Overview
ACOTE and OT education
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), part of the American Occupational Therapy Association, is the recognized accreditor of U.S. occupational therapy education. It accredits entry-level occupational therapist programs (master’s, MSOT, and doctoral, OTD) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs. Recognized by USDE and CHEA.
The Gate
ACOTE accreditation, the NBCOT exam, and licensure
Graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program makes you eligible for the NBCOT certification exam — pass it and you become an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) — and all states require licensure to practice, usually based on the NBCOT result. An unaccredited OT program is not a path to certification or licensure.
Two Levels
OT and OTA
- Occupational therapist (MSOT / OTD)Entry-level master’s or doctoral programs for occupational therapists; ACOTE accreditation is required to sit for the NBCOT OTR exam.
- Occupational therapy assistant (OTA)Associate- or bachelor-level ACOTE-accredited programs for OTAs, leading to the NBCOT COTA credential and state licensure.
Do It Yourself
Verify an OT program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits occupational therapy programs? The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), part of the AOTA, which accredits occupational therapist (MSOT/OTD) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) programs. It is recognized by USDE and CHEA.
- Do I need an ACOTE-accredited program to become an OT? Yes. Graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program is required to sit for the NBCOT certification exam, which underpins state licensure.
- What is the NBCOT exam? The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam; passing it earns the OTR (therapist) or COTA (assistant) credential that states use for licensure.
- What degree do occupational therapists need? An entry-level master's (MSOT) or doctoral (OTD) degree from an ACOTE-accredited program.
- Does ACOTE accredit OTA programs? Yes. Occupational therapy assistant programs are ACOTE-accredited and lead to the NBCOT COTA credential and licensure.
- Is ACOTE recognized by the government? Yes. ACOTE is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.
- Can I practice OT without licensure? No. All states require licensure to practice occupational therapy, generally based on the NBCOT result from an ACOTE-accredited program.
- How do I verify an OT program's accreditation? Search the ACOTE accredited-programs directory and confirm certification and licensure steps with NBCOT and your state board.