Occupational therapy program recognized as top graduate school

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) was recently named one of the 2026 Best Graduate Schools for Occupational Therapy by U.S. News & World Report.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program focuses on developing clinical practical and research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy and theory development. Students learn from expert faculty with diverse clinical backgrounds in state-of-the-art health professions laboratories.

CSM was one of nearly 300 doctoral and master’s degree programs in occupational therapy surveyed by U.S. News. The rankings are based solely on ratings of each program’s academic quality.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best occupational therapy programs in the country by the U.S. News rankings report,” said Tara Ruppert, director of the occupational therapy program. “It reflects the program’s long history of educating occupational therapists and our faculty's dedication to preparing the next generation of skilled, compassionate therapists.”

CSM’s OTD program, which was launched in 2019, can be completed in eight semesters. Students must complete two 12-week fieldwork experiences along with a 14-week doctoral experience that culminates in a scholarly project. CSM partners with 400 sites in 45 states for students’ fieldwork experiences.