Start Your Career: By the Numbers
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Help clients of all ages find independence as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA). Through basic and advanced activities of daily living, OTAs help clients return to day-to-day activities. Their work is crucial to the health, independence and quality of life of their patients.
Ozarks Tech prepares you for this important work with hands-on training. Through online courses, hybrid labs and in-person clinical experiences you’ll gain experience in OTA practices:
- Choose and lead client-centered activities
- Assist with occupational therapy assessments
- Adapt tools, tasks, and environments to support client needs
After graduation seek licensure and take the NBCOT exam. Start your path to a rewarding career in occupational therapy today!
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E; Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply for the program.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a selective-admission program and admission is determined by a points-based system.
Application Requirements and Information
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Becky Jenkins
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director
417-447-8855
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E; Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Graduates of the program 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 graduate will be a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
| Graduation Year | # of Students Entering | # of Students Who Withdrew for Reasons Other than Academic Performance | # of Students Graduating | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 23 (2023 | 3 | 20 | 100% |
| 2024 | 20 (2022) | 4 | 11 | 69% |
| 2023 | 18 (2021) | 2 | 15 | 94% |
| Total | 61 | 9 | 46 | 88% |
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) program data results
Graduates of the program 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 graduate will be a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Admissions
- OTA 2.1 Admission Procedures
- OTA 2.2 Transfer of Credit, Exam-Based Credit, and Advanced Placement
- OTA 2.3 Essential Functions
- OTA Technology Requirements
Equipment and Safety
- OTA 6.1 Equipment Safety, Infection Control, & Security
- OTC Safety & Security Procedures
- OTC Crisis Plans & Evacuation Procedures
Fieldwork
FW 1.2 Selection of Fieldwork Sites (C.1.2)
FW 1.5 Student Roles and Responsibilities
- FW 1.5.1 Program Completion Procedure
- FW 1.5.2 Felony Convictions
- FW 1.5.3 Immunizations, CPR, & Additional FW Requirements
- FW 1.5.4 Dress Code
- FW 1.5.5 Fieldwork Attendance & Hour Requirements
- FW 1.5.6 Requesting Fieldwork Accommodation
- OTA 285 & 286 Assignment Schedule (C.1.3)
FW 1.7 Level I Fieldwork
- FW 1.7.1 Qualifications for Level I Fieldwork
- FW 1.7.2 Time Requirements for Level I Fieldwork
- FW 1.7.3 Grading in Level I Fieldwork
FW 1.8 Level II Fieldwork
- FW 1.8.1 Qualifications for Level II Fieldwork
- FW 1.8.2 Time Requirements for Level II Fieldwork
- FW 1.8.3 Grading in Level II Fieldwork
- FW 1.8.4 International Fieldwork Experience Procedure (C.1.16)
Grievance
Progression, Retention & Graduation
- OTA 3.1 Progression and Retention
- OTA 3.2 Evaluation of Student Progress and Professional Behaviors
- OTA 3.3 Academic Suspension
- OTA 3.4 Advising Procedure
- OTA 3.5 Completion in a Timely Manner
- OTA 3.6 Graduation, Credentialing, & Licensure
- OTC Graduation Requirements
Withdrawal and Refunds of Tuition and Fees
- OTA 4.1 Voluntary Withdrawal
- OTA 4.2 Disciplinary Suspension
- OTA 4.3 Suspension for Positive Drug Test
- OTC Withdrawal from Classes
- OTC Refunds
Program Costs
| In-District | Pre-requisite | Fall I | Spring I | Fall II | Spring II | Total Cost of Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $3128 | $2455 | $2385 | $2862 | $2067 | $12897 |
| Fees | $1266 | $722 | $680 | $806 | $596 | $4070 |
| Books & Supplies | $425 | $530 | $570 | $154 | $170 | $1849 |
| Total Cost | $4819 | $3707 | $3635 | $3822 | $2833 | $18816.00 |
Costs are listed as of 6/20/25 per the OTC Cost Calculator. To find the tuition and fee totals for other student residency categories use the cost calculator.
Interested in learning more?
Join us for an informational session! Ask questions and learn more about the program. Sessions are offered in an online format.
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Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 82 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is provided in a hybrid format. The program is designed to prepare students for generalized practice under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Through online didactic, and in-person laboratory and clinical education components, hybrid students will have the opportunity to gain understanding of practice with clients ranging in age from the very young to the very old. Practice within a variety of settings including school, medical, work, community and mental health will be explored.
Students may take the “Program Specific Courses” only if they have been admitted into the program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. A new class begins each fall semester. The application deadline for the program is April 15. Contact the Health Sciences office for an application packet.
Students admitted into the OTA program are required to adhere to strict program attendance and professional behavior standards in order to participate, progress, and graduate from the OTA program.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E; Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant. This test is 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). NBCOT can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling 301-990-7979.
In addition, most states, including Missouri, require licensure to practice. State licenses are based on information obtained through an application and results of the NBCOT examination. Felony convictions may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT exam or attain state licensure. For information regarding Missouri licensure, contact the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy, Division of Professional Registration, 3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65102-1335, or phone (573) 751-0293.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses in order for the application to be considered.
To find your prerequisite GPA multiply the numerical grade value listed below by the number of credit hours for the specific course. Calculate the total for all prerequisite courses, then divide this number by the total amount of credit hours.
- A = 4
- B = 3
- C = 2
Grades of D or F will not be accepted as having met the prerequisite.
Yes, you can still apply to the program.
If you are taking a course in the spring semester, the pre-interview score will be determined based on your midterm grade. If enrolled in spring coursework, you must provide proof of midterm grades when you submit your application. Your final course grade will be used post-interview in the final ranking.
For any prerequisite courses not completed by the end of May, you will receive a score of zero in the application process. If you are admitted to the program, all prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the summer term in order to start the OTA Program in August. Your admission will be contingent on receiving a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses.
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Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.