Program Details

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to prepare students with entry-level skills to provide rehabilitative services to persons with psychosocial, physical, and developmental impairments. Under the guidance and supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR/L), occupational therapy assistants work with individuals to help them improve their functional capacities to participate in self-care, work, and leisure pursuits.

The degree program in Occupational Therapy Assistant is a full-time, five-semester sequential curriculum leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree.

Upon graduation, students 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). To access the latest NBCOT board passing rates for the NOVA OTA program, please use the following link.

• NBCOT Board Passing Rates for the NOVA OTA Program

In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; most state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction could affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Students who are interested in the NOVA OTA Program are encouraged to attend a face-to-face or Zoom information session and follow the steps in preparation for competitive placement into the OTA Program. Competitive eligibility does not guarantee admission.

2023 Applicants: Due to the lack of availability of observation hours, students may utilize this change to the observation hours requirement for the OTA program for the application period for May 1 – May 15, 2023. Obtaining observation hours is preferable and will be considered during the application period.

• Graduation Rate

  Graduation Rate of Students in the OTA Program

  Academic Year	Number of Graduates Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
  2021-2022	24/20	83.3%
  2020-2021	21/35**	166%
  2019-2020*	20/0	0%*
  2018-2019	20/17	85%
  Total	85/72	84.7%

  * COVID pandemic delayed graduation for the Class of 2020
  ** Students graduated from the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021

• Tuition and Fees

  The total estimated cost of the OTA program for the entering cohort 2022-2024 includes tuition/fees (69 credits), books & supplies, parking, required criminal backgrounds, drug screens, liability insurance, and suggested student memberships as of 11.11.22 is $15909.50. Tuition and fees are subject to change. The table below details the expenses per category.

  Tuition and fees* (69 credits over 5 semesters plus prerequisites)	$13075.50
  Books and supplies	$1550.00
  Parking	$450.00
  Criminal Backgrounds, Drug Screens, Training, Liability Insurance	$634.00
  Suggested student membership	$200.00
  Total	$15909.50

  * Tuition and fees are subject to change

• Transfer Opportunities

  Transfer is not the primary purpose of this credential; however, NOVA may have agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. In order to learn more about possible transfer opportunities please visit: https://www.nvcc.edu/transfer/. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to discuss their options and plans.

• Credit for Prior Learning

  Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

  • Credit for Prior Learning
• Career Prospects

  The NOVA OTA graduates have done exceptionally well on their national board exams. Graduates often find employment in many medical and community facilities. Graduates can pursue advanced degrees including attending bridge programs to pursue master's degrees in Occupational Therapist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth of Occupational Therapy Assistants is expected to increase by 32% through 2029.