Occupational Therapy Assistant
Next Start: October 5th
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Launch a Rewarding Career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Our occupational therapy assistant programs are designed to get you into the workforce quickly, preparing you to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). In under two years, you will gain the essential clinical skills and hands-on training to work alongside occupational therapists, helping patients of all ages improve their daily lives.
CBD College’s OTA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), ensuring you receive the high-quality education that meets national industry standards. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT exam and earn your COTA certification, opening doors to one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare.
80% of our licensed graduates are working in their field of study
Hybrid Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs Overview
Explore the vital role occupational therapy plays in the healthcare industry and prepare to help patients heal through purposeful movement with our hybrid OTA programs. As you study typical development across age populations, you will understand how evidence-based treatments can improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for the people you serve.
While earning your Associate of Applied Science occupational therapy assistant degree, you can expect to:
- Practice in state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs
- Train under dedicated faculty with real-world clinical experience
- Build confidence through supervised externship placements
- Prepare for the NBCOT exam with targeted coursework and practice exams
- Receive support from our Career Services team to connect with employers
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Requirements and Admissions
If you are wondering how to become an occupational therapy assistant, it starts with understanding the occupational therapy assistant requirements for enrollment. Our admissions team will walk you through the application process, required documentation, and any prerequisite coursework you may need to complete before your program start date.
We encourage prospective students to connect with us early so we can help you identify any remaining requirements and prepare a strong application for our occupational therapy assistant programs.
ACOTE Accreditation and COTA Certification Pathway
The Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CBD College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: (301) 652-AOTA | www.acoteonline.org.
Graduates of the program are 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). All states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are typically based on results of the NBCOT certification examination.
Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
OTA Job Outlook, Salary, and Career Opportunities
The OTA job outlook is exceptionally strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. This demand is driven by an aging population, expanded roles for OTAs in schools and mental health settings, and increased recognition of occupational therapy’s role in rehabilitation.
The earning potential reflects this demand. The median occupational therapy assistant salary in the United States is approximately $64,250 per year, with experienced COTAs in high-demand markets like California earning significantly more. Completing your occupational therapy assistant programs at CBD College positions you to enter this growing field with the credentials employers actively seek.
What You Will Do as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
As a COTA, your day-to-day work will be hands-on and varied. Typical occupational therapy assistant jobs include responsibilities such as:
- Helping patients develop, recover, and improve the skills they need for daily living and working
- Leading patients through therapeutic activities, exercises, and evidence-based interventions
- Supporting children with developmental disabilities, coordination challenges, and socialization goals
- Training patients to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology for greater independence
- Documenting patient progress, communicating with supervising occupational therapists, and managing critical administrative tasks
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary care teams across diverse clinical settings
Where You Can Work with Your COTA Certification
Graduates of occupational therapy assistant programs find rewarding careers across a wide range of healthcare settings:
- Schools and early intervention programs
- Hospitals and acute care facilities
- Outpatient rehabilitation centers and private practices
- Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
- Home health agencies and community-based programs
- Mental health and behavioral health settings
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CBD College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) (ACOTE 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814; Phone: 301-652-AOTA / www.acoteonline.org).
Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program are eligible to take the national certification examination for the occupation therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate‘s ability to perform fieldwork, take the NBCOT certification examination, and attain state licensure.
OTA Graduation Requirements
Associate of Applied Science degrees are awarded in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA AAS) to students who complete all course work in no more than 150% of the total number of hours in the program with at least a 75% grade point average, and who are in attendance for at least 90% of the total didactic course hours. 100% of required clinical/externship hours must be achieved as well.
Why Choose CBD College for Your OTA Programs
When searching for OTA programs near me, students in the Los Angeles area consistently choose CBD College for our combination of clinical rigor, flexible scheduling, and career-focused outcomes. Our hybrid format blends online coursework with in-person lab sessions and clinical fieldwork at our LA campus, giving you the flexibility to balance school with your personal and professional commitments.
With 80% of our licensed graduates working in their field of study, our track record speaks for itself. Our occupational therapy assistant programs prepare you for immediate impact in clinical settings by combining classroom theory with extensive hands-on practice throughout your training.
Skills You Will Gain in Our OTA Programs
Throughout your occupational therapy assistant degree, you will develop the clinical competencies that employers value most:
- Assist occupational therapists in designing and implementing individualized treatment plans
- Improve daily living and motor skills for patients across pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations
- Provide therapy for physical, developmental, and mental health challenges
- Collaborate with care teams to monitor and document patient progress
- Educate patients and families on therapeutic techniques for long-term wellness
- Customize rehabilitation exercises aligned with each patient’s personal goals
Start Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs at CBD College
Ready to become a certified occupational therapy assistant? Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or you have already reviewed the occupational therapy assistant requirements and are ready to apply, our admissions team is here to guide you. Contact us today to learn about upcoming start dates, tuition, financial aid, and everything you need to begin your path to COTA certification at CBD College in Los Angeles, California.
Real people, real stories.
Attending CBD College has opened so many doors in my life. I got my dream job right after graduation. Thank you so much CBD College!
Beth
Alum - Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Attending CBD College started me down a new career path and changed my family's life.
Sarah
Alum - Physical Therapist Assistant
Going to CBD College marked the beginning of a fresh professional journey for me and had a transformative impact on my family's life.
John
Alum - Surgical Technology
Are you ready to join the OTA program?
