PROGRAM OVERVIEW

THE PROGRAM

Occupational Therapy Assistant is a two-year (four-semester) program. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The program offers one class per year beginning each fall. This program requires prerequisite courses and a minimum ACT score of 16. The prerequisites are located under the Program Admission Information and Procedures document below under the resources tab.

THE PROFESSION

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help patients recovering from debilitating injuries and illnesses develop and improve the skills needed for engaging in daily activities. They are involved in direct patient care under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. Activities range from helping a child develop skills for play and school activities to teaching senior adults energy conservation and joint protection during home management tasks like cooking and laundry. Occupational Therapy Assistants primarily work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and school systems.

THE PAY

The median annual wage for Occupational Therapy Assistants is $53,240.  

JOB OUTLOOK

Overall employment of Occupational Therapy Assistants and aides is projected to grow 34 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, Telephone: 301.652.6611, Website: www.acoteonline.org. 

Board Exam Pass Results

Click on the following link to be directly connected to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to view Itawamba Community College's OTA program board exam pass rates.  https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND POLICY

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.

RESOURCES

Mission/Purpose/Vision Statements (.pdf)

Outcomes and Effectiveness (.pdf)

Program Admission Information and Procedures (.pdf)

Program Curriculum (.pdf)

Criminal Background Policy (.pdf)

Health Science Program Admission Application (Online)

Estimated Fees (.pdf)