Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists in creating and implementing rehabilitation plans for patients with illnesses, injuries or disabilities. Learn about associate's degree programs in occupational therapy assisting, common courses and career options. Also find out about licensure and certification requirements and the job outlook for the field.
What Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate's Degree Programs Are Available?
You are likely to find 2-year occupational therapy assistant programs that can result in an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree. These programs are commonly found through community and technical colleges.
You won't be able to find any schools offering distance education programs for this field. Hands-on experience is required and can be obtained through fieldwork. Your hands-on training can provide experience following therapist directions, treating patients of all ages and working in various environments.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science, no online programs due to the hands-on nature of education</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Anatomy and physiology, developmental disabilities, human growth and development</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td>Licensure required in most states; considered a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant after passing NBCOT exam</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $62,940 (<i>for all occupational therapy assistants</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesCanIExpect">What Courses Can I Expect?</h3><p>Your program may teach you different exercise techniques, disability types, rehabilitation routines and treatment plans. You can expect your program to feature courses in human growth and development, anatomy, physiology, medical conditions, developmental disabilities and psychosocial dysfunction. Your program may also require you to complete general education courses in general psychology, English composition, general sociology, humanities and mathematics.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyEducation">What Can I Do With My Education?</h3><p>An associate's degree in this field will qualify you for a career as an occupational therapy assistant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most states require licensure. This means you must at least complete an accredited program, complete fieldwork requirements and pass an exam issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). This exam must be passed in order to use the title Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsMyJobOutlook">What Is My Job Outlook?</h3><p>According to the BLS, occupational therapy assistant job openings are expected to increase 35% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average. As of May 2020, the BLS also estimated that those in this career field earned a median salary of $62,940.</p>
