Top 20 Occupational Therapy Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a robust and highly regarded landscape for occupational therapy (OT) education, with programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation. According to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Texas Woman’s University holds the #1 position in the state and is tied for 24th nationally, placing it in the top 8% of all OT programs in the country . This recognition underscores the quality and competitiveness of OT education in Texas. T

he state’s programs are primarily at the doctoral level, with the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) becoming the standard entry-level degree due to the ACOTE 2027 mandate. This list features 20 accredited OT schools across Texas, including public universities and private institutions offering a variety of formats from traditional on-campus programs to hybrid and flexible options designed for diverse student needs.

Top 20 Occupational Therapy Schools In Texas

1. Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Dallas, Houston)

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is home to the top-ranked occupational therapy program in Texas, holding the #1 spot in the state and tying for #24 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report . The School of Occupational Therapy offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree at its three campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

The program is accredited by ACOTE and includes a robust curriculum with 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and a 14-week capstone experience . TWU is one of only three programs in the nation offering a PhD in OT, making it a leader in both clinical and research education.

2. UT Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston (Galveston)

UTMB’s Occupational Therapy program is ranked #41 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for the current year. The School of Health Professions offers an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.

UTMB also launched an innovative hybrid OTD cohort in Laredo in 2025, the first hybrid OT program offered by a public university in Texas, designed to expand access to advanced healthcare education in medically underserved regions. The program accepts a competitive cohort of students and offers a blend of online coursework and on-campus lab activities.

3. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Dallas (Dallas)

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) operates a Dallas campus that offers both Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs. The campus features state-of-the-art Simulation Centers, including a 10-bed hospital setting, VR equipment, and advanced robotics, providing students with a cutting-edge learning environment. USAHS offers its OT programs in three formats: Residential, Hybrid Immersion, and Flex, catering to diverse student needs and schedules. The Dallas campus is located in a major hub for technology, healthcare, and biotechnology, offering strong clinical placement and networking opportunities.

4. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Austin (Austin)

The USAHS Austin campus offers MOT and OTD programs in a city known for its vibrant culture and healthcare community. The programs are designed to help students overcome physical and cognitive barriers to improve quality of life. The Austin campus offers MOT programs in Residential and Flex formats, while the OTD program is available in the Residential format. This campus provides students with access to a dynamic learning environment in the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) offers a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program through its School of Health Professions . The program is listed among the public OT programs in Texas and is a key provider of occupational therapy education in West Texas. TTUHSC is known for its commitment to serving rural and underserved communities, preparing graduates for practice in diverse settings.

6. UT Health San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The university is a major health science center in South Texas, providing comprehensive health professions education, including occupational therapy, to serve the region’s healthcare needs. It is one of the key public OT programs in the state.

7. Abilene Christian University (Abilene)

Abilene Christian University (ACU) offers an occupational therapy program through its Department of Occupational Therapy . This private, faith-based university provides a distinct educational experience that integrates Christian values with professional practice. ACU is listed among the private OT programs in Texas, offering students a values-centered approach to healthcare education.

8. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton)

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) in Belton offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. As a private Christian university, UMHB provides an education that integrates faith and learning. The program is listed among the private OT programs in Texas, offering a holistic approach to occupational therapy education in a close-knit campus community.

9. The University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso)

UTEP offers a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program through its College of Health Sciences . Located in the border region of West Texas, UTEP provides unique educational opportunities that address the healthcare needs of a binational community. The program is listed among the public OT programs in Texas and is a key provider of OT education in the El Paso area.

10. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg)

UTRGV offers a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program . As a public university serving the Rio Grande Valley, one of the most medically underserved regions in the country, UTRGV plays a critical role in training occupational therapists for the South Texas region. The program’s mission is to improve healthcare access and outcomes in the community it serves.

11. Baylor University (Waco)

Baylor University offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. As a private Christian university, Baylor provides an education that integrates faith and learning. The program is located in Waco, offering a college-town atmosphere while preparing students for practice in diverse settings.

12. University of Houston

The University of Houston offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. As a large public university in the Texas Medical Center area, UH provides extensive clinical training opportunities and access to a world-class healthcare community.

13. Texas State University (San Marcos)

Texas State University offers a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program. The program is located in San Marcos, providing students with a classic college-town experience while preparing them for careers in occupational therapy.

14. University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler)

UT Tyler offers a pre-occupational therapy advising track for undergraduate students preparing for graduate OT programs. The university provides comprehensive advising and prerequisite coursework for students planning to pursue a professional OT degree .

15. Lamar University (Beaumont)

Lamar University provides a pre-occupational therapy studies program to help undergraduate students prepare for entry into professional OT schools. The program offers prerequisite coursework and advising for students interested in OT careers.

16. Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

SFASU offers a pre-occupational therapy program that provides prerequisite coursework and advising for students preparing for OT school applications. The university lists six schools in Texas that offer OT programs at the master’s level, serving as a resource for pre-OT students.

17. University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin offers a pre-occupational therapy advising track for undergraduate students planning to pursue graduate degrees in occupational therapy. The university provides comprehensive advising and prerequisite coursework.

18. Texas A&M University (College Station)

Texas A&M offers a pre-occupational therapy advising track through its health professions office. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process for graduate OT programs.

19. University of North Texas (Denton)

UNT offers pre-occupational therapy advising through its Health Professions Advising office. Students receive guidance on completing prerequisites and preparing competitive applications for OT schools.

20. University of Texas at Arlington

UT Arlington offers pre-occupational therapy advising for undergraduate students. The university provides guidance on prerequisite courses and the application process for graduate OT programs.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing an OT School

Start by understanding the ACOTE 2027 mandate, which requires all entry-level OT programs to transition to the doctoral level, meaning the OTD is becoming the standard degree for new practitioners.

Consider the program format and your current life commitments; USAHS offers Residential, Hybrid Immersion, and Flex formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules, while UTMB’s hybrid OTD program in Laredo is the first of its kind at a public Texas university.

For the highest-ranked program, Texas Woman’s University holds the #1 spot in Texas and offers three campus locations, while UTMB is ranked #41 nationally .

Research each school’s accreditation status with ACOTE, as graduation from an accredited program is required for NBCOT certification and state licensure.

Evaluate clinical fieldwork opportunities, as programs with strong healthcare partnerships provide valuable hands-on experience and job placement advantages.

Finally, consider your career goals and preferred patient population; some schools have a strong focus on serving underserved communities, such as UTRGV’s mission in the Rio Grande Valley, while others emphasize research and academic careers, like TWU’s PhD in OT.

Closing

Texas offers a comprehensive and competitive selection of occupational therapy schools, anchored by the top-ranked program at Texas Woman’s University and a growing number of institutions offering the doctoral degree. With the ACOTE 2027 mandate transitioning all entry-level programs to the OTD, students can expect to find a range of options from traditional on-campus programs at public universities like UTMB to flexible hybrid and residential formats at private institutions like USAHS . Whether you are seeking a faith-based education at ACU or UMHB, a border-focused program at UTEP, or the innovative hybrid model at UTMB-Laredo, Texas OT schools provide diverse pathways to a rewarding career.

Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official resources like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).