Welcome to the Department of Occupational Therapy
Welcome to the Department of Occupational Therapy in the UTEP College of Health Sciences. We offer a program of study leading to a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. We are no longer accepting applications for the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree. Our newly approved OTD curriculum can be completed in nine semesters (three years).
We believe in active learning and offer opportunities for students to learn in real community settings very early in the program. The final year of the OTD degree includes 2 twelve-week clinical fieldwork rotations, or internships, as well as a 14-week doctoral experience and capstone project.
Upon successful completion of the didactic coursework, clinical experiences, and doctoral capstone, students are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. After successful completion of the exam, students are eligible to apply for state licensure to practice occupational therapy.
Please visit OTD Application Process and Tips for complete processes and procedures.
why you should choose the utep otd program
Explore Our Program
Application Process and Tips
Capstone Project & Experience
Curriculum
Fieldwork
Scholarships and Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation Rates
The total number of graduates during the period of 2022 – 2024 was 49 with an overall graduation rate of 86%. This rate does not include students graduating within one year after the original graduation term.
|
Graduation Year |
Number of graduates/admitted students |
Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
2025 (OTD) |
18/20* |
90% |
|
2024 |
NA** |
NA% |
|
2023 (MOT) |
21/24** |
88% |
|
Totals |
39/44 |
89% |
*This does not include students completing graduation requirements after the original graduation term.
**The last graduation year for the UTEP MOT program was 2023. The UTEP Department of Occupational Therapy graduated its first cohort of OTD students in 2025.
Certification Exam Pass Rate
The NBCOT pass rates for the UTEP MOT Program can be found at: https://www.nbcot.org/EDUCATORS-FOLDER/SCHOOLPERFORMANCE
Graduates are encouraged to sit for the NBCOT certification exam as soon as possible to increase chances for successful attainment of certification. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT and/or attain a state license.
If you have any questions regarding the certification exam, please contact NBCOT at:
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
12 South Summit Ave. Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
www.nbcot.org
Accreditation
The UTEP entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree (OTD) has been granted full Accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).
In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
You can contact ACOTE at:
ACOTE Website: https://acoteonline.org/
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-AOTA (2682)
Cost of Attendance
Estimated Tuition and Fees
The estimated current cost of tuition and fees for the duration of the degree program (9 semesters) is approximately $43,000 for in-state students or approximately $98,000 for out-of-state students.
NOTE: Tuition and Fees are subject to change due to legislative and/or institutional action and become effective when enacted.
|
|
|
Resident |
Non-Resident |
||
|
Semester |
Credit Hours |
Tuition and Fees |
Health Insurance |
Tuition and Fees |
Health Insurance |
|
Fall 1 |
16 |
$ 6,489.44 |
$ 1,306.00 |
$ 14,925.44 |
$ 1,306.00 |
|
Spring 1 |
18 |
$ 7,185.14 |
$ 1,428.00 |
$ 16,675.64 |
$ 1,428.00 |
|
Summer 1 |
11 |
$ 4,629.69 |
$ 704.00 |
$ 10,429.44 |
$ 704.00 |
|
Fall 2 |
15 |
$ 6,141.59 |
$ 1,306.00 |
$ 14,050.34 |
$ 1,306.00 |
|
Spring 2 |
15 |
$ 6,141.59 |
$ 1,428.00 |
$ 14,050.34 |
$ 1,428.00 |
|
Summer 2 |
6 |
$ 2,662.94 |
$ 704.00 |
$ 5,826.44 |
$ 704.00 |
|
Fall 3 |
6 |
$ 2,662.94 |
$ 1,306.00 |
$ 5,826.44 |
$ 1,306.00 |
|
Spring 3 |
6 |
$ 2,662.94 |
$ 1,428.00 |
$ 5,826.44 |
$ 1,428.00 |
|
Summer 3 |
10 |
$ 4,236.34 |
$ 704.00 |
$ 9,508.84 |
$ 704.00 |
|
SUBTOTAL |
$ 42,812.61 |
$ 10,314.00 |
$ 97,119.36 |
$ 10,314.00 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$ 53,126.61* |
$ 107,433.36* |
|||
*Tuition, fees and costs are estimates and are subject to change.
Estimated Fees and Associated Costs
Students are responsible for any costs associated with meeting health and safety requirements for fieldwork and capstone placements. These costs may include, but are not limited to, medical insurance, required immunizations, laboratory titers, and other compliance-related expenses.
If you are exploring the program or currently completing the admission process, you can estimate your overall educational costs using the Net Price Calculator. Additional resources about tuition, fees, and financial planning are available through the links provided below.
- UTEP Cost of Attendance
- UTEP Required Fees - Graduate Students
- UTEP Incidental Fees – Graduate Students
