Occupational therapists are medical professionals that treat patients who have been previously injured or disabled to improve their mobility and regain daily function. Students interested in studying occupational therapy often enroll in a bachelor’s program in psychology before applying to occupational therapy master’s programs.
Occupational therapists work closely with patients and doctors to understand the extent of a patient’s injuries or disabilities and prescribe a program to methodically treat and improve their daily lives. Medical centers like Grady and Piedmont Hospital in downtown Atlanta, as well as senior centers in the metro area, employ occupational therapists to work with children and senior citizens.
Prospective students should note that they must earn their degree in occupational therapy in-person due to the hands-on nature of the role, and need to pursue graduate school and participate in professional observation with a licensed occupational therapist before entering the workforce full-time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports nearly 3,000 occupational therapist positions in Georgia with many jobs in the Atlanta and Savannah metro areas.
Brenau University offers 3 Occupational Therapy degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 117 Occupational Therapy students graduated with students earning 77 Master's degrees, and 40 Doctoral degrees.
Augusta University offers 2 Occupational Therapy degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 78 Occupational Therapy students graduated with students earning 42 Master's degrees, and 36 Doctoral degrees.
Georgia State University offers 3 Occupational Therapy degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 92 Occupational Therapy students graduated with students earning 50 Master's degrees, and 42 Doctoral degrees.
Emory University offers 1 Occupational Therapy degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 78 Occupational Therapy students graduated with students earning 78 Doctoral degrees.
Mercer University offers 2 Occupational Therapy degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 51 Occupational Therapy students graduated with students earning 38 Doctoral degrees, and 13 Master's degrees.
Georgia Southern University offers 3 Occupational Therapy degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 62 Occupational Therapy students graduated with students earning 34 Doctoral degrees, and 28 Bachelor's degrees.
School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GA | 49 : 1 | 6,141 | ||
Brenau University Gainesville, GA | 19 : 1 | 2,704 | ||
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GA | 41 : 1 | 9,683 | ||
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta, GA | 31 : 1 | 4,003 | ||
Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross, GA | 42 : 1 | 3,747 |