Help people recovering from illness get back to the everyday tasks of work and life.
What is Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) work in a variety of settings, helping individuals of all ages overcome physical and cognitive challenges. They assist with tasks like improving motor skills in children, aiding adults with conditions such as arthritis or dementia, and supporting those recovering from injuries or illnesses.
OTAs address a range of conditions, from spinal injuries and arthritis to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and autism. They collaborate closely with occupational therapists to develop and adjust personalized treatment plans for each individual.
To become an OTA, one needs a 2-year associate’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification and state licensure.
Not sure which career pathway to pursue? Take our Career Assessment to discover what pathway fits your interest and skills.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
How Do I Pay For This?
How Do I Apply?
The application deadline for the Spring 2026 class is October 1, 2025.
The OTA Program is a Selective Admissions Program, which means not every student in the applicant pool may be accepted. Admission to the OTA Program is competitive and enrollment in the program is limited because of available faculty, financial, and/or clinical resources at the college or health care facilities. Application deadline is October 1 each year.
OTA Program Application packets must be submitted with the following forms: OTA Program Application form, transcripts of all post-secondary education, ACT or SAT score card, and write/watch, “What does Occupational Therapy mean to Me?” Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application Packets are submitted to the OTA Program Director.
Student selection is made by the President of the College or the President’s designee after considering the recommendations of the Selective Admissions Committee.
Pre-Admission Conference
To request to join an online pre-admission conference, please email Pam Smithy.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| February 19, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| March 19, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| April 16, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| May 21, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| June 18, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| August 20, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| September 17, 2025 | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| October 15, 2025* | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
| November 19, 2025* | 12-1:30pm | Meeting is online via Teams. |
*These pre-admission conference dates are for the Spring 2026 class of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Additional Information
Occupational therapy assistant students who successfully complete their academic and fieldwork education requirements will be eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Initial certification is a requirement for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in most states.
Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and obtain a license to practice. Concerned applicants may request an Early Determination Review by the NBCOT.
- Program Cost, Selection Process, Program Goals, Technical Standards, and Graduation Rates
- Academic Program Plans (APP)
Caitlin Rothrock, COTA/L
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
To see college data, visit NBCOT School Performance Data.
Length of Program
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program consists of two semesters of academic preparation and one semester of full-time fieldwork education leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum includes a blend of courses Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences are completed in community and medical based practice settings.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements. Check out the Occupational Therapy Assistant Two-Year Schedule to see when classes are offered.
