-graduation can complete the dual-degree course in five years. In order to get a license in any state, it is a must for you to have your degree in occupational therapy from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) approved school, college or university.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri is one of the more major cities along the Mississippi River with a population of over 319,000. As of January 20, 2020, the average salary for an OT in St. Louis is $86,654. There are three accredited colleges for OT in St. Louis.

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University OT Program
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
4444 Forrest Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
wuotinfo@wustl.edu

  • Masters Degree (MSOT): The MSOT degree prepares generalist clinicians with the knowledge and skills to work as direct care providers, consultants, educators, managers, and advocates for clients. An experiential portion of the curriculum — six months of full-time fieldwork supervised by experienced clinicians — follows the two years of academic coursework for a total of 80 credit hours. The MSOT degree program is a 28-month, full-time program. Students will need to visit the OTCAS website to apply for the MSOT program. 
  • Doctorate (OTD): The Clinical Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) prepares graduates beyond the master’s degree with in-depth knowledge in a specific area such as practice, advocacy, policy, education, research, and program development. In addition to six months of full-time fieldwork supervised by experienced clinicians, OTD students focus on their specialty area and complete the 14-week doctoral capstone for a total of 106 credit hours over a three-year period. The OTD degree program is a 36-month, full-time program. Students will need to visit the OTCAS website to apply for the OTD program. 
  • Joint Degree MSOT/MPH: The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)/Master of Public Health (MPH) degree will give students a unique combination of skills and knowledge to benefit communities and populations, and create new pathways of research, practice, and health programming. Graduates will be prepared to work in a diverse array of settings including academia, community agencies, government institutions, and nonprofit organizations, and assume leadership roles in public policy, urban planning, and advocacy. The program of study requires 123 credit hours, taken over three and a half years. You will apply to the Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis through the OTCAS common application system. You will apply to the Master of Public Health Program through the SOPHAS common application system
  • 3-2 Program: The 3-2 program at Washington University allows students to finish their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within five and a half years. During the first three years as an undergraduate, the student takes the requirements for his or her major and prerequisites for the Program in Occupational Therapy.
  • Tuition and Fees: The total cost of tuition for the incoming MSOT class in fall 2020 is $100,000. This breaks down to $16,667 x five semesters and $8,333 x two fieldwork experiences.

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University Occupational Therapy Program
1 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
dchs@health.slu.edu

  • Masters Degree: Saint Louis University’s Master of Occupational Therapy Program prepares you to practice occupational therapy and treat patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. The program requires 71–72 credits for completion. Full-time students typically complete the program in one summer, three traditional semesters and two 12-week fieldwork experiences.
  • Admission Requirements: Post-baccalaureate applicants to the OT program are required to have completed nine prerequisite courses (listed below), earning a minimum cumulative 3.20 GPA:
  • Biology with lab (4 credits);
  • Chemistry with lab (4 credits);
  • Basic anatomy (3 credits);
  • Physiology (3 credits);
  • Physics (3 credits);
  • Lifespan human development (3 credits);
  • Abnormal psychology (3 credits);
  • Research methods (3 credits);
  • Medical terminology.

All nine prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 10 years. Grades below a “C” will not be accepted.

  • Application Requirements: Applicants will apply through the OTCAS website. In order to do so, they must submit the following requirements: 
    • Official transcripts;
    • Two professional letters of reference;
    • Personal essay up to 500 words, which should be a discussion of experiences in the field and reasons why you are interested in pursuing a degree in occupational therapy.
  • Tuition and Fees: Masters of Occupational Therapy can pay a minimum of $19,950 per semester, however, students will want to review the tuition and fees guide to get find out precisely how much they will owe.

Maryville University

Maryville University Occupational Therapy Program
650 Maryville University Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (314) 529-9300 or (800) 627-9855

  • Masters Degree: The curriculum embraces the core philosophy of the profession: to promote peoples’ engagement in purposeful activity (occupation) including its interpersonal and environmental components, to prevent and mediate dysfunction, and to elicit maximum adaptation. Graduation from an ACOTE accredited program is required to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification exam.
  • Admissions: Applicants should have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a discipline other than occupational therapy prior to entrance into the Maryville Occupational Therapy Program. Applicants may apply to the program during the last year of their undergraduate program but must submit a transcript indicating the earned degree prior to entrance into the OT program. In addition, the applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 within the bachelor’s degree in order to qualify for admission.
  • Tuition and Fees: Total cost for the Maryville University OT program costs a total of $70,907.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Springfield

Located in Greene County, Springfield, MO is home to over 167,000 residents. The average salary for a certified occupational therapist in Springfield, MO is $84,958. There are two accredited colleges for OT in Springfield.

Cox College

Cox College Occupational Therapy Program
1423 N. Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-269-3401

  • Masters Degree: In order to meet the requirements for a master’s degree, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Students are required to maintain a 3.0 each semester. A student is placed on academic probation if his/her semester GPA is lower than 3.0 or if they receive a “C” in any individual course; no student may remain on probation for more than one academic term, as it would be very difficult to achieve the 3.0 cumulative GPA required for graduation.
  • Application: The application process, prerequisite courses, and other requirements for admission are described here in the MSOT checklist. Cox College MSOT applicants need to complete two different online application forms: one at the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service website as well as the Cox College Graduate Application.
  • Tuition and Fees: Total estimated costs for the Maryville University OT program are $53,720.

Missouri State University

Missouri State University Department of Occupational Therapy
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65897
info@missouristate.edu

  • Program: The students must complete all graduation and fieldwork requirements in a timely manner. All Level II fieldwork must be completed within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program. Students must pass a comprehensive exam that is implemented in the curriculum as computer-based competency testing.
  • Admissions: The Master of Occupational Therapy Program at Missouri State University uses the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). Application Deadline is February 14, 2020. All official transcripts should be sent directly to OTCAS:

Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)
P.O. Box 9120
Watertown, MA 02471

Only applicants who are accepted into the MOT Program will be required to submit an application to the Graduate College and pay the non-refundable application fee per the MSU Graduate College policy. Full admission to the MOT program is competitive; not all that apply will be admitted.

  • Tuition and Fees: Estimated costs for in-state students is about $39,814, and for out-of-state students, it is about $62,082.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Kansas City

Kansas City, MO stretches across Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass counties. It is the largest city in the state of Missouri, with a population of over 488,000 residents. The average salary for a certified occupational therapist in Kansas City, MO is $86,398. There is one accredited college for OT in Kansas City.

Rockhurst University

Occupational Therapy
1100 Rockhurst Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64110
info@rockhurst.edu

  • Masters Degree: Rockhurst University undergraduate students seeking occupational therapy can complete their Master of Occupational Therapy Degree (MOT) in five years provided they are in touch with their Undergraduate Advisor and Pre-OT Advisor early on. Typical undergraduate degree majors for Pre-OT students include biology, psychology, or exercise, and sports science. A student can earn a bachelor’s degree in any area of interest and enter the OT program as long as they complete the required prerequisite courses for entrance into the program. 
  • Admissions Application Process: Applying to Rockhurst University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program is done through OTCAS, the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service. There are three steps to complete upon applying: complete your application, submit required materials to OTCAS, and receive the new student information packet upon approval of admittance. 
  • Tuition and Fees: The tuition and fees vary, given the number of credit hours taken, whether or not the student has medical insurance, time of year in which they attend school, and more. It is important for prospecting students to review the tuition and fees guide prior to applying.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Programs in Columbia

Columbia, MO is located in Boone County and is home to over 121,000 residents. The average salary for a certified occupational therapist in Columbia, MO is $85,721. There is one accredited college for OT in Columbia.

University of Missouri

University of Missouri Occupational Health Program
School of Health Professions
510 Lewis Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
umhsshpcomm@health.missouri.edu

  • Degrees: Prospective students are encouraged to read the MUOT Student Handbook thoroughly before enrolling to ensure that they can meet the requirements of a MUOT Student. MU offers masters (MOT), doctorates (OTD), and OT assistant (BHS-OTA) programs. 
  • Application Requirements: Prospecting students must complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university prior to applying for the master’s program. They must also complete the prerequisite courses (with a B- or better), have a minimum of 20 total hours of documented clinical observation in OT at a minimum of two different practice settings, three recommendation letters, a personal statement essay, and a resume including a minimum of 20 volunteer hours. 
  • Tuition and Fees: Total costs of tuition and fees will differ depending on the number of credit hours the student is enrolled in. This can be anywhere from $367.60 per credit hour for residents and $1,006.50 per credit hour for non-residents.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Springfield

The average salary for a certified occupational therapy assistant in Springfield is $58,947. There is one college in Springfield that has an accredited OTA program.

Ozark Technical Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: (417) 447-7500

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Kansas City

The average salary for an occupational therapy assistant in Kansas City, MO is $57,868. There is one college in Kansas City that has an accredited OTA program.

Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College OTA Program
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone – (816) 604-1000

  • Program: As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to take the national certification exam, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • Application: Students can apply for free by filling out an online or paper application. 
  • Tuition and Fees: The total approximate cost of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (In-district) is $10,596.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in St. Louis

The average salary for an occupational therapy assistant in St. Louis, MO is $58,039. There is one college in St. Louis that has an accredited OTA program.

St. Louis Community College

St. Louis Community College OTA Program
11333 Big Bend Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
cballentine@stlcc.edu

  • Program: This program prepares you for positions as occupational therapy assistants (OTA) who work under the supervision of registered occupational therapists. The Associate in Applied Science degree in OTA is a 67-credit-hour program for students who want to become occupational therapy assistants. 
  • Admissions: The OTA program is a selective admission, college-level program. Students must have successfully completed specific requirements prior to application, including:
    • High school or college cumulative grade point average of 2.5;
    • Minimum placement test scores or successful completion of specific courses;
    • Successful completion of “Intro to Biology” or Biology 111 within the last five years;
    • Completion of eight hours of observation with an OT or OTA, and submission of the OTA observation form. 
  • Tuition and Fees: In-district students pay $113.50 per credit hour, out-of-district students pay $161.50 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $221.50 per credit hour. This does not include the additional fees applied to the total cost by the college.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Sedalia

The average salary for an occupational therapy assistant in Sedalia, MO is $57,337. There is one college in Sedalia that has an accredited OTA program.

State Fair Community College

State Fair Community College OTA Program
3201 W. 16th St.
Sedalia, MO 65301
rhutton@sfccmo.edu

  • Program: The Missouri Health Professions Consortium OTA one-plus-one program combines general education, professional-level coursework, laboratory practice, and clinical fieldwork. Students will be required to take general education prerequisite courses before beginning year two of the program.
  • Admission: Students must apply both to SFCC and to the program and meet the admission requirements that include, but are not limited to: a minimum GPA of 2.5, C grade in general education classes, and more. 
  • Tuition and Fees: The tuition and fees vary, given the number of credit hours taken, whether or not the student has medical insurance, time of year in which they attend school, and more. It is important for prospecting students to review the tuition and fees guide prior to applying.

Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Cottleville

The average salary of an occupational therapy assistant in Cottleville, MO is $57,671. There is one college that has an accredited OTA program in Cottleville.

St. Charles Community College

St. Charles Community College Occupational Therapy Program
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
Cottleville, MO 63376
alliedhealth@stchas.edu

  • Program: The OTA program is a total of 75 credits. Admission to the occupational therapy assistant program occurs on a selective basis. Because of the academic demand of a curriculum that prepares graduates to take a national certification examination, applicants must meet certain academic standards.
  • Application: Students can apply to the occupational therapy assistant program once they have completed the following steps: apply to SCC, submit official college transcripts from previously-attended colleges, submit a Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credits to Enrollment Services (ADM 1113), complete any developmental coursework you assess into (includes RDG, ENG 095/096, MAT 096/098, and ESL equivalents), and earn minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale on at least 15 hours of college-level coursework. 
  • Tuition and Fees: The tuition and fees vary, given the number of credit hours taken, whether or not the student has medical insurance, time of year in which they attend school, and more. It is important for prospecting students to review the tuition and fees guide prior to applying.