An online doctorate in occupational therapy degree prepares students with the highest level of training and knowledge needed for a career in occupational therapy. physical-therapy-assistant.org reports that there is a growing demand for physical therapist assistants due to an aging population, an increase in chronic health conditions, and the emphasis on preventive care. These assistants provide essential support to physical therapists in rehabilitation and healthcare settings.
Students who complete this online degree will have gained the skills needed to work with different types of people to help assess their needs and provide an intervention that allows them to be more independent. An online degree has the distinct advantage of being cheaper than its on-campus counterpart as well as providing the student with more flexibility and control over their course schedule.
Featured Programs
See Also:
- Online Occupational Therapy Programs
- Best Online Doctorates In Occupational TherapyKinesiology Degree Online
Best Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy Programs Methodology
For students who want to pursue a doctorate of occupational therapy online, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and the length of the program. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online Degrees
#1. Governors State University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
University Park, Illinois
Students at Governors State University can enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree. This online doctorate degree has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To complete this program of study, students are expected to earn a total of 33 credits. Governors State University has designed this program to be completed primarily online. However, some classes in the program are offered in a hybrid format, meaning that they need to be taken on campus.
Tuition: $15,114
Score: 100
#2. Utica College
Online Doctor of Physical Therapy
Utica, New York
Utica College students can pursue the school’s Online Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This online doctorate degree provides students with the training and knowledge to succeed in this medical field. Students will learn how to work with patients to help with their individual needs. This program is designed to be taken entirely online and can be completed in as little as 16 months. A total of 18 credits are needed to complete the courses in this program. Utica College has received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $21,150
Score: 99.75
#3. Concordia University Wisconsin
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Mequon, Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin offers its Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy entirely online. In this degree program, students will only be expected to visit the campus for an initial two-day orientation as well as a 3-day visit during the last year of the program. Students will gain the knowledge and clinical understanding needed to succeed in this field of work. Concordia University Wisconsin has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 33 credits are required to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $21,516
Score: 99.5
#4. University of South Dakota
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Vermillion, South Dakota
The University of South Dakota offers its Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree to its students online. This online degree has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy. Some of the courses in this program of study include Human Gross Anatomy, Occupational Performance, Human Physiology, and much more. A total of 31 credits are needed to complete this degree of study. After completing this program, students will be ready for a variety of different career paths in occupational therapy.
Tuition: $21,762
Score: 99.25
#5. Texas Woman’s University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Denton, Texas
This Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree is offered by Texas Woman’s University. In this online program, students will learn the skills needed to be master practitioners. They’ll learn how to work with different age groups to help meet their individual needs. This program is designed to be completed part-time across six semesters. Courses are held online except for a couple of campus visits each semester. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $23,034
Score: 99
#6. Mount Mary University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mount Mary University offers an entirely online doctorate in occupational therapy to its students. Students in this program will focus their studies on a variety of areas including pediatrics, gerontology, mental health, physical rehabilitation, and much more. Some of the courses in this program of study include Research in Occupational Therapy, Perspectives on Occupation, and much more. Mount Mary University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $23,140
Score: 98.75
#7. A.T. Still University
Online Doctor of Physical Therapy
Kirksville, Missouri
Students can choose to enroll in an Online Doctor of Physical Therapy at A.T. Still University. This online degree program is designed to provide students the medical perspective and training needed to work in the field of occupational therapy. Students can take this program online with minimal visits to the A.T. Still University campus. A total of 48 credits are needed to complete this program of study. A.T. Still University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $24,480
Score: 98.5
#8. Barry University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Miami Shores, Florida
Barry University offers an entirely online doctorate of occupational therapy degree to its students. This program was designed from the ground up for online enrollment. This program of study has received accreditation from the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy as well as accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students in this program are required to complete a total of 36 credits to complete this degree program. A short residency is required to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $25,164
Score: 98.25
#9. Gannon University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Erie, Pennsylvania
Students at Gannon University can enroll in the school’s Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate. This online degree was created by Gannon University to allow students to gain the knowledge they need for a career as an occupational remotely. A total of 34 credits are needed to complete this program. Gannon University does not require students to attend a residency to complete this degree program. Those who work through this degree will have gained the knowledge and information required to advance in this field. Students can expect to complete this degree program in about two years.
Tuition: $25,500
Score: 98
#10. Thomas Jefferson University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Offered entirely online, this online degree is a great option for those seeking to further their education as well as their career in occupational therapy. Students in this program of study will focus on three major areas of study including teaching in the digital age, health and community participation, rehabilitation and disability studies, and children and their families in context. A total of 33 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Thomas Jefferson University has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition: $27,830
Score: 97.75
#11. Boston University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University offers this Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree to its students entirely online. This program was designed for students who are currently working in the field of occupational therapy. A total of 33 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Typically, students can expect to complete this degree program in 18 months. Courses in this program of study include Health Promotion and Wellness, Social Policy and Disability, and much more. Boston University has received accreditation for this program from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition: $29,535
Score: 97.5
#12. Chatham University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Made available through Chatham University’s online learning platform, this Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree was built from the ground up for online enrollment. A total of 10 courses are needed to complete this online degree program. Courses in this program of study include Occupational Science, Education Theory and Technology, and much more. Students in this program will develop the skills needed to succeed outside the classroom and in the role of clinicians. A total of 30 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Chatham University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $29,610
Score: 97.25
#13. Temple University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Students at Temple University can choose this Online Occupational Therapy doctorate to complete entirely online. Temple University anticipates that students can complete this program in two years. A total of 31 credits are needed to earn this degree program. Courses in this program of study include Occupational Based Theories and Participation, Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions, and many others. While the courses are entirely online, students are required to complete 160 hours of clinical field study as well as an annual meeting at Temple University.
Tuition: $30,225
Score: 97
#14. University of Kansas
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Kansas City, Kansas
At the University of Kansas, students can enroll in an Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate. This online doctorate has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Through this program of study, students will develop the relevant skills and experience needed to work in the field of occupational therapy. Students will be poised to help patients overcome their issues to lead more independent lives. While all the courses are available online, students are required to visit the University of Kansas campus at least once during the pursuit of this degree program.
Tuition: $30,659
Score: 96.75
#15. Quinnipiac University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hamden, Connecticut
This Online Occupational Doctorate is offered at Quinnipiac University. This program of study is designed for working occupational therapists who are hoping to expand their knowledge and go further in their careers. This program of study requires an on-campus orientation while the rest of the program is offered to students entirely online. A total of 32 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Quinnipiac University has received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition: $31,840
Score: 96.5
#16. American International College
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Springfield, Massachusetts
This Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree is offered to students by American International College. Students in this program are expected to earn the entire degree in as little as 21 months. Only three visits to the American International College campus are required to complete this program. The rest of the program is offered entirely online. Courses in this program include Leadership in Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Theory in Practice, and much more. A total of 30 credits are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $32,100
Score: 96.25
#17. Salus University
Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Students at Salus University can enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree. Through this program of study, students will work to develop the experience and training to continue further in their careers as occupational therapists. A total of 30 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Salus University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Typically, students can expect to complete this program in approximately two years.
Tuition: $34,830
Score: 96.25
#18. Loma Linda University
Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Loma Linda, California
Students at Loma Linda University can enroll in the school’s Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. This online degree provides students with the skills and experience needed to continue further in their careers as occupational therapists. This program of study has received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Loma Linda University projects that students can complete this program of study in approximately two years.
Tuition: $37,100
Score: 96
#19. St. Catherine University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
St. Catherine University offers an Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree. This online doctorate in occupational therapy degree was designed from the group up to be completed entirely online. Students in this program of study will continue to broaden their understanding of key concepts in occupational therapy. This program of study is a great option for those currently working in occupational therapy who are hoping to advance their careers. A total of 35 credits are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $38,115
Score: 96.75
#20. University of Wisconsin
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Madison, Wisconsin
This Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree is offered to students at the University of Wisconsin. This program of study can be completed in approximately three years. The University of Wisconsin designed this program to be pursued part-time. A total of 30 credits are needed for the completion of this degree program. This degree is a great option for students who are currently working in occupational therapy who wish to further their careers. This program does not require students to visit the University of Wisconsin campus.
Tuition: $39,100
Score: 96.75
#21. Brenau University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Gainesville, Georgia
Students at Brenau University can choose to enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree. This online degree program is offered to students entirely online. Brenau University has designed this program to be completed in two years. A total of 36 credits are needed to complete this degree. While all the classes in this program are offered online, students are asked to visit the Brenau University campus once each semester. This program was designed for students who are currently working in the field of occupational therapy.
Tuition: $40,608
Score: 96.25
#22. Nova Southeastern University
Online PhD in Occupational Therapy
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nova Southeastern University offers students an Online PhD in Occupational Therapy degree. Students in this program will work to expand their understanding of occupational therapy techniques and practices in preparation for higher-level positions in the field of occupational therapy. Nova Southeastern University has designed this program to be mostly online, but students are required to visit the Nova Southeastern University campus once each semester for a weekend of on-site classes. A total of 61 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program include Fundamentals of Biostatistics, Theory Development for Models of Practice, and more.
Tuition: $40,870
Score: 96
#23. University of Utah
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Salt Lake City, Utah
Students at the University of Utah can enroll in the school’s Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Through this program of study, students will deepen their understanding of the practice of occupational therapy. This program of study has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. A total of 36 credits are required to earn this degree. This program is designed to be completed in around four years. The University of Utah designed this program to help students further their careers in occupational therapy.
Tuition: $41,073
Score: 95.75
#24. Eastern Kentucky University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Richmond, Kentucky
Offered entirely online, this Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree is offered to students by Eastern Kentucky University. This program is designed for working students. Eastern Kentucky University offers this program entirely online and does not require any campus visits. Courses in this program are eight weeks long. Some of the courses in this program of study include Early Childhood Practice, Occupational Performance Measures, Occupation and Sensory Processing, and more. A total of 61 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Eastern Kentucky University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $41,175
Score: 95.5
#25. George Washington University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Washington, DC
George Washington University offers students an Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate. This doctorate was designed to be completed entirely online. Students in this program of study will build upon their current experience as they move through this degree program. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. George Washington University projects that students will complete this degree in approximately 2.5 years. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools has provided accreditation for this degree program.
Tuition: $47,340
Score: 95.25
#26. Creighton University
Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Omaha, Nebraska
Students at Creighton University can select this Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. A total of 42 hours are required to complete this online doctorate in occupational therapy degree. This program of study has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program of study include Program Development and Management, Neuro-Occupation and Technology, and many others. This program was designed with students who are currently working in the field of occupational therapy.
Tuition: $48,384
Score: 95
#27. Virginia Commonwealth University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Richmond, Virginia
This Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree is offered by the Virginia Commonwealth University. Students in this program of study will build upon their work experience as occupational therapists to learn and examine more advanced ideas and techniques in occupational therapy. Those who complete this program of study will have the skills needed to advance in their field. A total of 40 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Virginia Commonwealth University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $25,740
Score: 94.75
#28. University of North Carolina
Online PhD in Occupational Therapy
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers an Online PhD in Occupational Therapy degree. Through this program of study, students will develop their skills in occupational therapy and occupational science. This is a great degree program for students who are already working in the field of occupational therapy. Typically, this program can be completed in approximately four years. This program has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 42 credits are needed to complete this degree program.
Tuition: $52,878
Score: 94.5
#29. Bay Path University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Students at Bay Path University can enroll in this Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree. This program of study is designed for working professionals. Typically, students can expect to complete this program in 4-8 terms depending on their course load. Bay Path University offers this program entirely online and does not require any visits to their campus. A total of 54 credits are needed to complete this program. Students in this program can choose from five different tracks including Administration, Advanced General Practice, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Education, Mental Health, and Productive Aging.
Tuition: $53,730
Score: 94.25
#30. University of Alabama
Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy Programs
Birmingham, Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is now offering an Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy degree. This degree was created for people currently working as occupational therapists that want to advance their careers to the next level. Courses in this program of study include Occupational Therapists as Educators, Leadership for Advanced Practice Excellence, and the Advocacy and Healthcare Policy in Population Health. A total of 45 credits are needed to complete this degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided accreditation for this degree program.
Tuition: $61,335
Score: 94
#31. New York University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
New York, NY
This Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate is offered by New York University. Students can pursue this degree entirely online and are not required to visit the New York University campus at any point during their studies. This program of study can be customized by choosing different clinical specialization courses that are best suited for the student’s goals. New York University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program.
Tuition: $64,620
Score: 93.75
#32. Misericordia University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Misericordia University offers an Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate to its students. This program of study has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Students in this program will go through a curriculum that is designed to provide them with the highest level of occupational therapy experience and knowledge. Those who complete this degree program will be prepared to take on more advanced career paths. A total of 90 credits are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $70,650
Score: 93.5
#33. Saint Louis University
Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate
St. Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis University offers an online doctorate in occupational therapy to its students. This degree program is great for students who have been or are currently, working professionals. This degree program will build on the experience gained in the field to provide students with a deeper understanding and further knowledge of occupational therapy. A total of 64 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Saint Louis University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $88,960
Score: 93.25
#34. Duquesne University
Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree is offered to students entirely online. Through this program, students will advance their understanding of occupational therapy concepts to the highest level. This program of study requires a total of 84 credits to complete. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided accreditation for this degree program. Those who complete this program will be ready for more advanced careers in occupational therapy.
Tuition: $89,292
Score: 93
#35. Towson University
Online Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Towson, Maryland
Towson University offers students an Online Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. This online degree was created for working professionals that want to expand their understanding of occupational therapy concepts. This program can be taken full-time or part-time. A total of 90 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This degree has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $99,450
Score: 92.75
#36. Indiana University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Online
Indianapolis, Indiana
Students at Indiana University can choose to enroll in the school’s Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree. A total of 106 credits are needed to complete this degree program. Indiana University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This program of study focuses on six different areas including mental health, productive aging, children and youth, rehabilitation disability and participation, work and industry, and health and wellness.
Tuition: $105,470
Score: 92.5
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This concludes our ranking of the top Doctor of Occupational Therapy online degree programs.
NPCO Staff
