Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy (OT) began more than 100 years ago and has continued to evolve into an evidence-based, client-centered therapy service.

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to provide interventions for clients of all ages who have difficulty in daily occupations. OTAs also work with clients who are healthy with a focus on wellness, productive aging, and preventative issues.

OTAs are heroes to those they serve. They are advocates who educate and assist clients in identifying and working towards client-centered goals to maximize independence and quality of life throughout their lifespan. OTAs work in tandem with families, doctors, teachers, social workers, and other therapy practitioners in a variety of medical and community settings.

For more information about occupational therapy, please visit www.aota.org.

At L&C, students you'll prepare to become an OTA through a combination of academic preparation and supervised fieldwork experiences.

The program can be completed in two years and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). After completing the academic and fieldwork requirements, you will be eligible for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).

• Occupational Therapy Assistant | AAS degree

• Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) Grant

• Why Choose a Career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
• Checklist for OTA Application
• Application Packet
• Application Essay Form
• Application Recommendation Form
• Clinical Observation Form
• Estimated Cost of Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Curriculum for Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant

The total number of graduates from the Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) Occupational Therapy Assistant Program during the 3-year period (2021-2023) was 39, with an overall graduation rate of 70%.

Graduates will be able to sit for the national certification examination for the OTA 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).  COTAs can then apply for licensure in the individual states where they intend to work as a COTA. All states require candidates to be licensed and have initial NBCOT certification in order to practice. All states, as well as NBCOT, may refuse certification/licensure to candidates who have a felony conviction.

An Articulation Agreement ensures a seamless transfer of courses from one institution to another institution. L&C's OTA Program has developed a partnership with 4-year institutions to guarantee classes completed as part of the OTA program will transfer towards the completion of a bachelor's degree. Contact L&C OTA Program Coordinator for more information. The following programs have agreements in place with L&C.

• Central Methodist University (CMU) Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
• McKendree University Bachelor of Arts in Biopsychology

Lewis and Clark Community College’s (L&C) OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. Contact ACOTE at (301) 652-6611 or accred@aota.org. The ACOTE website is www.acoteonline.org.

ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage. Professional Licensure compliance and agencies for each state/territory

L&C Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Annual Pass Rates for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Certified National Exam

 Access NBCOT examination comparison pass rates from schools across the country, including L&C OTA students.