Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) Degrees & Programs
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“Occupational therapy assistants are specialists in getting to know and understand what is most important to an individual and helping them find creative ways to maintain or improve their occupational performance.”
Amy Anderson, COTA, MEd, Department Chair and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator of the OT Program, Austin Community College
Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) play a vital role in the healthcare system. They work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help patients recover, improve, and maintain essential life skills. They assist patients suffering from developmental, emotional, physical, or mental disabilities by implementing customized treatment plans. OTAs guide patients through various therapeutic activities and exercises, helping them enhance their abilities to perform daily chores, engage in work-related tasks, and enjoy recreational activities. Their supportive and hands-on approach boosts patients’ confidence and promotes independence.
Pursuing a career as an OTA requires specialized education and training. Aspiring OTAs must enroll in an accredited associate degree program, which usually takes two years to complete. The curriculum covers a mix of coursework, including anatomy, psychology, and occupational therapy principles, as well as hands-on training through supervised fieldwork. These programs prepare students to learn the practical skills to assist patients effectively. Upon graduating, candidates must pass a national certification exam to obtain licensure, which is mandatory in most states.
Keep reading to learn more about educational programs for occupational therapy assistants, the career outlook for this field, and how to get certified.
| OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT | |
|---|---|
| Projected Jobs Created | 10,800 |
| Projected Job Growth | 21% |
| Average Salary | $68,170 |
| Low Salary | $48,670 |
| High Salary | $89,230 |
| Entry-Level EDU | Associate's Degree |
| Sourced from BLS 2024 | |
Meet the Expert: Amy Anderson, COTA, MEd
Amy Anderson is the department chair and academic fieldwork coordinator of the occupational therapy program at Austin Community College. In 2006, she received an associate of applied science degree from Austin Community College’s OTA program. Over the next decade, Anderson honed her skills in the Austin area, working in outpatient pediatric sensory integration clinics, adult home health focusing on vestibular rehabilitation and low vision, and skilled nursing and long-term care settings.
In 2014, Anderson returned to Austin Community College as an adjunct professor, where she taught various subjects, including human structure and function, therapeutic use of occupations, and multiple courses on occupational performance across different life stages. Her commitment to education led her to complete a bachelor of applied arts and sciences at Texas State University, specializing in organization, workforce, and leadership Studies. By 2019, Amy became a full-time faculty member, and in 2020, she earned her master’s in education in cognitive science with a focus on community colleges. Now serving as the department chair and academic fieldwork coordinator, she continues teaching and inspiring future occupational therapists.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about occupational therapy assistants?
Anderson: The public is widely uninformed about occupational therapy in general, often believing it has something to do with one’s paying job. While occupational therapy does help people perform their jobs at an optimal level, it also helps people perform all of their occupations (e.g., daily living skills, sleep, leisure, socialization, work) at an optimal level. Occupational therapy assistants are specialists in getting to know and understand what is most important to an individual and helping them find creative ways to maintain or improve their occupational performance.
The process of an OTA is to intervene in the way that counteracts the effects of the disease process, disability, or injury and promotes or enhances occupational performance, health and wellness, quality of life, participation, and/or occupational justice for the client, group, or population they are serving.
They do this by breaking down each activity that a person does into finite parts, examining the demands of that activity on the client, and then working with the client to find solutions to their increased independence in those desired activities. It requires great interpersonal communication, therapeutic use of self, and client-centeredness.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring occupational therapy assistant students?
Anderson: For anyone interested in becoming an occupational therapy assistant, my best advice is to ensure you really like people and collaborate for the greater good of someone else. While taking your carefully chosen prerequisites for the program, think about how they apply to serving other humans, not just as a hurdle to getting into the program. Every decision an OTA makes while intervening for a client is carefully and intentionally thought out, requiring great attention to the details of that particular client at that particular moment in their lives.
Even if your program does not require observation hours, go see OT occurring in your communities and take the time to talk to the OT about why they do their job every day to ensure that your values align with the profession. Understand that the profession requires us to individualize our interventions to our clients and that there is not only one answer to every problem. We serve human beings who are as widely diverse from each other as they are from themselves from day to day during this very vulnerable time in their lives.
Be sure this is what you want to do with your life; it is wildly rewarding, but it is a lot of work; the humans in our communities deserve the effort. Brush up on your soft skills, get ready to read a lot (we cover mental, physical, and sensory processes of the person, groups, and populations) across the lifespan) and to be an active learner. You cannot learn how to analyze activities unless you do those activities. This career path is amazing if you are willing to do the work.
Occupational Therapist Assistant Degree Programs
Occupational therapy assistants need an associate’s degree to obtain entry-level work in the field. Most of the associate degree programs can be completed in two years. Here are five OTA programs that can be completed in person.
The occupational therapy assistant program at Austin Community College prepares students to assist licensed occupational therapists in helping patients with various disabilities engage in daily activities.
Graduates can work in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. This program enables graduates to sit for the national certification exam by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This selective program has over 50 applicants yearly and only 14 to 20 spots. Students will complete 60 credits to earn this degree, including two semesters of practicums.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Arkansas State University offers an associate of applied science degree for occupational therapy assistants through the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The program is designed to meet regional workforce needs. It prepares students to assist occupational therapists in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and community centers. Students must complete 28 hours of prerequisites and 36 core hours over one year. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam. There is a strong emphasis in this program on professional reasoning, evidence-based practice, and cultural awareness.
- Location: Jonesboro, AR
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
Community College of Rhode Island
Students can complete the occupational therapy assistant program at the Community College of Rhode Island, which prepares them for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and state licensure. This program emphasizes ethical practice, clinical competence, and critical thinking. Students learn to assist in client-centered therapy across various settings, focusing on independence in daily activities. The program promotes lifelong learning and community service, with a curriculum that includes management of therapy services, effective communication, and understanding of multicultural factors.
- Location: Lincoln, RI
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Delaware Technical Community College
In just a few semesters, the occupational therapy assistant program at Delaware Technical Community College equips students with the skills to support individuals of all ages dealing with various challenges. Working under a registered occupational therapist, students learn hands-on to help clients improve their daily living skills through targeted activities.
The curriculum emphasizes patient care, therapeutic techniques, and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared to take the National Certification Exam, paving the way to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and pursue careers in diverse environments like schools, hospitals, and mental health facilities.
- Location: Dover, DE
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Lincoln Land Community College
At Lincoln Land Community College, students can complete an associate in applied science occupational therapy assistant degree that prepares them for a career in helping patients develop or recover essential skills for daily living and work. This program combines lectures, hands-on labs, and fieldwork over six semesters, starting in the spring and concluding in December. It emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and an occupation-based approach to health and well-being.
Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and schools.
- Location: Springfield, IL
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Hybrid Occupational Therapist Assistant Programs
Becoming an occupational therapy assistant requires significant hands-on training, so no online programs exist. Here are five options that include online learning components.
Tailored for busy adults, Brookline College’s occupational therapy assistant program offers a dynamic and flexible learning experience that combines in-person and online elements. This allows students to manage their personal and professional commitments while completing their education in 96 weeks.
The comprehensive OTA curriculum includes 72 credits and provides hands-on experience in diverse environments such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, community centers, schools, and sensory clinics. Integrated fieldwork ensures students gain invaluable experience with real clients across pediatric, rehabilitation, psychosocial, and geriatric settings. Graduates will be well-prepared to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Location: Tucson and Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 96 weeks
Linn-Benton Community College is a two-year associate of applied science occupational therapy assistant program. This unique program accommodates distance learning by allowing students to attend courses and complete labs at partner community colleges in the student’s geographic area. This hybrid model includes classroom, laboratory, and fieldwork components. However, students must reside within a determined boundary and visit campus two to three times per quarter.
Graduates can take the national certification exam to become Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs). The program has a high pass rate for the certification exam and a graduation rate of 79 percent over the past three years.
- Location: Albany, OR
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
St. Catherine University offers an online occupational therapy assistant program through its College for Adults, leading to an associate’s of applied science degree. This program equips students to assist individuals in engaging with daily activities, preparing them for the national certification exam by the NBCOT. Students benefit from small class sizes, interactive learning, and 700 hours of supervised fieldwork across various settings. The program includes online coursework supplemented by labs and fieldwork in Minnesota, Virginia, California, or Texas.
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 16 months
Murray State College’s occupational therapy assistant program is a well-structured and accredited educational path that aims to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a fulfilling career in occupational therapy. This program prepares students to assist clients in performing daily life activities, playing a crucial role in helping individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Students are trained to work collaboratively under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, learning to tailor therapeutic activities to meet each client’s unique needs. This collaborative approach enhances the therapeutic process and fosters a supportive learning environment for students.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes theoretical and practical training, ensuring students are well-prepared for the National Board Certification Occupational Therapy exam. Students engage in hands-on practice as part of their education, vital for developing the skills required to support clients effectively in various settings.
- Location: Tishomingo, OK
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Students can earn their associate of science occupational therapy assistant degree at Casper College in Wyoming. This program is structured over six semesters, integrating five semesters of intensive academic coursework with two eight-week fieldwork placements. This blend of classroom learning and practical experience ensures students are well-prepared for real-world occupational therapy settings. The fieldwork component allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
A key advantage of this program is its low faculty-to-student ratio, which allows for personalized instruction and mentorship. This individualized attention helps students to grasp complex concepts more effectively and fosters a supportive educational environment. Courses include teaching daily living skills, developing motor and sensory functions, and designing adaptive equipment.
- Location: Casper, WY
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Core & Elective Courses in Occupational Therapist Assistant Programs
In occupational therapy assistant programs, students use a structured curriculum, including core and elective courses designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Core courses are essential as they focus on foundational knowledge necessary for practice, covering anatomy, physiology, therapeutic activities, and clinical conditions. Elective courses, on the other hand, allow students to explore specialized areas of interest and tailor their education to align with specific career goals. By skillfully balancing core requirements with elective opportunities, students can gain a well-rounded skillset crucial for success in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.
Core Courses
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Clinical Neurology
- Principles of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Therapeutic Modalities
Elective Courses
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Gerontology Practice
- Mental Health Interventions
- Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation
- Community Health and Wellness
Practicums are critical to occupational therapist assistant programs, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. During these hands-on experiences, students work under the supervision of experienced professionals in various healthcare environments, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Practicums are designed to enhance students’ clinical skills, allowing them to practice therapeutic interventions, conduct assessments, and engage with clients from diverse populations. These immersive experiences foster confidence and competence in aspiring occupational therapy assistants and help them develop professional behaviors and ethical practices necessary for their future careers.
Occupational Therapist Assistant Program Accreditation
Accreditation in occupational therapist assistant programs ensures the quality and legitimacy of the educational experience provided. Accredited programs have been evaluated and meet the standards of the accrediting bodies. Occupational therapy assistant programs are programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). This external validation ensures the curriculum is up-to-date and reflects current professional practices.
Attending an accredited program is a prerequisite for eligibility to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam.
Career Outlook for Occupational Therapist Assistants
According to the BLS (2024), job demand for occupational therapy assistants is expected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033. This growth surpasses the national average of 5 percent and is projected to create 16,800 additional positions nationwide.
There are many reasons for this anticipated job demand. The aging population is one significant factor, as older adults may require occupational therapy to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Additionally, advancements in medical technology have led to increased survival rates for individuals with severe injuries or illnesses, resulting in a higher demand for rehabilitation services. Occupational therapy assistants are also utilized more frequently in school systems to assist children with developmental disabilities.
| Career Facts | MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIAN |
|---|---|
| Related Careers | Rehabilitation Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, Recreational Therapist, Orthotic and Prosthetic Practitioner, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Health and Wellness Coach, Respiratory Therapist |
| Common Job Titles | Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Technology & Equipment | Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems, Therapeutic Exercise Equipment, Adaptive Devices and Aids, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices, Portable Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation Devices, Tablet and Smartphone Applications, Virtual Reality (VR) Systems, Robotic-assisted Therapy Equipment. |
| Sourced from BLS 2024 | |
Licensing & Certification of Occupational Therapist Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants are required to hold a state license to practice in all 50 states. Licensing requirements will vary by state and will typically include the following:
- Completing an OTA educational program. Many states require that the program be approved by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
- Hold the NBCOT certification
- A completed application
- Application fee payment
- Proof of US citizenship or right to work
- Pass a background check
Certification is not required in every state but may be required for employment and can be a step toward licensure in many states. Certification can also mean higher wages and promotions. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
To qualify for this certification, candidates must graduate from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program, agree to abide by the NBCOT Practice Standards and Code of Conduct, and receive character review approval.
The COTA exam consists of 190 multiple-choice questions. Topics covered include collaboration and information gathering, selecting and implementing interventions, and upholding professional standards and responsibilities. The exam costs $540 and takes four hours to complete.
The COTA certification is valid for three years. To renew their credentials, certificate holders must complete 36 competency assessment units (CAUs) and/or professional development units (PDUs), submit a renewal application, and pay a $65 renewal fee.
