Which Michigan Schools Offer Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs?

Are you interested in becoming an occupational therapy assistant in Michigan? Programs of study may include coursework in kinesiology, anatomy and physiology, therapeutic intervention and human development. Several 2-year programs can be found in Michigan to help you with your educational goals.

What You Need to Know

Students can from a number of schools offering occupational therapy assistant associate's degree programs. Such programs typically take two years to complete and are available through at least three public, two-year schools, in addition to at least one private, four-year college. All occupational therapy assistant programs include some element of clinical training opportunities; applicants may be required to pass a background check prior to program acceptance.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate's Degree Programs in Michigan

Baker College

Baker College's Associate of Applied Science program for prospective occupational therapy assistants is available at the college's Muskegon and Allen Park campuses. The ACOTE accredits the program, which prepares students to sit for the national certification exam. Your studies will combine classroom and hands-on learning to teach you occupational theory and practice. Some course topics include geriatric patient care, mental health clinical techniques and clinical pathology.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $9,800 per year (costs for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, private, nonprofit; 9,332 students (8,974 undergraduate)

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College offers an occupational therapy assistant program accredited by the ACOTE and which can prepare you for the NBCOT certification examination. This program includes general education courses as well as core courses that cover anatomy and physiology, human development, therapeutic intervention, psychology and kinesiology. Fieldwork is required and must be completed within 20 months of finishing the didactic portion of the program.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences - Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $3,833 per year for in-district residents; $7,681 per year for in-state residents; $11,174 per year for non-residents (costs for 2018-2019)
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED; minimum high school GPA of 2.5; health reading and math assessment tests; criminal background and fingerprint check; prerequisite course in computers
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 13,788 students (all undergraduate)

Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College's associate degree program for prospective OTAs is accredited by ACOTE. Coursework covers topics including psychology, anatomy, medical terminology, kinesiology, mental health treatment, human development, pediatrics and gerontology. Within 18 months of completing your didactic coursework, you need to finish required fieldwork.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $3,375 per year for in-district residents; $5,952 per year for in-state residents; $7,649 per year for non-residents (costs for 2018-2019)
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED; physical exam; current CPR certification; health insurance; criminal background check and drug screening
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 20,220 students (all undergraduate)

Mott Community College

Mott Community College's program offers you the option of pursuing a degree as an OTA or a dual-degree as an OTA and physical therapy assistant (PTA). You can expect to take occupational specialty courses in areas like therapeutic skills, occupational therapy transitions and clinical practice, as well as pursue an OTA internship. The ACOTE accredits Mott's associate degree program, and upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the NBCOT certification examination.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Specializations: Dual-tract program available
• Tuition and Fees: $4,080 per year for in-district residents; $5,112 per year for in-state residents; $6,982 per year for non-residents (costs for 2018-2019)
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED; placement test; biology and English prerequisite courses, 8 hours of occupational therapy observation; criminal background check
• School Type: 2-year, public; nearly 7,715 students (all undergraduate)

As this article shows, occupational therapy assistant programs leading to entry-level employment in the field exist in Michigan as 2-year associate's degree programs and can be found at Baker College, Grand Rapids Community College, Macomb Community College and Mott Community College.