Prepare Students to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Important Update to OTA Admission Requirements
For the upcoming application period (February 15, 2025, to March 1, 2025):
- Applicants are no longer required to complete observation hours, a writing sample, or a video interview.
- Completion of BIO 141 and BIO 142 OR BIO 145 will meet the Biology requirement for this degree.
The OTA program will now entertain applications on a rolling basis through June 30th or upon filling the program. All admission requirements need to be completed by the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Applications that aren't complete are considered "contingent applications" and should include an email Dr. Skibek @ kbskibek@nvcc.edu with the plan to complete outstanding coursework before the start of the Fall semester. One of the requirements is to attend an information session. The dates, times, and formats of those sessions are listed on this webpage. Please contact Dr. Skibek for any questions at the email previously noted.
For questions, please email Dr. Kathryn Skibek.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is designed to prepare students with the entry-level skills needed to provide occupational therapy services to individuals with psychosocial, physical, and developmental impairments.
Under the guidance and supervision of a licensed occupational therapist (OT), OTAs work to help individuals improve their functional capacities to participate in:
- Self-care
- Work
- Play and leisure activities
- Socialization pursuits
Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant is a rewarding career for students seeking a dynamic and creative role in the health care field.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to provide students with the philosophical, theoretical, clinical knowledge, and clinical skills necessary to provide occupational therapy services. The curriculum prepares students to effectively collaborate with occupational therapists to provide efficient, quality client centered occupational therapy services. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates must take and pass a national board exam and complete the licensing process in all states to begin a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Length
- Two Years
- Credits
- 69
- Locations
- Medical Education
Why Study Occupational Therapy at NOVA?
Comprehensive Curriculum
Acquire philosophical, theoretical, and clinical knowledge and skills essential for delivering high-quality occupational therapy services to individuals throughout the lifespan.
Collaborative Practice
Learn to assist and collaborate with occupational therapists and other health care professionals through active participation in hands-on experiences in classroom, community fieldtrips, and fieldwork.
Career Advancement
NOVA students excel in national board exams, opening doors to fulfilling careers in various medical and community facilities, with opportunities for advanced degrees and specialization.
Program Details
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is a two-year, full-time course of study. OTA graduates develop their skills through participation in classroom, laboratory, field trips, and fieldwork experiences.
In this program, students:
- Learn about the field of occupational therapy.
- Develop clinical skills and reasoning.
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the OTA.
- Prepare to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
Graduates who successfully pass the NBCOT exam will earn the title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and become eligible to apply for state licensure.
Note: Licensure is required in all 50 states to practice as an OTA. A felony conviction may impact your ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or obtain state licensure.
What to Expect from the OTA Program
Mandatory Information Session
Your first step to begin health career training at NOVA/MEC is to attend an Information Session.
- Sessions are mandatory within 12 months of applying to the program.
- Available in in-person and Zoom formats.
- Sessions include details specific to the current academic year.
View the Upcoming OTA Information Sessions
Graduation Rate
NBCOT Board Pass Rate
Tuition and Fees
More Program Details and Resources
Accreditations
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 7501 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is 301.652.6611 and ACOTE's website can be found at www.acoteonline.org.
Credits and
Transfer Info
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
Transferring
Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.