Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Illness, injury, or other disabilities can prevent some individuals from engaging in daily activities. Through Austin Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, you’ll learn the practices, techniques, and equipment needed to help patients of all ages take part in educational, vocational, and leisure skills. Expert faculty and hands-on clinical experience will prepare you to complete an associate degree and take the national certification exam.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Austin Community College is a special admissions program with limited availability. Students preparing for the program should select “General Studies in Pre-Health Sciences” as their major on the application. Because requirements may change, consult the program website to confirm current requirements. Admission to the college does not guarantee entrance into a particular course or program of study.
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 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.
Accreditation
The associate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); 7501 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 510E, Bethesda MD 20814; 301-652-AOTA; www.acoteonline.org.
Career & Salary Information
As the population continues to age, the need for occupational therapists grows. Graduates can find jobs just about anywhere–– therapists’ offices, hospitals, and nursing homes. US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Awards & Program Maps
Choose the Award Path That’s Right for You
ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn about credential options.
Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.
| Program | Award Type | Award Title | Award Plan | Program Map | Optional Mode | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Occupational Therapy Assistant | Award Plan | Program Map | PCOTA |
Academic Department Contacts
| Academic Program | First Name | Last Name | Phone | Department Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | Amy | Anderson | Call | Send Email | Visit Website |
Request Information About Applying to ACC
Note: Bachelor’s Degree, Health Sciences, and other specialty programs may not appear in the Program Of Interest selection area. Use the Request for Information links on those pages to contact those program administrators.