Occupational Therapy Assistant

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help people get back to their daily lives. They do this by walking patients through practical, occupation-based exercises. Our program trains you to work under the guidance of an OT. You’ll learn through a mix of classroom lessons, lab work, and real-world clinical practice. You will practice with clients of all ages in a variety of settings. Through practice, you will understand how to adapt and tailor activities to meet your patients’ needs. Your coursework will cover key topics like:

  • Neurological Structure and Function 
  • Task Analysis I
  • Group Dynamics

This program requires a separate application process. A new class begins each fall. View application details. After graduation, you can seek licensure and take the NBCOT exam. Start your path to a rewarding career in occupational therapy today!

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Associate (AOTA).

Becky Jenkins
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director
417-447-8855

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Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Associate (AOTA). 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E; Bethesda, MD 20814 301.652.AOTA or www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

OTA Published Procedures

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

OTA Program Outcomes

Cost of OTA Program

View program outcomes

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Become a licensed OTA and work under an OT
  • Help patients return to daily activities through activities and exercises

82 credit hours
6 semesters

$17,060.00*
to
$21,908.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 82 Hours

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is provided in a hybrid format.  The program is designed to prepare students for generalized practice under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Through online didactic, and in-person laboratory and clinical education components, hybrid students will have the opportunity to gain understanding of practice with clients ranging in age from the very young to the very old. Practice within a variety of settings including school, medical, work, community and mental health will be explored.

Students may take the "Program Specific Courses" only if they have been admitted into the program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. A new class begins each fall semester. The application deadline for the program is April 15. Contact the Allied Health office for an application packet.

Students admitted into the OTA program are required to adhere to strict program attendance and professional behavior standards in order to participate, progress and graduate from the OTA program.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AOTA is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA.  The web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant. This test is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

In addition, most states, including Missouri, require licensure in order to practice. State licenses are based on information obtained through an application and results of the NBCOT examination. Felony convictions may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT exam or attain state licensure. For information regarding Missouri licensure, contact the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy, Division of Professional Registration, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65102, or phone (573) 751-0877. NBCOT can be found on the web at NBCOT.org.

(All coursework and fieldwork must be completed prior to submitting application to sit for the NBCOT exam)

* Must be completed within 18 months of completion of all other OTA coursework

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.