Life after Rockhurst

Rockhurst's OT graduates enjoy successful, rewarding careers in a rapidly growing field.

For those who graduated in 2010:

  • The mean salary is $50,000
  • Salary range is $38,000 - $72,000
  • 70% had job offers before graduation
  • 100% of graduates were working as an occupational therapist within 4 months of graduation.
  • Graduates work with a wide range of ages from infants to older adults.
  • 96% report being satisfied to highly satisfied with their first job as an OT.

OT is Growing Rapidly
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for occupational therapists will improve substantially in the next several years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

  • Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
  • Median annual earnings of occupational therapists were $60,470 in 2006.
  • The demand for occupational therapists should continue to increase as a result of a rise in the number of people with disabilities and limited function, as well as the movement of baby-boomers into middle age.

High Pass Rate on National Board Exam
In the past three years, 84 out of 89 of Rockhurst's OT graduates passed the National Board for Certification in Occupations Therapy (NBCOT) exam on their first try. That's a 94% pass rate; well above the national average.

As Graduates, Rockhurst Students:

Create opportunities for independence in daily occupations

  • Advocate for heatlhcare justice
  • Serve as clinical educators for fieldwork students
  • Share clinical expertise with our students in our classrooms
  • Engage in lifelong learning
  • Carry on our tradition of service.
  • Are passionate about Occupational Therapy
Pass Rate of Rockhurst OT Graduates on National Board Exam
Year Number of OT Grads Number of Who Took Exam Number Who Passed - First Time Pass Rate
2011 31 31 28 90%
2010 33 33 32 96%
2009 25 25 24 96%