Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Programs & Certification

Updated October 29, 2025 Table of Contents

Empower independence and recovery. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help patients regain daily living and work skills under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists. This 2025 guide explains how to train, certify, and launch a rewarding OTA career.

What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

OTAs work directly with patients recovering from injury, illness, or developmental challenges. They guide patients through therapeutic activities that build strength, coordination, and confidence.

Typical responsibilities include:

Assisting patients with exercises to improve coordination and mobility
Teaching strategies for dressing, cooking, and self-care
Setting up adaptive equipment or assistive devices
Documenting patient progress and reporting to the supervising therapist
Encouraging motivation and positive mental outlook during recovery

Occupational therapy assistants work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and schools.

What You’ll Learn in OTA School

Accredited OTA programs combine science-based instruction with hands-on clinical practice to prepare students for licensure.

Core coursework includes:

Anatomy & Physiology: Understanding the musculoskeletal and nervous systems
Kinesiology: Principles of movement and biomechanics
Therapeutic Techniques: Motor skills, sensory integration, and cognitive training
Psychology & Human Development: Behavioral and emotional support methods
Assistive Technology: Tools that promote patient independence
Clinical Documentation: Charting and patient progress tracking

Programs include extensive fieldwork rotations, giving students direct experience in clinical and community settings.

Education & Program Options

Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited program.

Common educational paths:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Standard 2-year program with classroom and field training
Bridge or Fast-Track Programs: For professionals in related fields like physical therapy aide or CNA
Online/Hybrid Options: Combine online coursework with local clinical requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s Upgrades: For those planning to advance to occupational therapist roles

Programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) to qualify graduates for certification.

Skills You’ll Need to Succeed

Successful OTAs combine compassion with problem-solving and creativity to help patients overcome barriers.

Top skills include:

Empathy and strong interpersonal communication
Adaptability to each patient’s physical and emotional needs
Observation and analytical thinking for progress evaluation
Patience and motivation for long-term rehabilitation
Manual dexterity and physical stamina

These traits help OTAs make therapy engaging and effective for every patient.

Certification & Licensure

After completing an accredited program, candidates must pass a national certification exam to practice.

Steps to certification:

Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program
Complete Level I and Level II fieldwork requirements
Pass the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam
Apply for state licensure based on NBCOT results
Maintain credentials through continuing education and periodic renewal

Some states may also require background checks and CPR certification.

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Earn a high school diploma or GED with science prerequisites
Enroll in an accredited OTA associate degree program
Complete supervised clinical fieldwork
Pass the NBCOT certification exam
Apply for state licensure and begin practicing
Continue education to specialize or become a licensed occupational therapist (OT)

With experience, OTAs can advance into education, management, or therapy specialization roles.

Median Pay (2024) $68,340 $32.86 per hour

Job Outlook (2024–2034) 19.3% +9,500 jobs (2024–2034) • 7,200 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$68,540 per year $32.95 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $49,070

$23.59 per hour

25th Percentile $59,950

$28.82 per hour

75th Percentile $77,340

$37.18 per hour

90th Percentile $86,930

$41.79 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 49,200

2034 58,700

Employment: 49,200 → 58,700 jobs by 2034 (19.3%)

7,200 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment: 0.0%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs: 0.31
Employment RSE: 2.3%
Projected Annual Openings: 7,200

Employment for OTAs is projected to grow much faster than average as the demand for rehabilitative and long-term care services increases nationwide.

Professional Associations & Resources

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): Professional membership, CE, and licensure resources
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT): Exam and credentialing details
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE): Program accreditation and standards
State Occupational Therapy Boards: Local licensure and renewal requirements

Career Paths

OTAs can pursue various specialized or leadership roles, such as:

Pediatric or Geriatric OTA
Rehabilitation or Mental Health Specialist
Home Health OTA
OTA Instructor or Clinical Educator
Rehabilitation Program Coordinator

Some OTAs later continue their education to become Occupational Therapists (OTRs).

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs Near You

Ready to start a career helping others regain independence?
Compare accredited OTA programs near you and begin your path toward becoming a licensed occupational therapy assistant.

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