Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Overview

Program Length

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) bachelor’s degree is a limited-admission, in-person program. Students must successfully complete 19 credits of prerequisites (taken prior to beginning core classes), 59 professional core credits (completed during the final two years), and a minimum of 48 credits of general education and elective coursework required for graduation. The OTA program delivers the 59 core credits over a two-year period in a lockstep, in-person Fall/Spring format, with a new cohort of students graduating each May

Total Credits: 124

COTA Exam

Certification

Graduation from the OTA Program qualifies students to apply for national certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Upon successful completion of the NBCOT examination, graduates earn the credential Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Students should be aware that NBCOT has eligibility requirements, and certain factors, such as a history of felony or misdemeanor convictions, may impact a graduate’s ability to sit for the exam or obtain certification. NBCOT offers an early determination (character review) process for individuals who may have concerns about their eligibility.

It is the student’s responsibility to review all NBCOT requirements and application procedures. Additional information can be found on the NBCOT website.

Licensure

In addition to national certification, most states require licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Licensure requirements vary by state but generally include successful completion of the NBCOT exam, submission of an application, background check, and applicable fees.

Students are responsible for researching and understanding the licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice. Requirements may differ and are subject to change.

The OTA Program faculty can provide general guidance; however, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure all state-specific licensure requirements are met. Students are encouraged to consult the appropriate state licensure board for the most current and accurate information.

Learning Outcomes/Goals

  1. Demonstrate a holistic liberal arts foundation and focused knowledge and skills necessary for generalist occupational therapy assistant practice across a variety of practice areas (Occupational Performance Foundations).
  2. Demonstrate effective communication skills and ethical negotiation of practice settings to function effectively as a member of an inter- and intra-professional health care team (Professional Behavior and Issues).
  3. Engage in collaborative clinical reasoning for client-centered care that incorporates evidence-based practices in screening, intervention, and documentation of outcomes. (Collaborative and Evidence-based Reasoning).
  4. Practice as collaborative partners with occupational therapists by utilizing authentic and ethical occupational therapy approaches (Authentic and Ethical Occupation-based Practice).
  5. Adopt a servant-leadership identity to engage in lifelong learning through active participation in professional development activities including continuing education, post-graduate education, clinical specialty, and local/regional/national presentations. (Professional Advocacy and Leadership).
  6. Demonstrate a commitment to promoting participation, health, wellness, disease prevention, and access to care in the clinical settings and communities they serve (Community-Engaged Clinical Education).