Program Details
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is a two-year, full-time course of study. OTA graduates develop their skills through participation in classroom, laboratory, field trips, and fieldwork experiences.
In this program, students:
- Learn about the field of occupational therapy.
- Develop clinical skills and reasoning.
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the OTA.
- Prepare to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Graduates who successfully pass the NBCOT exam will earn the title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and become eligible to apply for state licensure.
Note: Licensure is required in all 50 states to practice as an OTA. A felony conviction may impact your ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or obtain state licensure.
What to Expect from the OTA Program
Mandatory Information Session
Your first step to begin health career training at NOVA/MEC is to attend an Information Session.
- Sessions are mandatory within 12 months of applying to the program.
- Available in in-person and Zoom formats.
- Sessions include details specific to the current academic year.
View the Upcoming OTA Information Sessions
More Program Details and Resources
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Career Outcomes
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 25% through 2031.
