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

Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification for Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA Exam) that is offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

After passing this examination, the graduate will become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). All states require licensure to practice occupational therapy, and proof of this certification is required in the licensure application process. Occupational therapy assistants’ practice under the clinical supervision of a Licensed, Occupational Therapist (OTR/L).

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).