10 Occupational Therapy Schools That Don't Require GRE

You can become an occupational therapist (OT) by enrolling in an accredited program without taking standardized tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Though occupational therapy is a rewarding career field, it requires rigorous training. However, there are several OT schools that don't require GRE scores for program admissions. We have 10 schools with reputable occupational therapy programs for your consideration.

Do Occupational Therapy Schools Require the GRE?

Several institutions offer either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT), which do not require you to take the GRE. They do, however, focus heavily on academic performance, letters of recommendation, completion of prerequisite courses, and relevant fieldwork. Several graduate programs have waived the requirement for standardized tests but may still consider them if you have already taken the GRE.

What Are the Admission Requirements for OT School?

Most OT programs follow the academic standards set by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Admission to these programs requires prospective students to hold a bachelor's degree and maintain a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.

Many programs require certain prerequisite classes (e.g., human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and other hard sciences) prior to enrollment. You should also expect to undergo an in-person or Zoom interview with the OT department faculty member after submitting recommendations and writing a personal statement, explaining why you would make a terrific OT. Most OT programs require a commitment to full-time study, as the coursework is typically on-campus and involves extensive hands-on training with experienced faculty.

Top OT Schools That Don't Require GRE Scores

Here is a list of accredited OT programs that don't require GRE scores in the application process. These programs have strong reputations among clinical occupational therapists who have good standing with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

1. Louisiana State University Health - Shreveport

Louisiana State University Health - Shreveport offers a doctoral program for OT, which does not require GRE scores and takes about three years to complete. This program teaches the most advanced methods of caring for the sick, injured, and those with disabilities. You can apply to programs like this by using the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS), which serves several accredited programs across the U.S.

• Estimated tuition cost: $66,070
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

2. Johnson and Wales University

Johnson and Wales University offers a doctoral program. Qualified applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.8, and write a personal statement. The program also has five prerequisite courses for admission: anatomy and physiology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, and medical terminology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $66,070
• Accreditation: ACOTE

3. Emory and Henry College

Emory and Henry College's OT program requires 60 credit hours, and prospective students can seek early-decision acceptance by completing the OTCAS application by September 1. The OT school begins rolling interviews with candidates in October. You must have at least a 3.5 GPA for early-decision consideration, and all accepted students must undergo criminal background checks for felony convictions and submit immunization records.

• Estimated tuition cost: $82,222
• Accreditation: ACOTE

4. University of Findlay

The University of Findlay does not require standardized for admission to any graduate school programs, including its Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) or MOT degrees. Both programs also have graduation rates higher than 80% every year. Applicants must earn at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for program acceptance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $30,000 per semester
• Accreditation: ACOTE

5. Chicago State University

Chicago State University has the only dual degree program (bachelor's + MOT) in Illinois. Its program graduates all obtain employment after completing the NBCOT licensing process as well. This program trains students for rewarding careers working with patients with physical and cognitive impairments, along with other job opportunities, such as practitioners, consultants, researchers, and advocates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $55,750
• Accreditation: ACOTE

6. Midwestern University

Midwestern University no longer requires the GRE for program admission as of 2023. Successful candidates must have a 3.0 GPA (overall and in science courses), two letters of recommendation, and complete the Casper Situational Judgment Test. The Casper test gauges OTs on various skills related to social intelligence and professionalism.

• Estimated tuition cost: $162,684
• Accreditation: ACOTE

7. Radford University

Radford University offers a master's program and an eight-semester doctoral degree for occupational therapists. The doctoral program is 100% online, making it a convenient option for mid-career working professionals. Radford's MOT program has either an in-person or hybrid delivery format, which takes seven semesters to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $50,000
• Accreditation: ACOTE

8. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University offers an MSOT degree with high pass rates for licensing in North Carolina. The program has several prerequisite courses for admission, but offers flexibility on certain introductory undergraduate courses among them. MSOT students learn every essential skill for helping others maintain their daily lives by taking face-to-face courses and completing several seminars, featuring Level I and Level II fieldwork.

• Estimated tuition cost: $62,910
• Accreditation: ACOTE

9. Colorado State University

Colorado State University has two doctoral programs in occupational therapy. Its OTD program focuses on training licensed practitioners, whereas the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree involves research opportunities in the field. These accredited degree options feature small class sizes, valuable fieldwork assignments, and numerous scholarship opportunities to offset tuition costs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46,615
• Accreditation: ACOTE

10. Delaware State University

Delaware State University's MOT degree program takes 2.5 years to complete and does not require standardized test scores for admission. You must possess a bachelor's degree for admission, having earned no less than a B- in any prerequisite courses, which include general psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, and human anatomy and physiology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $64,492
• Accreditation: ACOTE

FAQs About OT Programs That Don't Require the GRE

Here are three frequently asked questions (FAQs) about MOT and OTD programs and their admissions processes. This section delves into program difficulty and the reputability of such degree programs.

Are OT Schools That Don't Require the GRE Accredited?

Yes, there are several graduate schools with no GRE requirements that still receive full accreditation from reputable reviewers such as ACOTE. The schools above fit that description and lead graduates to lucrative career opportunities upon program completion.

How Hard Is It To Get Into OT School?

Getting into OT school is no simple task, even for the most qualified candidates. It requires excellent grades in undergraduate coursework, especially the health science classes that relate directly to occupational therapy. While you don't have to worry about achieving a high test score, you should strive for top grades, write a convincing personal statement, and get excellent letters of recommendation from previous professors and colleagues in the healthcare field.

Is PT or OT Harder To Get Into?

Physical therapy (PT) has generally more challenging admissions standards because it always requires a doctoral degree for entry-level employment. OT professionals may hold either a master's degree or a doctorate, depending on their intended career path. They may also specialize in certain areas, which may require students gain admission to specific schools, such as pediatric occupational therapy schools.

Explore OT Degrees

You can learn more about OT degrees and other credentials for various health professions by exploring our other articles. This includes essential information on bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorates, and professional licensure for OTs, nurses, physician assistants, and every other healthcare career field.