Academic Programs

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Do you have it within your heart to help patients overcome challenges? With a degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, you can combine both your head and your heart to teach patients techniques for living life to the fullest and maximizing their independence. You truly have the power to change lives…or give people their lives back.

You will gain a deeper understanding of the functioning of the human body, including sensorimotor, psychosocial, and cognitive elements. You will be able to demonstrate clinical reasoning skills, treat and screen using appropriate procedures under the guidance of an occupational therapist…. And more. You will do it all with compassion and empathy.

And one of the best things is, our occupational therapy assisting program is the only one in the area. With our accelerated program, you can get through school in 24 months or less. Professors are acting clinicians, out in the field doing what they teach, so your training will be up-to-date, relevant and top-notch.

Evening and Hybrid Option

Our innovative hybrid format allows students to complete their core coursework online, with labs scheduled for just two evenings per week on campus. This flexibility caters to individuals with work and family commitments who may not be able to attend a traditional, on-campus day program. It also makes the degree attainable to students who may live at a distance, that makes the need to commute to campus only twice a week, a realistic option.

2+2 Healthcare Management Pathway

Central Penn College’s healthcare associate degrees provide a strong foundation for a career in medicine, with the flexibility to bridge seamlessly into our Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management (HCM) degree. This innovative 2+2 pathway allows you to earn your associate degree in as little as 18 months + an internship, followed by a HCM in an additional year and a half, propelling you towards leadership roles in the dynamic healthcare industry.

Occupational Therapy Assistant A.S.:  Help patients regain independence through therapeutic activities, and leverage your associate degree as a stepping stone to a Healthcare Management and leadership opportunities within occupational therapy departments.

GRADUATION RATES

Graduation YearStudents enteringStudents who withdrew for reasons other than academic performanceStudents GraduatingGraduation Rate
202320020100%
202413013100%
20251046100%
Total43439100%

COST OF ATTENDING THE OTA PROGRAM

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Click here to view the OTA Progam Handbook

Click here to view the OTA Fieldwork Manual

Click here to view our exam information from NBCOT.

Disclaimer: Central Penn College cannot guarantee clinical placements for students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (AAS) ACCREDITATION

Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, (301.652.6611), WWW.ACOTEONLINE.ORG.

Click here to view Central Penn College’s Admissions Requirements

GRADUATES OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE 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). IN ADDITION, ALL STATES REQUIRE LICENSURE TO PRACTICE; HOWEVER, STATE LICENSES ARE USUALLY BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION. A FELONY CONVICTION MAY AFFECT A GRADUATE’S ABILITY TO SIT FOR THE NBCOT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION OR ATTAIN STATE LICENSURE.

Program offered

On-ground, evening, hybrid

In the news

Courses

Anatomy and Physiology
Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy
Pathology and Function
Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics

Admissions Requirements Accreditations
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Careers you can pursue

  • Occupational Therapy Assisting

You will succeed if you are...

  • Patient
  • Empathetic
  • Caring
  • Possess Great Dexterity

89.5%

89.5% of our graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation.

* Based on graduates whom we have information during a one-year period from 2023-24. It should be noted that 97.9% of graduates were employed in some capcity or continuing their education.

Opportunities Start HERE

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