Inside OTA Courses: Your Curriculum Journey

Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) means learning skills that help people live better every day. And it’s the OTA courses that teach you how to work with patients of all ages, from children to older adults. Each course builds your confidence with hands-on experience that prepares you for your new career.

What Career Paths are Available for OT Assistants?

Occupational therapy assistants can work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. They may also have roles in non-clinical settings, such as clinical liaison, educator, or utilization reviewer. OTAs can specialize in ergonomic assessments, helping workplaces adapt to reduce injuries related to poor ergonomics.

So, start your new career with our online programs that will train you to become a successful OTAs. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare as an occupational therapy assistant. Plus, certification as a COTA improves employability and often leads to better salary prospects.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Curriculum

The OTA program at CBD College includes both core courses and general education classes in its first two semesters. Specialized training includes modules on Pediatric Practice and Mental Health principles. Clinical simulation labs and interprofessional education are an important part of your clinical education.

Core Courses

Core courses in OTA programs lay the foundational knowledge necessary for effective practice in occupational therapy.

Anatomy courses – focus on understanding bodily structures relevant to occupational therapy practice.

Medical Terminology – ensure effective communication with healthcare professionals.

General Psychology -introduces the basics of human behavior, covering topics like emotions, learning, memory, and mental health.

Specialized Training

Specialized training modules at CBD College prepare you with unique skills to effectively meet a wide range of patient needs.

Kinesiology Course – focuses on human movement and prepares you to understand the biomechanics crucial for patient rehabilitation.

Pediatric Practice Course – prepares you to work with children, understanding developmental milestones and interventions.

Are Clinical Education and Fieldwork Important?

Fieldwork experiences are important and let you put theory into practice. Level I fieldwork allows you to observe and participate, while Level II fieldwork requires a full-time internship lasting at least eight weeks, focusing on diverse ages and settings. Fieldwork is crucial for helping you apply your knowledge in clinical settings and build essential skills.

Do I Need a Certification and License?

The national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be taken by graduates of CBD College’s OTA program. To sit for the NBCOT certification examination, you must successfully complete the OTA program. To become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), passing the national certification examination administered by NBCOT is required. International candidates must undergo the Occupational Therapist Eligibility Determination (OTED) process to confirm their education meets U.S. standards. Once approved through the OTED process, candidates have seven years to pass the NBCOT exam.

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination, because it can hinder a graduate’s ability to obtain state licensure after passing the NBCOT exam. Failure to pass the NBCOT exam within the validity period of OTED requires reapplication and resubmission of documentation.

Is the CBD College Program Accredited?

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at CBD College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Candidates must complete an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program to be eligible for the NBCOT exam. State licensure for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) typically requires passing the NBCOT exam, emphasizing the importance of attending an accredited program. Accredited programs ensure that OTA graduates meet national competency standards that many employers seek.

How to Apply to an OTA Program

Here is a step-by-step process to apply for the OTA program at CBD College:

Step #1: Submit an Application

Visit cbd.edu and complete the online application form for the OTA Program.

Step #2: Schedule a Tour and Interview

An admissions representative will contact you to schedule a campus tour and personal interview. This helps determine if the program fits your goals.

Step #3: Meet Admission Requirements

You must have a high school diploma or GED. Additional assessments may be required based on your background.

Step #4: Provide Transcripts and Documents

Submit all required documents, including high school or college transcripts.

Step #5: Complete Financial Aid Process

Meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss available options and submit your FAFSA if eligible.

Step #6: Enroll in the Program

Once accepted, you’ll finalize your enrollment and receive your class schedule.

What is the Cost and is Financial Aid Available?

The total program cost, including tuition and fees for all seven modules, is $52,841. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and distance education fees.

Our financial aid staff will assist you in completing the FAFSA application and remind you of the key deadlines. The FAFSA application determines your eligibility for federal student aid. Grants are financial aid that does not require repayment and is typically based on financial need. Scholarships are non-repayable financial awards for education that schools or private organizations may provide. Federal student loans are available through the U.S. Department of Education, and the amount available is determined by the FAFSA.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The job outlook for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be 21% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational therapy assistants are experiencing a significant increase in demand due to an aging population and a growing emphasis on rehabilitation services.

The average yearly compensation for occupational therapy assistants in the U.S. is approximately $66,050, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors such as workplace setting, geographical location, and years of experience influence the salary of occupational therapy assistants.

OTA Program

You’re already making a difference through the work you love. Now, take it to the next level with the Occupational Therapist Assistant program from CBD College. It’s flexible, affordable, and uniquely tailored to build on the skills and experience you’ve acquired professionally.

Contact us now to learn more.