Occupational Therapy Assistant

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) use occupation to develop and improve clients’ cognitive, sensory, motor, and social skills to promote health and enhance participation in daily life activities. National American University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program offers a blended delivery format designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and nature of occupation, the dynamic interaction of clients and their environments, and in “hands on” skills. This associate degree program emphasizes lecture, laboratory, discussion, demonstration, and practical application.

Also, check out our article Occupational Therapy: Living Life to Its Fullest for an in-depth look at this exciting associate degree program.

To learn more about program goals, learning outcomes and course descriptions of our online college classes, view our undergraduate catalog.

* For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete the program and other important information, please visit www.national.edu/disclosures.

National American University has applied for accreditation and has been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Contact information for ACOTE is listed below:

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
(301) 652-2682

Once ACOTE accreditation status is granted to NAU, the graduate of the OTA program is eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant, which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the exam, the graduate will be a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure, which is generally based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Exam. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and obtain state licensure.