Top 25 Occupational Therapy Schools In Texas 2026 Requirements

Texas is home to numerous universities and colleges offering occupational therapy education. Students interested in helping people regain independence and participate more fully in everyday activities can choose from programs leading to careers as occupational therapists (OTs) or occupational therapy assistants (OTAs).

Occupational therapy programs in Texas include Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Occupational Therapy (OTM/MSOT), and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs. According to the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), entry into the occupational therapy profession is available at the master’s or doctoral level, while occupational therapy assistants enter the profession through associate or bachelor’s degree programs. ACOTE

This article highlights 25 occupational therapy schools and program locations in Texas, together with the major admission requirements students should understand before applying.

Top 25 Occupational Therapy Schools in Texas

1. Texas Woman’s University

Location: Denton, Dallas and Houston

Texas Woman’s University is one of the major occupational therapy education providers in Texas. The university offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy pathway and has occupational therapy education locations in several parts of the state.

The program is designed to provide students with the academic knowledge, clinical preparation and professional skills needed for occupational therapy practice.

Common requirements include:

• Completion of required prerequisite courses

• Appropriate undergraduate preparation

• Minimum academic standards

• Application through the required application system

• Recommendations and supporting documents

• Completion of required fieldwork and professional experiences

Texas Woman’s University is included among Texas occupational therapy programs in state and professional listings. ECPTOTE Website

2. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Location: Lubbock

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Students receive training in occupational therapy theory, clinical practice, assessment, intervention and professional development.

Typical admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree or required undergraduate preparation

• Completion of prerequisite courses

• Competitive academic record

• Application materials

• Recommendations

• Other program-specific requirements

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is listed as an OTD program in Texas. ECPTOTE Website

3. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Location: San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Its location within a major academic health sciences environment gives students the opportunity to study occupational therapy alongside other healthcare disciplines.

Applicants should expect requirements such as:

• Required prerequisite courses

• Undergraduate degree preparation

• Minimum GPA standards

• Application materials

• Recommendations

• Professional and clinical preparation

The institution’s occupational therapy program is listed among Texas OTD programs. ECPTOTE Website

4. University of Texas Medical Branch

Location: Galveston

The University of Texas Medical Branch offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

UTMB’s program provides students with professional coursework combined with fieldwork and practical experiences. It is an option for students interested in studying occupational therapy within a major academic medical environment.

Typical requirements include:

• Required undergraduate preparation

• Completion of prerequisite courses

• Academic requirements

• Application through the appropriate system

• Supporting documents

• Clinical and fieldwork requirements

UTMB is listed among Texas OT programs by the Texas occupational therapy regulatory system. ECPTOTE Website

5. University of Texas at El Paso

Location: El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program for students seeking entry into the occupational therapy profession.

The program combines classroom learning with fieldwork and other professional experiences.

Common requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree or appropriate undergraduate preparation

• Required prerequisites

• Minimum GPA

• Application materials

• Recommendations

• Completion of fieldwork and doctoral requirements

6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Location: Edinburg

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers occupational therapy education for students interested in pursuing professional practice.

The program provides an option for students living in South Texas and those interested in serving diverse communities.

Applicants should prepare for requirements involving:

• Prerequisite courses

• Undergraduate education

• Academic performance

• Application documents

• Recommendations

• Clinical education

UTRGV is included in Texas’ occupational therapy school listings. ECPTOTE Website

7. Abilene Christian University

Location: Abilene

Abilene Christian University offers occupational therapy education and provides students with a private-university option in Texas.

Its occupational therapy programs prepare students for professional practice through academic coursework, clinical education and fieldwork.

Typical requirements may include:

• Undergraduate degree

• Required prerequisite courses

• Minimum GPA

• Personal statement

• Recommendations

• Application through the required platform

• Professional experience or observation where applicable

8. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Austin

Location: Austin

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has an Austin campus offering occupational therapy education.

The institution provides graduate-level occupational therapy pathways and is particularly notable for students comparing different program formats.

Applicants should review:

• Degree-specific prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree requirements

• Academic standards

• Application requirements

• Professional experience requirements

• Fieldwork expectations

The Austin campus is included in Texas occupational therapy listings. ECPTOTE Website

9. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Dallas

Location: Irving/Dallas area

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences also operates a Dallas-area campus.

This provides another option for students who want to study occupational therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Typical requirements include:

• Undergraduate preparation

• Prerequisite courses

• Application materials

• Academic requirements

• Program-specific admission requirements

10. Baylor University

Location: Waco

Baylor University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

As a major private university in Texas, Baylor provides students with a professional doctoral route into occupational therapy.

Common admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preparation

• Required prerequisites

• Competitive GPA

• Application materials

• Recommendations

• Personal statement

• Other program-specific requirements

Baylor’s OTD program appears in Texas occupational therapy school records. ECPTOTE Website

11. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Location: Belton

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers a master’s-level occupational therapy pathway.

The program provides students with professional preparation in occupational therapy through academic coursework and clinical experiences.

Applicants should be prepared to meet requirements involving:

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers a master’s-level occupational therapy pathway.

• Undergraduate education

• Prerequisite coursework

• Academic performance

• Application materials

• Recommendations

• Clinical education

The program is identified as an OTM program in current occupational therapy records. ECPTOTE Website

12. University of Texas at Tyler

Location: Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a master’s-level occupational therapy program.

It provides an option for students interested in professional occupational therapy education in East Texas.

Typical requirements include:

• Completion of prerequisite courses

• Required undergraduate preparation

• Minimum GPA

• Application materials

• Recommendations

• Completion of clinical requirements

13. Tarleton State University

Location: Stephenville

Tarleton State University is developing its Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Students interested in newer OT programs should pay particular attention to the program’s current accreditation status and admission timeline.

ACOTE has scheduled an accreditation visit for Tarleton State University’s OTD program for February 2027. ACOTE

Potential applicants should carefully check:

• Program launch status

• Accreditation status

• Prerequisite courses

• Application deadline

• GPA requirements

• Required application materials

14. University of the Incarnate Word

Location: San Antonio

The University of the Incarnate Word is another Texas institution associated with occupational therapy education.

Students interested in private higher education in the San Antonio area may consider its occupational therapy offerings.

Applicants should review the current program information for:

• Program launch status

• Accreditation status

• Prerequisite courses

• Application deadline

• GPA requirements

• Required application materials

14. University of the Incarnate Word

Location: San Antonio

• Degree type

• Prerequisite courses

• Academic requirements

• Application requirements

• Accreditation status

• Fieldwork expectations

15. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Amarillo

Location: Amarillo

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has a regional academic health center in Amarillo associated with occupational therapy education.

This provides another Texas location for students researching occupational therapy education through the Texas Tech health sciences system.

Applicants should verify the current admission pathway and program structure before applying.

16. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin

Location: Odessa

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Regional Academic Health Center in the Permian Basin is another location identified in Texas occupational therapy school records.

Students considering this location should confirm the current program availability, admissions requirements and degree structure.

17. UT Health San Antonio – Laredo

Location: Laredo

UT Health San Antonio has an occupational therapy presence associated with Laredo.

This can provide an additional option for students in South Texas.

Students should verify:

• Current program location

• Degree structure

• Prerequisite requirements

• Application process

• Clinical education arrangements

18. Austin Community College

Location: Austin

Austin Community College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant pathway.

This program is different from an entry-level occupational therapist degree. Students completing an OTA program prepare for the occupational therapy assistant profession.

Typical requirements may include:

• College admission

• Prerequisite courses

• Program-specific academic requirements

• Health documentation

• Clinical education

• Fieldwork

Austin Community College is included in the Texas OTA school listings. ECPTOTE Website

19. Amarillo College

Location: Amarillo

Amarillo College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

The program provides students with a pathway into the OTA profession without requiring an entry-level occupational therapy doctorate.

Applicants should expect requirements involving:

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Regional Academic Health Center in the Permian Basin is another location identified in Texas occupational therapy school records.

17. UT Health San Antonio – Laredo

• College admission

• Required prerequisites

• Academic standards

• Health and clinical requirements

• Supervised fieldwork

ACOTE lists Amarillo College as an OTA associate program. ACOTE

20. Del Mar College

Location: Corpus Christi

Del Mar College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program in Corpus Christi.

It can be an option for students interested in beginning an occupational therapy-related career through the OTA route.

Common requirements include:

• College admission

• Prerequisite courses

• Academic requirements

• Clinical preparation

• Fieldwork completion

21. San Jacinto College

Location: Houston

San Jacinto College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

The program provides training for students interested in supporting occupational therapists and working directly with clients under the appropriate professional supervision.

San Jacinto College is included among Texas OTA programs, and ACOTE has an accreditation visit scheduled for its South Campus OTA program in February 2027. ACOTE+1

22. Lone Star College

Location: Tomball and Kingwood

Lone Star College has occupational therapy assistant program locations in Texas.

Its OTA pathway can be considered by students who want an associate-level entry into the occupational therapy field.

Current Texas school records identify both Tomball and Kingwood among OTA locations. ECPTOTE Website

23. North Central Texas College

Location: Corinth

North Central Texas College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant pathway.

Students interested in this option should review the latest program prerequisites, application requirements, curriculum and fieldwork expectations before applying.

24. South Texas College

Location: McAllen

South Texas College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

The program gives students in the Rio Grande Valley another route into the occupational therapy profession at the assistant level.

Applicants should review current admission and prerequisite requirements before applying.

25. Tyler Junior College

Location: Tyler

Tyler Junior College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

This provides an additional option for students in East Texas who want to pursue OTA education.

Students should review the college’s current requirements concerning prerequisites, academic standing, clinical preparation and fieldwork.

Common Requirements for Occupational Therapy Schools in Texas

Although every school has its own admissions process, several requirements appear frequently across occupational therapy programs.

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Most entry-level graduate occupational therapy programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent undergraduate preparation.

Students should check whether their undergraduate degree includes all required prerequisites.

2. Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses are a major part of the application process.

Common subjects can include:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Psychology

• Lifespan or Developmental Psychology

• Abnormal Psychology

• Statistics

• Medical Terminology

• Biology

• Sociology or Anthropology

• English or writing

However, there is no universal Texas prerequisite list. The University of Texas specifically advises students to check the requirements of individual OT schools because prerequisite requirements differ between programs. Health Professions Office

3. Minimum GPA

Most professional OT programs establish minimum GPA requirements.

However, simply meeting the minimum does not necessarily guarantee admission. Applicants should review each school’s average or competitive academic profile where such information is available.

4. Observation or Volunteer Experience

Some occupational therapy programs require or recommend observation or volunteer experience.

This experience can help applicants understand what occupational therapists actually do and demonstrate genuine interest in the profession.

Because requirements vary, students should confirm the number and type of hours required by each program.

5. Letters of Recommendation

Many OT programs require letters of recommendation.

Depending on the school, recommendations may come from professors, occupational therapists, employers or other qualified professionals.

6. Personal Statement

Applicants may need to explain their interest in occupational therapy, relevant experiences, career goals and reasons for choosing the particular program.

A strong personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of the profession rather than simply stating that the applicant wants to work in healthcare.

7. OTCAS Application

Many Texas occupational therapy schools use the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, commonly called OTCAS.

Applicants should carefully check whether their chosen school requires OTCAS and whether the school has an additional application.

The University of Texas Health Professions Office notes that Texas OT schools use OTCAS, while some programs may also require secondary applications. Health Professions Office

8. Fieldwork and Clinical Education

Occupational therapy is a hands-on healthcare profession.

Students must complete supervised fieldwork or clinical education as part of their professional preparation.

9. Accreditation

Accreditation is an important consideration when choosing an occupational therapy program.

ACOTE maintains a school directory containing information such as degree level and accreditation status. ACOTE

Students should check the current status of a program before applying, particularly when considering a newer program.

How Much Does Occupational Therapy School Cost in Texas?

The cost of occupational therapy education varies considerably.

Public universities may have different tuition rates for Texas residents and non-residents, while private universities generally establish their own tuition structures.

Students should consider more than tuition when calculating the total cost of an OT degree.

Other expenses can include:

• Application fees

• Textbooks

• Laboratory fees

• Technology

• Transportation

• Housing

• Professional equipment

• Health insurance

• Clinical placement expenses

• Certification and licensing expenses

Common Requirements for Occupational Therapy Schools in Texas

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Students should check whether their undergraduate degree includes all required prerequisites.

2. Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses are a major part of the application process.

Common subjects can include:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Psychology

• Lifespan or Developmental Psychology

• Abnormal Psychology

• Statistics

• Medical Terminology

• Biology

• Sociology or Anthropology

• English or writing

3. Minimum GPA

For this reason, prospective students should compare the total estimated cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Occupational Therapist in Texas?

The timeline depends on the educational pathway.

Students entering an OTD program generally complete a multi-year professional doctoral curriculum after their undergraduate preparation. Master’s-level OT programs also require substantial professional study and fieldwork.

Students pursuing the OTA pathway generally complete an associate-level program before moving toward certification and state licensure requirements.

After graduation, prospective occupational therapists must also meet the applicable certification and Texas licensure requirements.

OT School vs OTA School: What Is the Difference?

One of the most important decisions students must make is whether they want to become an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant.

ACOTE recognizes master’s and doctoral programs for entry into occupational therapy and associate/bachelor’s programs for entry into occupational therapy assisting. ACOTE

Comparison Table: Top Occupational Therapy Schools in Texas

Tips for Choosing the Right Occupational Therapy School in Texas

Choosing an OT school should involve more than looking at the school’s name.

Check the Degree

First determine whether the institution offers an OTD, OTM/MSOT or OTA program.

If your goal is to become an occupational therapist, an OTA program is not a substitute for an entry-level OT degree.

Check Accreditation

Verify the program’s current accreditation status through ACOTE before applying.

This is particularly important for newer programs or programs that are still moving through the accreditation process.

Compare Prerequisites

Create a spreadsheet showing the prerequisite courses required by each school.

This can prevent you from reaching application season only to discover that you are missing an important course.

Compare Costs

Look at tuition, fees, housing, transportation, books and other expenses.

A program with lower tuition may still have a higher total cost if living expenses are significantly greater.

Consider Location and Program Format

Think about whether you prefer:

• Traditional classroom learning

• Hybrid education

• A large metropolitan area

• A smaller university community

• Public or private education

• A program close to family

Look at Fieldwork Opportunities

Clinical education is an essential component of OT preparation. Consider the types of facilities and populations available through a program’s fieldwork opportunities.

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Conclusion

Texas offers a wide range of educational opportunities for people interested in occupational therapy. Students can choose from OTD programs, master’s-level occupational therapy programs and OTA associate-degree programs.

Among the institutions to research are Texas Woman’s University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, UT Health San Antonio, UT Medical Branch, UT El Paso, UT Rio Grande Valley, Abilene Christian University, Baylor University, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Students who want to enter the profession as occupational therapy assistants can also explore institutions such as Austin Community College, Amarillo College, Del Mar College, San Jacinto College, Lone Star College, South Texas College and Tyler Junior College.

The most important step is to look beyond the school name. Compare degree type, accreditation, prerequisites, GPA requirements, application process, tuition, clinical education, location and career goals before making your decision.

Because occupational therapy program requirements can change, always confirm the latest information with the individual school and the relevant accreditation and licensing authorities before applying.