Occupational Therapy Assistant Program | OTA Degree

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Overview

Embark on a rewarding career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) with our accelerated OTA program. OTAs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, aiding individuals who face challenges in their daily living activities due to illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. Our program emphasizes rehabilitation while empowering individuals to lead active and purposeful lives.

Designed with the needs of busy adults in mind, our OTA program offers a dynamic and flexible learning approach. Through our blended (in-person & online) training curriculum, you can balance work and personal commitments while earning your degree in as little as 96 weeks.

Our OTA curriculum covers 72 credits and provides real-world experience in diverse settings like hospitals, assisted living facilities, community centers, schools, and sensory clinics. Integrated fieldwork across our program ensures you gain invaluable experience with actual clients in pediatric, rehabilitation, psychosocial, or geriatric settings. On completing our OTA program, you will also be well-equipped to take the national certification exam offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Ready to make a difference in people’s lives? Please fill out an information request form to learn more about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Brookline College. Your journey to becoming an OTA starts here.

One Degree

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Courses Designed

For Busy Adults

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brookline College offer an Occupational Therapy Assistant program near me?

Aspiring Occupational Therapy Assistant students are welcome to enroll at any one of our campus locations in Arizona or New Mexico:

What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living or working. OTAs collaborate with Occupational Therapists to develop and carry out a treatment plan for each person. They also are responsible for monitoring patients, recording their progress, and providing feedback Occupational Therapists so that they can change the treatment plan if needed.

How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary earned by OTAs is about $68,000.

Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 4/5/2024)

When can I apply for the OTA program?

Courses are only offered once a year, so all OTA students start the program at the same time, take the same sequence of classes, and complete the program together.

What is the class schedule for the OTA program?

At Brookline College, you can expect to see the following schedule for the OTA program:

Semesters 1-5: OTA class every Friday (either virtual or in-person).
Semester 1 & 2: Labs and lectures on campus every third Friday (two hours).
Semester 3, 4 & 5: Labs and lectures on campus every other Friday starting week five (eight hours).
Semester 6: Full-time fieldwork Monday – Friday (eight-hour days).

How long is the OTA program?

Students at Brookline College can complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant program in as little as 96 weeks.

How often will I need to be on campus?

Students are required to be on campus five times each semester for the first year to complete competencies, presentations, and skill labs. Due to the academic rigor of semester five, students will be required to be on campus every other week to prepare for full time fieldwork in semester six. During live campus lectures and labs, you should expect to be on campus for 8 hours per day.

What certifications will this program prepare me for?

Upon graduation, you’ll be qualified to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, you will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). This certification allows you to work anywhere in the nation. For complete certification information, please CLICK HERE.

When does OTA fieldwork need to be completed?

Students must complete all Level II fieldwork within 12 months of completing the didactic portion of the program.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant Curriculum (72 Credits)

Our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is designed to prepare you to work with people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, assisted-living facilities, community centers, schools, and sensory clinics.

In our OTA classes, information is presented through online learning with required readings, videos, discussion posts, and assignments. Classes meet every week through an online lecture, where students are expected to participate and engage with others.

Fieldwork is integrated throughout our program. This allows students to acquire real-world experience with actual clients. Our students have direct interaction with clinicians who practice in pediatric, rehabilitation, psychosocial, and geriatric settings.

Finally, graduates of our OTA program are prepared to take the national certification exam provided by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Course Totals	Credit Hours
Course Totals	72

Course	Credit Hours
OTA 100 Foundations of OT	3
OTA 111 Evidence Based Practice	2
OTA 101 Conditions through the Life Span	2
OTA 102 Psychosocial Practice	4
OTA 103 Psychosical Practice Fieldwork	1
OTA 104 Kinesiology	4
OTA 160 Advocacy for OTAs	3
OTA 201 Managment and Professional Issues	3
OTA 202 Physical Rehabiliation	4
OTA 203 Physical Rehabiliation Fieldwork	1
OTA 205 Geriatric Practice	4
OTA 210 Neurological Rehabiliation	4
OTA 212 Pediatric Rehabilitation	4
OTA 213 Pediatric Fieldwork	1
OTA 222 Clinical Reasoning	3
OTA 250 Level II Fieldwork 1	6
OTA 251 Level II Fieldwork 2	6

Course	Credit Hours
FYE 110 Foundations of Success in Health Professions	3
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology	3
ENG 115 Public Speaking	3
BIO 200 Anatomy & Physiology I	3
BIO 200L Anatomy & Physiology I Lab	1
BIO 215 Anatomy & Physiology II	3
BIO 215L Anatomy & Physiology II Lab	1

Get in Touch with Brookline College

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP

Applying for college can feel overwhelming. We understand there can be a lot of questions. From course schedules and financial aid to career services and employment opportunities, aspiring students have a lot to consider before choosing a program and school. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping answer your questions and helping you make the right choice for your career goals.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Tuition & Financial Aid

At Brookline College, there are no hidden costs, and many fees other schools charge are included in your tuition rate. The total cost of the program varies by location. Please visit the campus specific page to learn more.

Most Brookline College students use some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of their education. That’s why we offer personalized counseling from a Student Financial Representative to help make your college experience more affordable.

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If you're looking for a school where you aren't just a number, where people know you by name, and where you can find a path to a better future, Brookline College is the place. Small college, big future!

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A Career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living or working. OTAs collaborate with Occupational Therapists to develop and carry out a treatment plan for each person. They also are responsible for monitoring patients, recording their progress, and providing feedback to Occupational Therapists so that they can change the treatment plan if needed.

Now more than ever, Occupational Therapy Assistants are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of OTAs is projected to grow 23 percent by 2032.

Earning your OTA degree can also lead to a steady source of income. The BLS reports that the average salary earned by OTAs is about $68,000.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Admissions Requirements

We want to ensure that your career goals are in line with your selected program of study. The Brookline College OTA program uses a competitive application process to select applicants.

Once a student passes the TEAS admission test, you may apply to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program by completing the program application. After submission of a completed OTA application, you will be scheduled for a professional interview with the OTA leadership team. To review the OTA Program Application click here.

Our admission steps will help you understand the OTA program and career expectations in the field and include, but are not limited to:

1 Meet with Admissions Representative (virtual or in-person)

2 Schedule & Pass TEAS entrance assessment

3 Submit completed OTA application

4 Complete FAFSA & Financial Aid Interview

5 Complete formal interview with the OTA Leadership Team

6 Pass drug and background checks, and provide medical clearance*

*For students accepted into the OTA program, documentation of current CPR certification along with immunization and vaccination records is required. A drug and background check will be required as well, and in the state of Arizona, students are also required to complete a fingerprint clearance card.

Technical Requirements

Students must have regular access to a desktop or laptop computer that meets the minimum requirements listed below. Many of the learning exercises in the classroom will not work on a hand-held device or tablet.

Operating Systems for PC Users: Windows 7 – 32 or 64 bit; Windows 8 – 32 or 64 bit; Windows 10 – 32 or 64 bit
Operating Systems for Mac Users: OSX10-version10.8ornewer
Processor: Intel i3 Processor or higher (3.4GHz – 4.2GHz)
RAM: 4 GB or more
Monitor Display: A minimum of 1024x768at16-bit color
Internet: High-speed internet access (Cable, DSL, or equivalent); Hotspots are not recommended; while they do work in some instances, hotspots are not suitable for many curriculum items in the classroom.
Web browser: A current version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome;
Web browser pop ups: Students will need to allow Popups from Brookline College Learning Management System; (LMS), Cengage Unlimited MindTap and McGraw Hill Connect to maximize learning capabilities.
Sound: Sound card and computer speakers to listen to audio presentations
Plug-Ins: Adobe Flash, version 17 or higher; Java, version 8 or greater; Apple QuickTime (Best practice is to allow application software to update as new versions are released.)
Software: Adobe Reader, version DC; Microsoft Office 10 or Microsoft Office 365 (Access to MS OFFICE 365 provided as a courtesy by Brookline College; Students will be able to download and install Microsoft Office 365 and use the online cloud applications as well.)
Webcam and Microphone: Built-in or external web camera and microphone.

Enroll Before Our Next Start Date

Albuquerque
4201 Central Avenue N.W.
Suite J
Albuquerque, NM 87105

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Oct28

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Phoenix
2445 W Dunlap Ave
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85021

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Oct28

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Tucson
300 S. Craycroft Rd.
Suite 100
Tucson, AZ 85711

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Oct28

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Accreditation

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

Phoenix Campus:

The Phoenix 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, Ste. 510E, Bethesda, M.D. 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, C/O AOTA, is 301-652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org

Albuquerque and Tucson Campuses:

The associate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Ste. 510E, Bethesda, M.D. 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be qualified 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 individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program

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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Overview

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