Picking the right occupational therapy assistant program can set you up for success in this rewarding career.
With so many options out there, it’s important to find a school that fits your needs and goals.
We’ve done some research to help make your choice easier.
The best occupational therapy assistant programs offer hands-on training, experienced faculty, and strong job placement rates. In this article, we’ll look at 7 top programs that stand out from the crowd.
You’ll learn about what makes each one special and why they might be a good fit for you.
Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down your options, this list can point you in the right direction.
1) St. Catherine University
St. Catherine University offers a great online OTA program.
You can finish it in as few as 16 months.
This program is perfect if you want to start a career as an occupational therapy assistant quickly.
The program is accredited by ACOTE, which means it meets high standards.
You’ll take online courses and do hands-on fieldwork.
This mix helps you learn both theory and practical skills.
St. Kate’s OTA program is ranked highly.
It’s No. 7 on U.S. News and World Report’s Best Health Care Support Jobs list.
This ranking shows that you’re getting a top-notch education.
You’ll earn an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in OTA when you graduate.
This degree opens doors to many job opportunities in occupational therapy.
The program includes online classes and on-site fieldwork.
You’ll learn from experienced teachers and get real-world practice.
This hands-on experience is crucial for your future career.
2) Keiser University’s OTA Program
Keiser University offers a top-notch Occupational Therapy Assistant program at several campuses across Florida.
You’ll be happy to know it’s fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
The program aims to prep you for a rewarding career helping people with disabilities or injuries.
You’ll learn to assist patients in daily activities and therapeutic exercises.
Keiser’s OTA program covers a wide range of topics.
You’ll dive into subjects like anatomy, medical terminology, and psychology.
These courses give you a solid foundation for your future career.
You’ll also get hands-on experience through fieldwork.
This practical training lets you apply what you’ve learned in real healthcare settings.
The program typically takes about two years to complete.
After graduating, you’ll be ready to sit for the national certification exam.
Keiser University has a good track record with student outcomes.
Many graduates find jobs quickly in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
If you’re looking for a flexible schedule, Keiser offers both day and evening classes at some campuses.
This can be great if you’re juggling work or family commitments.
3) Community College of Baltimore County
Hey there! Looking for a top-notch occupational therapy assistant program? Check out the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).
They’ve got a great program that’s fully accredited by ACOTE.
Before diving into the OTA program, you’ll need to complete some prerequisites.
These include Biology I, College Composition I, and Introduction to Psychology.
The OTA program at CCBC is designed to give you a solid foundation in the field.
You’ll learn the skills you need to help people with daily living activities and improve their quality of life.
CCBC’s program is great if you’re thinking about transferring to a four-year college later on.
It provides a strong general education background that’ll set you up for success.
Want to know more? You can find the OTA program at CCBC’s Catonsville campus.
It’s conveniently located at 800 South Rolling Road, Catonsville, MD.
4) Pima Medical Institute’s OTA Program
Want to become an occupational therapy assistant? Check out Pima Medical Institute’s OTA program.
It’s a great choice for hands-on learners.
The program takes about 20 months to complete.
You’ll study a wide range of topics to prepare you for your career.
These include activity analysis, growth and development, and human occupations.
You’ll also learn about kinesiology and occupational therapy for mental health.
These classes help you understand how to work with different types of patients.
The best part? You get to practice in real-world labs.
This gives you true hands-on experience before you graduate.
Pima’s program is designed to get you ready for an entry-level job as an OTA.
You’ll learn medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology too.
After finishing the program, you’ll be ready to help patients with various disabilities.
Your goal will be to help them participate in everyday activities and live independently.
5) Maria College OTA Program
Hey, are you looking for a top-notch OTA program? Check out Maria College in Albany, NY.
They’ve got an Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS degree that might be just what you’re after.
This program is no joke – it’s ranked in the top 20 nationally.
That’s pretty impressive, right? You’ll get some solid training here.
But heads up – the program is on probation right now.
They’re working on fixing some stuff with their accreditation.
Don’t let that scare you off though.
They’re still teaching students and getting them ready for their careers.
Want to keep going after your AAS? Maria College has you covered.
You can move on to their Health & Occupational Sciences BS and even an MSOT after that.
It’s like a complete OT pathway all in one place.
So if you’re in New York and want to become an OTA, give Maria College a look.
It might be the perfect fit for you.
6) Fox Valley Technical College
Looking for a top-notch occupational therapy assistant program? Fox Valley Technical College has got you covered.
Their Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
At Fox Valley, you’ll get hands-on experience working with clients of all ages.
You’ll learn to help people with developmental, physical, and social challenges.
The program is offered at the Appleton campus.
It’s a full-time associate degree that takes 64 credits to complete.
Don’t worry about breaking the bank – it’s financial aid eligible.
After graduation, you’ll be ready to take the national certification exam.
This opens doors to work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and more.
Fox Valley’s program stands out for its practical approach.
You’ll get real-world experience before you even graduate.
Plus, their facilities are top-notch, giving you access to the latest tools and tech in the field.
7) Lewis University
Hey there! Looking for a top-notch occupational therapy assistant program? Check out Lewis University.
They’ve got a Master’s of Occupational Therapy program that’s pretty sweet.
The cool thing about Lewis is that their program is accredited by the big shots – the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
That’s a big deal in the OT world.
You’ll learn from some awesome faculty members here.
They’ve got pros like Teresa Morreale, who’s got over a decade of experience in different OT settings.
Want to know the best part? Lewis University isn’t just about OT.
It’s a great school overall.
You’ll get a solid education while you’re working towards your OT dreams.
Keep in mind, though, that this is a master’s program.
If you’re looking for an OTA program specifically, you might want to check out some other options.
But if you’re aiming high and want to become a full-fledged OT, Lewis could be your ticket.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people do everyday activities.
It’s all about improving your quality of life and independence through meaningful tasks.
Overview of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a health care field that helps people of all ages.
It focuses on helping you do things that are important in your daily life.
These activities can include:
- Getting dressed
- Cooking meals
- Working at a job
- Playing with friends
Occupational therapists look at your whole situation.
They think about your physical and mental health, as well as your environment.
They create plans to help you overcome challenges.
This might involve teaching new skills or changing your surroundings to make tasks easier.
Role of Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants work closely with occupational therapists.
They help carry out treatment plans and work directly with patients.
As an assistant, you might:
- Guide patients through exercises
- Teach people how to use special equipment
- Help kids with disabilities participate in school activities
You’ll need to complete an accredited OTA program to become an assistant.
These programs teach you the skills you need to help people in their daily lives.
OTAs often work in:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Nursing homes
- Patients’ homes
Your job is to make a real difference in people’s lives every day.
You’ll help them gain independence and enjoy their favorite activities again.
How to Choose the Right Program
Picking the best OTA program takes some legwork.
You’ll want to look at a few key things to make sure you’re getting the most out of your education and setting yourself up for success.
Accreditation Importance
When looking at OTA schools, you should prioritize accreditation.
Make sure the program is accredited by ACOTE.
This matters big time for a few reasons:
• It means the program meets high standards.
• You need it to take the national certification exam.
• Employers look for grads from accredited programs.
Without accreditation, you might have trouble getting licensed or finding a job after graduation.
So double-check that any program you’re considering has that ACOTE stamp of approval.
Hands-On Training Opportunities
Book learning is great, but hands-on experience is where it’s at for OTA work.
Look for programs that offer lots of chances to practice your skills.
The best OTA schools will have:
• Well-equipped labs to practice techniques
• Simulated patient scenarios
• Fieldwork placements at real healthcare facilities
These experiences let you try out what you’re learning in class.
You’ll get to work with actual patients and see what the job is really like.
This practical training is super valuable when you’re job hunting after graduation.
Career Prospects and Opportunities
Occupational therapy assistant jobs are growing fast.
You can choose from different work settings and focus areas.
Your skills will be in demand for years to come.
Job Market Outlook
The job market for occupational therapy assistants looks bright.
By 2030, jobs are expected to grow much faster than average.
More people will need OTA services as the population ages.
You can find work in many places.
Hospitals, nursing homes, and schools often hire OTAs.
Home health agencies also need your skills. OTA salaries average around $57,000 per year.
Top earners can make over $76,000.
Your job will be rewarding.
You’ll help people live better lives every day.
It’s a great career if you like working with others and solving problems.
Specializations in Occupational Therapy
As an OTA, you can focus on different areas.
This lets you work with patients you’re most passionate about.
Here are some top specialties:
- Pediatrics: Help kids develop and thrive
- Geriatrics: Support older adults’ independence
- Mental Health: Assist those with mental illness
- Physical Rehabilitation: Aid recovery from injuries
Assistive technology is another exciting field.
You’ll help people use devices that make daily tasks easier.
This could include anything from simple tools to high-tech gadgets.
Specializing can boost your career.
It may lead to higher pay and more job options.
You can always change focus areas as your interests grow and change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right occupational therapy assistant program can be tricky.
Let’s look at some common questions to help you find the best fit.
What are some of the top accredited occupational therapy assistant programs?
St. Catherine University offers a great online OTA program.
It’s 80% online and 20% in-person, giving you flexibility and hands-on experience.
Keiser University’s OTA Program is another top choice.
They have a strong focus on practical skills and job placement.
The Community College of Baltimore County has a well-respected program too.
It’s known for its rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty.
Which states offer the best programs for occupational therapy assistants?
Florida, California, and New York are known for having excellent OTA programs.
These states have many schools with top-notch facilities and experienced instructors.
Texas and Illinois also have several highly-rated programs.
They offer a mix of urban and rural clinical experiences.
Can I complete an occupational therapy assistant program online, and if so, which schools offer them?
Yes, you can! St. Catherine University has a great online OTA program.
It blends online learning with in-person labs and fieldwork.
Some schools offer hybrid programs.
These mix online classes with on-campus meetings.
It’s a good option if you need flexibility but still want face-to-face interaction.
What are the metrics for ranking occupational therapy assistant schools?
Schools are often ranked based on their graduation rates and student satisfaction.
The pass rate for the national certification exam is another key factor.
Job placement rates and starting salaries of graduates are also important.
Accreditation status and the quality of clinical partnerships matter too.
What are the admission requirements for leading occupational therapy assistant programs?
Most programs require a high school diploma or GED.
Some ask for prerequisite courses in subjects like anatomy and psychology.
Many schools look at your GPA and may require a minimum score.
Some programs also ask for volunteer or observation hours in an OT setting.
How does the salary of an OTA vary by location or specialization?
The salary of an OTA can vary a lot depending on where you work.
Big cities often pay more, but the cost of living is higher too.
Specializing in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics can boost your earning potential.
Working in home health or skilled nursing facilities may also lead to higher pay.
