Occupational therapists help people of all ages learn or relearn daily tasks for living. OTs teach patients who are physically, mentally or developmentally disabled skills to live better, more independent lives after illness or injury.
Apply to the UNM Occupational Therapy Graduate Program to help children and adults regain their independence.
Like the state of New Mexico, the UNM OT program is culturally rich and unique. UNM’s research-intensive environment creates an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation and discovery.
Our programs aim to provide you with current knowledge in the field and actively build your professional reasoning and problem-solving skills. Graduate well-prepared to deal with complex health and lifestyle challenges of today’s society.
The Entry-Level Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) is a 2.5 year full-time, year-round program. The program begins in August each year and has part-time options. To learn more about the MOT program, you will find more general information on this page. Otherwise, click the link below to learn more about the MOT application process.
Learn more about the MOT application process
The Post Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (ppOTD) is a flexible, hybrid/online program, with both part-time and full-time tracks. This program is designed for experienced occupational therapists who desire to advance their knowledge and careers.
We offer additional enrichment learning experiences, such as international fieldwork programs, interdisciplinary education programs and elective courses in which students serve local communities.
Our mission is to prepare culturally competent, ethical, and compassionate occupational therapists and leaders who design comprehensive and viable models of service delivery in community and healthcare settings. We model the use of occupation as a modality and an outcome to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities in New Mexico and beyond. Our program is anchored in meaningful occupation; saturated in the history, philosophy, culture, science, and application of occupation and occupational therapy; and utilizes research to facilitate critical reasoning. Our program values and supports the education of the New Mexico practice community and cultivation of community relationships to further promote best-practice and occupation-based interventions.
Through education, scholarship and service, the University of New Mexico Occupational Therapy Graduate Program facilitates individuals’ wellness, productivity, participation and quality of life of people within their communities.
2018-2020 Graduation Retention and NBCOT Exam pass rates
|
Grad Year |
# Admitted |
# Graduates |
Grad Rate |
NBCOT pass rate (%) |
|
2022 |
26 |
26 |
100% |
100% |
|
2021 |
31 |
30 |
97% |
97% |
|
2020 |
30 |
30 |
100% |
100% |
|
3 Year Total |
87 |
86 |
99% |
99% |
Our National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance. Only program graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam.
The UNM Occupational Therapy Graduate Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
6116 Executive Boulevard
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
301-652-6611
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded the UNM OT Program a grant to support student scholarships, effective 2020 to 2025. The award provides financial relief to students who come from disadvantaged economic or environmental backgrounds.
Students may qualify if they have:
Students who receive this award will be given funds covering at a minimum 50% of tuition, and possibly more, depending on need and available resources.
Learn more about the grant. Email Sara Padilla, Student Success Specialist
Establish residency in New Mexico and pay in-state tuition rates. After 12-months, you can petition for in-state tuition classification. If you and a spouse or significant other relocated to New Mexico and work in a permanent full-time position, you may not need to complete the 12-month requirement for residency.
We understand that occupational therapy school is a major investment of your time, energy, focus, and finances. We want to provide you with all the possible resources to offset your educational expenses. Majority of our students receive some form of financial aid - scholarship, grant, loan, work study, or graduate assistant position.
|
NM Residents |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Total Cost of Program * |
|
Tuition/Fees |
$16,107 |
$13,169 |
$11,706 |
$39,507 |
|
Student Fees |
$1,159 |
$1,159 |
$505 |
$2823 |
|
Books/Supplies** |
$1,792 |
$1,792 |
$896 |
$4,480 |
|
Transportation |
$4,228 |
$4,228 |
$2,114 |
$10,570 |
|
Loan Fees |
$320 |
$320 |
$160 |
$800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$23,606 |
$20,668 |
$15,381 |
$58,180 |
|
Non- Residents |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Total Cost of Program * |
|
Tuition/Fees |
$36,889 |
$33,131 |
$29,363 |
$99,384 |
|
Student Fees |
$1,159 |
$1,159 |
$505 |
$2,823 |
|
Books/Supplies** |
$1,792 |
$1,792 |
$896 |
$4,275 |
|
Transportation |
$4,228 |
$4,228 |
$2,114 |
$10,570 |
|
Loan Fees |
$320 |
$320 |
$160 |
$800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$44,388 |
$40,630 |
$33,038 |
$109,082 |
Amounts are based on Spring 2023 tuition rates and fees which are subject to change.
*Tables illustrate cost of the 2 ½ year program and have been rounded up to whole dollars.
**Students are responsible for securing all required resources in preparation for and during Level I and Level II Fieldwork rotations including but not limited to transportation, physical examinations and associated testing (e.g., drug screen), health insurance, background checks and clearances, parking, housing, food, and clothing.
Refer to the web site for the current tuition rates and fees.
There are also additional fees for certification and licensing.
State of New Mexico Licensing Board (505) 476-4940
The OT Graduate Program is giving me the opportunity to participate in a career that empowers people to take control of their health. Students and faculty are passionate, caring and hardworking.