Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools Online

Last Updated on January 17, 2023

Occupational therapy assistant programs can be found online, leading to many considerations for students to make while applying. Major factors in deciding where to attend can be the different types of programs available, how they are delivered, prerequisites, and different credentials programs prepare you for.

Explore more information on pediatric occupational therapy assistant online programs, online occupational therapy assistant programs near me, accredited online occupational therapy assistant programs, occupational therapy assistant salary, fast track occupational therapy programs, how to become an occupational therapist assistant, occupational therapy assistant schools near me, certified occupational therapy assistant programs on Infolearners

Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools Online is a one-stop portal that helps aspiring occupational therapists locate the best occupational therapy assistant schools in the country. The site also offers information on financial aid, admission requirements, and other pertinent details.

Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant - 746 |  Mohawk College

How to Select an Online Occupational Therapy Assistant School

Students considering online occupational therapy assistant schools must make their decision based on several key factors. Many community colleges offer part of the coursework for an occupational therapy assistant program online, though hands-on training is a critical component of any program. Students must then weigh program prerequisites in their search.

Program Availability and Delivery

Schools often require students attend on-campus labs or on-site practicums during the program. Out-of-state students can find online programs that will allow practical experience to be performed at a local affiliated clinic. Some online courses may only be scheduled during specific semesters, and students should ensure class availability prior to enrollment.

Program Prerequisites

Typically, occupational therapy assistant programs, whether online or on-campus, offer limited admission. Some schools require completion of general education courses prior to entering the professional program. Previous courses in English, biology, anatomy and physiology, and psychology courses may be required or preferred. Others expect some observational experience in occupational therapy prior to acceptance.

Licensing and Certification

Many states require occupational therapy assistants to obtain licensure or certification. Educational requirements for state licensing vary, though certifying organizations demand a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Although optional, professional certification may improve a graduate’s career opportunities. Previous experience may be required prior obtaining a license or certification.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program | OTA Degree

Online Options for Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate’s Degree

Several schools offer one or more courses online in an occupational therapy program. Typically, a limited-admissions program, applicants may find that completion of general education courses or practical experience offers advanced placement within the program. Most associate’s degree programs take two full-time years to complete, though some schools may offer accelerated options for those who have completed prerequisite coursework or have some relevant experience. Online coursework includes:

  • Introduction to psychology
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Human growth and development

Schools with Online Programs in Occupational Therapy Assistance

Santa Ana College offers a hybrid associate’s degree program featuring some lecture courses online. Others will need to be taken in person, with additional fieldwork requirements for most degrees. Fieldwork experiences are divided into two segments – I and II – with the first focusing on observing clinical work and participating in activities under supervision, while the second involves working in a pre-selected department of a hospital.

St. Catherine University also has a hybrid associate’s degree, with some programs featuring up to 80% of the coursework entirely online. Students can generally complete the program in as little as 16 months. Graduates are guaranteed to be prepared to take the NBCOT Exam, allowing them to become a certified OTA. Additionally, part of the in-person requirement for these programs will include up to 720 hours of fieldwork in a healthcare setting.

Many fully and partially online occupational therapy assistant programs are available, primarily at the associate’s degree level. When choosing where to earn an education, it is important to remember different programs offered, the extent of the coursework available online, and how prepared students can earn certification.

Occupational therapists treat patients who are injured, ill, or have a disability by helping them develop or recover daily life skills. Occupational therapy is a growing field with a projected increase in demand of 16% over the next decade. There are many online degree programs available, which allow individuals to enter this rewarding field. Students can opt for online bachelor’s degree programs and prepare to become occupational therapy assistants. Alternatively, they can become fully licensed professionals by enrolling in an online occupational therapy master’s program. Scroll down to find a ranked list of the schools that offer various levels of online occupational therapy degrees. Then read on for more information about accreditation, salary projections and licensing requirements.

The Salary and Career Prospect of an Occupational Therapy – International  Education Consultants | Study Abrod | Lagos, Nigeria

Most Popular Accredited Online Schools for Occupational Therapy Degrees

Prospective students who visit our site are most interested in these schools.

Rank School Annual Tuition

Recommend Rate

# 1 University of Florida $28,659
60% (5 reviews)
# 2 University of Kansas $27,358 100% (1 review)
# 3 Baker College Online
$9,800 59% (91 reviews)
# 4 Columbia University in the City of New York
$59,430 Add Review
# 5 University of Alabama at Birmingham $19,704 100% (1 review)
# 6 University of Wisconsin – Madison $36,805 0% (1 review)
# 7 University of South Dakota
$12,425
60% (5 reviews)
# 8 Nova Southeastern University $30,900
71% (7 reviews)
# 9 California State University-Northridge
$18,773 100% (1 review)
# 10 The George Washington University
$55,230 75% (4 reviews)
# 11 New York University $51,828 100% (2 reviews)
# 12 IUPUI $29,821 100% (1 review)
# 13 Temple University $29,066 100% (1 review)
# 14 Eastern Kentucky University
$19,444 33% (3 reviews)
# 15 Creighton University $39,916 75% (4 reviews)
# 16 University of Utah $29,215 100% (2 reviews)
# 17 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus $40,732 Add Review
# 18 Barry University $30,014 Add Review
# 19 Towson University $23,208 Add Review
# 20 Misericordia University $33,240 Add Review
# 21 American International College $35,680 Add Review
# 22 St. Catherine University $39,554 0% (5 reviews)
# 23 Quinnipiac University $47,960 0% (2 reviews)
# 24 Boston University
$53,948 100% (3 reviews)
# 25 Gannon University $32,136 Add Review

Online Occupational Therapy Degree Overview & Career Information

Students in online occupational therapy programs study medical science, anatomy, physiology, and different interventions in occupational therapy. In addition to didactic coursework, on-site clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities help students learn how different therapy interventions work in practice.

The educational requirement to become an OTA is an associate degree. Associate programs include classes in natural science, occupational therapy protocol, and professional behavior. These associate-level degrees are currently not available online. Instead, they are available at vocational school and community college campuses.

There are limited opportunities to earn undergraduate OTA degrees online. Most programs are delivered in an in-person format to account for the ways in which the career is highly physical and dependent on human observation. In addition, a certain amount of clinical work is necessary for graduation from these programs, as well as for licensure. An OTA program will teach students the necessary tools they need to be successful in their career, including how to communicate with occupational therapists, patients, and family members, professional ethics, and therapeutic techniques. Clinical fieldwork will be required. An associate or bachelor’s OTA degree is commonly found through technical colleges and universities, and a high school diploma or GED will be required for admittance. At this point, there are no graduate degrees available online for OTAs.

To become a licensed OT in the United States, candidates must complete an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program and a certain number of fieldwork hours, as well as earn a passing score on the NBCOT certification exam. A majority of the available online OT degree programs are doctoral programs, which are typically designed for current OT professionals who would like to advance into leadership roles in their career. Due to the physical nature of the concepts and principles taught in occupational therapy programs, it is not currently possible to earn an accredited master’s or doctoral degree via online courses alone; all programs require at least some of the courses to be completed in-person at an instructional facility.

Undergraduate certificates are generally designed to lead to a position as an occupational therapy aide, who assist OTs and OTAs and are not required to take the NBCOT certification exam. Students in these programs learn how to carry out routine administrative and clinical tasks in occupational therapy settings. Graduate certificates are usually aimed at healthcare practitioners from other fields who want to develop a background in occupational therapy.

How to Become an Occupational Therapist - Benefits & Job Opportunities -  University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy

Online OT degree programs at the bachelor’s level are relatively limited at this time, as a master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to become a licensed or registered OT in the United States.

The admissions process for a bachelor’s-master’s bridge program allows students of varying education levels to apply: current high school students, current bachelor’s students, and students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in an area other than occupational therapy. All applicants must have an acceptable GPA and complete prerequisites such as human anatomy and physiology, psychology courses, medical terminology, and statistics.

Students will take courses in topics such as public health, occupational science foundations, mental health theory, ethics and advocacy, neuroscience, and pediatric practice. In addition to these required courses, students will also be required to complete fieldwork seminars and clinical hours at a local healthcare facility. Graduates of the bachelor’s-master’s bridge program will be eligible to sit for the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam, which is part of the licensing process for OTs in all 50 US states.

Online Master’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy

Students who wish to become a licensed occupational therapist will need to earn a master’s degree from an accredited institution. These graduate programs take two to three years to complete and involve research and clinical work in addition to the didactic coursework. Due to the high level of physical training involved in the OT master’s program, online education options are somewhat limited at this time.

Many traditional master’s programs require volunteer or internship experience in an occupational therapy setting and prerequisites in physiology, anatomy, statistics, psychology, and additional health and science areas. Graduates of OT master’s programs will be prepared for advanced clinical roles or for teaching roles at the university level. Those affiliated with universities and colleges may choose to teach while also maintaining a practice. After completing the master’s degree, occupational therapists may continue their education at the doctoral level.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Occupational Therapy

The online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is typically designed for practicing OTs who are seeking advanced clinical or academic roles. OTD programs are rigorous advanced degrees that help students advance their understanding of clinical practice and administration, public policy, advocacy, education, and research methodology.

Program Requirements

Depending on the school, applicants to OTD programs must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy, hold a current OTR license, and must submit a personal statement illustrating how they plan to utilize their doctoral degree. Students should already have a strong foundation in research principles and know how to apply them to their OT practice when they begin an OTD program. Although OTD programs are often designed to accommodate working OT professionals by offering online courses in a part-time format, some programs do include an on-campus requirement. Be sure to carefully review all program requirements prior to submitting your application for enrollment to ensure that the program will work with your lifestyle and your location. OTD programs take approximately two to three years

Curriculum

Coursework required for OTD programs will include topics such as leadership, ethics, advanced OT theory, program design and evaluation, quantiative research methods, occupational science, and evidence-based practice. Doctoral programs often require a capstone project, enabling students to work closely with a faculty mentor to more closely examine their chosen OT specialty area.

Online Certificates in Occupational Therapy

At the certificate level, students may enroll in an online program to become an occupational therapy aide. OT aides assist occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by taking care of office tasks, transporting patients safely, helping with insurance matters, and cleaning and preparing treatment rooms and instruments. OT aides are only required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, but earning a certificate may help improve employment prospects. The duties of OT aides aren’t regulated, so aides don’t need to earn a license in the way that OTs and OT assistants do.

The Penn Foster Career School certificate program for occupational therapy aides requires 10 self-paced courses that can be completed in as little as a month. Students will learn about the qualities that make a successful occupational therapy aide, administrative and clerical tasks, medical terminology, and the best ways to maintain a clean and safe office environment. Some of the required courses include an introduction to occupational therapy, introduction to medical terminology, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic treatments. The school also offers assistance for students who are seeking work experience as part of their education program.

The Importance of Accreditation for Occupational Therapy Degree Programs

For students who are considering becoming a professional OT or OT assistant, accreditation is critical. Every state requires that OT and OTA licensing applicants pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and, in order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have a degree from an accredited institution. Accreditation is granted to individual degree programs and schools by accrediting agencies when they meet the educational standards that have been established by the occupational therapy profession; hence, accreditation is a good indicator of a school or program’s level of quality.

The US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize several regional and national accrediting agencies for postsecondary institutions, and they recognize the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as the accrediting agency for individual occupational therapy degree programs. Institutional accreditation by a regional or national accrediting body is required if you plan to apply for federal financial aid or transfer your college credits to another accredited school in the future. Please visit our guide on college accreditation for more information about the benefits and the importance of these designations. Find an Online Degree: SPONSORED

Licensing and Certification Requirements for Occupational Therapists

Because the field of occupational therapy is state regulated, all OTs and OTAs must be licensed or registered by their state’s regulatory board in order to practice. Occupational therapy aides do not have to be licensed. While each state has its own licensing rules, every state requires that OT and OTA candidates pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. After passing the exam, candidates must pay state licensing fees. Passing the NBCOT exam also qualifies one to use the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) title.

NBCOT is a non-profit credentialing agency that offers certification for those in the occupational therapy profession. The organization is well-respected in the industry, as they are continually improving their processes and working to ensure that their certifications meet industry standards. In order to take the NBCOT certification exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Graduate with an entry-level occupational therapy degree from an accredited school or program and submit official transcripts.
  • Complete fieldwork requirements.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the English language.
  • Agree to uphold the NBCOT code of conduct (ethical and professional requirements and standards of practice).

Because NBCOT is such a respected organization in the OT field, the certification will increase employment opportunities. Certification will demonstrate to the public, as well as future employers, that you are a competent OT professional and are qualified to handle the responsibilities of being an OTR or COTA. OTRs and COTAs must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education units. It’s always best to confirm all licensing and registration requirements with your particular state before beginning an OT program. AOTA offers a list of state OT regulatory authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy Degrees

What’s the difference between an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and an occupational therapy aide?

Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) have more professional responsibility than occupational therapist aides, as they are qualified to administer care, prescribe therapeutic regimens, and observe and record patients’ progress. Under the guidance and supervision of an occupational therapist, OTAs use their formal training to provide support for, and frequently carry out, treatment. The large majority of OTAs have associate degrees from accredited technical colleges or universities, and must complete fieldwork requirements as well as receive licensure through passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam.

Occupational therapist aides differ from OTAs in that they do not need to have a college degree or be licensed in order to do their work. Most occupational therapist aides receive their training on-the-job, and perform tasks to support the OTs and OTAs such as cleaning equipment or treatment areas, scheduling appointments with patients, or assisting with forms and paperwork. Occupational therapist aides generally have a high school education or GED, and should display strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and empathy when applying for jobs. It is also beneficial to have earned good grades in high school science courses such as biology and health education.

Although there is no regulation for occupational therapist aides, some continue on to pursue careers as occupational therapists or OTAs by acquiring the necessary formal education and certification.

How much can I earn with a degree in occupational therapy?

A job as an occupational therapist will require a master’s degree and certification. The median annual salary for occupational therapists is $84,950 and the projected growth rate in this field over the next decade is 18%, which is much higher than average. This is in part due to the fact that the number of Americans ages 65 and older will grow considerably in the next 10 years, as will the demand for occupational therapy. Two other common occupations in this field are occupational therapy assistants, who earn a median annual salary of $61,510, and occupational therapy aides, who earn a median annual salary of $29,230. Occupational therapy assistants have typically earned associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees, and they must be licensed to work. A job as an occupational therapy aide does not require a degree or licensure.

What’s the difference between being an occupational therapist (OT) and a physical therapist (PT)?

Occupational therapists treat patients who are injured, ill, or disabled by helping them develop, recover, improve, or maintain the skills needed for daily life at home and at work. In addition to working with patients in healthcare facilities, occupational therapists frequently go to a patient’s home or workplace to evaluate the spaces, make recommendations for improvements, and educate people who help care for the patient. Physical therapists, by contrast, focus on treating, rehabilitating, and preventing further injury in patients who are dealing with injuries or chronic illnesses. Their purpose is to improve range of motion and help manage pain. Physical therapists generally perform their work in healthcare facilities, where they provide treatment and often teach patients specific exercises that facilitate healing.

What else can I do with a degree in occupational therapy?

Most graduates with degrees in occupational therapy go into clinical practice, meaning they are working directly with patients. However, some may choose to use their knowledge and skills in nonclinical roles, such as healthcare administration, case management, or teaching. There are also many niche occupations that are available to occupational therapists. Some OTs may be interested in becoming self-employed life or wellness coaches, medical equipment sales associates, assistive technology (prosthetics) professionals, or social workers.

References

  • How to Get a License. The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. Accessed March 3, 2018. http://www.aota.org/Advocacy-Policy/State-Policy/Licensure/How-To.aspx.
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Accessed March 3, 2018. https://www.nbcot.org.
  • Occupational Therapists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor. Published March 3, 2018. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm.
  • Occupational Therapy Aide School. Penn Foster Career School. Accessed March 3, 2018. http://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/medical-and-health-careers/occupational-therapy-aide-career-diploma.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor. Published March 3, 2018. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm.

About the author

Study on Scholarship Today -- Check your eligibility for up to 100% scholarship.

Leave a Comment