Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.A.S. - OTA3
Occupational Therapy is a health care specialty that employs the use of purposeful activity, occupations and exercise for individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process, in order to maximize independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), prevent disability and maintain health. Occupational therapy assistants work closely with occupational therapists to provide services that encompass evaluation, treatment, intervention and consultation.
Admissions: Acceptance into Piedmont Technical College’s OTA program is competitive and is limited to 24 students to begin fall semester. See the college calendar or website for application dates.
To become eligible to apply for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, applicants must complete the following:
- Complete the following courses (minimum "C" grade required):
Course List Courses Course Title Credit Hours BIO 210 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 COL 103 College Skills 3 ENG 101 English Composition I 3 MAT 120 Probability and Statistics 3 PSY 201 General Psychology 3 - Minimum grade point average for the above courses of 3.0. A grade point average calculator can be found under the Application and Advising tab.
- Completion of TEAS test in reading and math.
- Good academic standing at the college.
Students are required to maintain a current American Heart Association “Basic Life Support” certification throughout the major studies courses.
Requirements
| Courses | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | ||
| BIO 210 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 211 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 203 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Subtotal | 29 | |
| Required Core Subject Areas | ||
| OTA 105 | Therapeutic Analysis in Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 135 | Therapeutic Media II | 1 |
| OTA 162 | PsychoSocial Dysfunction | 3 |
| OTA 164 | Physical Dysfunction | 6 |
| OTA 176 | Pediatric Development and Dysfunction | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Other Hours Required for Graduation | ||
| OTA 101 | Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 142 | OTA Clinical Introduction I (Level I Fieldwork) | 1 |
| OTA 144 | OTA Clinical Introduction II (Level I Fieldwork) | 1 |
| OTA 155 | Gerontology | 2 |
| OTA 203 | Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 213 | Group Process and Dynamics | 2 |
| OTA 245 | Occupational Therapy Departmental Management | 2 |
| OTA 262 | OTA Clinical Application I | 7 |
| OTA 264 | OTA Clinical Application II | 7 |
| Subtotal | 28 | |
| Total Hours | 74 | |
Graduation Plan
Enrollment in clinical coursework requires admission to the program. See Application and Advising section for more information.
Fall Start
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| BIO 210 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| COL 103 | College Skills | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 211 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| PSY 203 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Elective Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| OTA 101 | Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 105 | Therapeutic Analysis in Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 203 | Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy | 3 |
| OTA 213 | Group Process and Dynamics | 2 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| OTA 142 | OTA Clinical Introduction I (Level I Fieldwork) | 1 |
| OTA 155 | Gerontology | 2 |
| OTA 164 | Physical Dysfunction | 6 |
| OTA 176 | Pediatric Development and Dysfunction | 4 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| OTA 135 | Therapeutic Media II | 1 |
| OTA 144 | OTA Clinical Introduction II (Level I Fieldwork) | 1 |
| OTA 162 | PsychoSocial Dysfunction | 3 |
| OTA 245 | Occupational Therapy Departmental Management | 2 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| OTA 262 | OTA Clinical Application I | 7 |
| OTA 264 | OTA Clinical Application II | 7 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 74 | |
Application Process
This is a limited enrollment program that has special admissions requirements. These requirements must be completed before you can be accepted.
If you are a new student, there are three key steps to complete before entering the program:
- Step 1: Apply to the college and complete the enrollment process
- Step 2: Take the necessary courses and testing (if required) to become Program-Ready
- Step 3: Apply to the program
Are you Program-Ready?
Before applying for program entry, be sure you meet the requirements for acceptance. Start by connecting with an advisor and review program requirements.
We've also provided the resources below to assist you with the program acceptance process.
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheets are designed for students and advisors to review program-specific requirements and program application procedures. Please make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your academic goals and progress, and to develop your individualized degree plan.
GPA Calculator
There are minimum GPA requirements for program-ready coursework. The Program-Ready GPA Calculator can be used to calculate your GPA.
Application Worksheet
The application worksheet is used to calculate points toward competitive program entry.
TEAS Testing
Candidates for entry into the Associate Degree Nursing program and the Occupational Therapy Assistant program must take the TEAS test. When you are eligible for entry into the program, you must complete testing before starting the application process.
Observation Hours Form
A total of 20 observation hours in at least 2 different settings are required prior to program application. Observation hours may be completed in person or virtually through the link below. Please note that the cost for the virtual observation option is $65. This cost is not associated with program cost.
Optional Virtual Observation Hours
The Observation Hours Form must be emailed to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program director for verification to receive credit. Additional information and instructions are provided on the form.
Health Care Program Acceptance Data
These are NOT the scores required to be accepted. These are scores from past applicants that were accepted. Since the applicant pool changes each time, there is no way to predict how high the application points need to be for acceptance into the program.
Coursework by Track
Refer to the Coursework by Track link below for a specific list of courses needed to complete the Health Care Certificate for your desired Health Care program of study. Once you click the link, navigate to your specific program under Coursework by Track.
Health Care FAQ
We strongly recommend that students review the Health Care Division FAQ to be fully aware of our program entry requirements.
Apply to the Program
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to become program ready, it’s time to apply to the program.
Applications are accepted for the fall entry into college healthcare programs on the following schedule:
- Application Dates - May 1-16
- Notification of Program Acceptance Emails Sent - Mid June*
Program applications must be submitted during the scheduled dates for this program to be considered.
Note: If you haven't already done so, you must apply to the college before completing the program application.
Complete The Program Application
* Students accepted into any Healthcare program will be required to attend a program orientation. Accepted students will NOT be excused from attending this mandatory orientation.
Current Student Resources
Occupational Therapy Assistant Handbook
Health Care Division Handbook
This handbook is designed to be utilized in conjunction with the PTC Academic Catalog, PTC Student Calendar and Handbook and PTC Health Care webpages. Please refer to them for additional information.
Health Care FAQ
We strongly recommend that students review the Health Care Division FAQ to be fully aware of our program entry requirements.
Health Care Readmission
Health Care readmission students who fail or withdraw from a Health Care curriculum class must complete and submit a readmission application in order to be considered for readmission.
Accreditation Information
The Piedmont Technical College OTA Program, is accredited by:
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org
Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT). Successful completion of this exam entitles the individual to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist. In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a criminal conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. To learn more about the ACOTE standards, visit www.ptc.edu/ACOTE.
The sponsoring institution (Piedmont Technical College) assumes primary responsibility for appointment of faculty, admission of students, and curriculum planning at all locations where the program is offered. This would include course content, satisfactory completion of the educational program, and granting of the degree. The sponsoring institution(s) must also be responsible for the coordination of classroom teaching and supervised fieldwork practice and for providing assurance that the practice activities assigned to students in a fieldwork setting are appropriate to the program.
Accreditation Status: Probationary Accreditation
ACOTE 2018: OTA Standards
School Performance: Program performance data on the NBCOT certification examination
NBCOT Certification
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT examination to become a practicing occupational therapy assistant. The examination is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), located at 12 South Summit Avenue, Suite 100, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. NBCOT’s phone number is (301) 990-7979.
NBCOT eligibility: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. For entering students with a concern in this area, NBCOT can be contacted directly for information related to the Early Determination and Character Review process for approval to take the NBCOT certification examination. You can see the NBCOT Pass Rate at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
Program Outcomes
The OTA program documents the following program outcomes:
Three year NBCOT examination pass rate at 80% or higher, regardless of the number of attempts.
Three year average job placement of not less than 75% within 12 months of graduation.
Program completion rates are evaluated annually by both the college and the program.
Cost of Attendance
Program Student Learning Outcomes
OTA Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Piedmont Technical College is to personify the principles and values of the college, profession, and community to educate and cultivate skilled, inclusive professionals who promote clinical excellence.
OTA Program Vision Statement
To be integral in community awareness, professional collaboration, and student personal growth and development through innovative, quality education, clinical preparation, service, and scholarship to secure, define, and expand the role and impact of an occupational therapy assistant.
OTA Program Educational Philosophy
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Piedmont Technical College is grounded in a student-centered, community-integrated philosophy that reflects the values of the college, the profession, and the broader healthcare landscape. We believe that education is a dynamic, inclusive process that fosters both personal and professional transformation.
Our curriculum is designed around seven interwoven learning threads—Occupational Engagement, Clinical Reasoning, Evidence-Based Practice, Self-Reflection & Adaptability, Professionalism, Technology, and Lifelong Learning—which serve as the foundation for developing competent, ethical, and reflective practitioners. These threads are not isolated concepts, but part of a continuous cycle of growth, reinforced through academic coursework, experiential learning, service opportunities, and community engagement.
We embrace the principles of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF–4), ensuring that students develop competencies across the domains of occupation, context, performance patterns, performance skills, client factors, and the therapeutic process. Our educational approach is informed by constructivist, transformative, and situated learning theories, which emphasize active engagement, critical reflection, and real-world application.
Through this philosophy, we will work to cultivate graduates who:
• Are prepared for entry-level practice across diverse settings.
• Demonstrate ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and professional adaptability.
• Engage in lifelong learning and leadership within the profession.
• Promote health, wellness, and occupational justice in the communities they serve.
This philosophy guides every aspect of our program—from curriculum design and instructional strategies to fieldwork experiences and student support—ensuring that our graduates are not only clinically competent, but also visionary contributors to the future of occupational therapy.
OTA Program / Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level occupational therapy assistant practice across a variety of practice areas. (Occupational Engagement, Professionalism Adaptability, & Evidence-Based Practice)
- Demonstrate effective communication skills and authentic, ethical professional conduct as an autonomous member of an interprofessional health care team. (Professionalism Adaptability)
- Engage in contemporary critical thinking of client-centered care that incorporates evidence-based decision-making, skilled documentation, and effective therapeutic approaches the in various practice settings of occupational therapy. (Clinical Reasoning, Evidence-Based Practice, Technology)
- Develop effective advocacy and leadership skills, engaging in personal and professional development and service opportunities further to embrace a commitment lifelong to learning. (Lifelong Learning, Professionalism Adaptability, & Self-Reflection)
- Demonstrate inclusive an commitment promoting to participation, health, wellness, and access to care in the clinical settings and communities they serve. (Self-Reflection, Lifelong Learning, Occupational Engagement)
Piedmont Technical College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Curriculum Design
Piedmont Technical College assumes primary responsibility for appointment of faculty, admission of students and curriculum planning at all locations where the program is offered. This would include course content, satisfactory completion of the educational program and granting of the degree. Piedmont Technical College also assumes responsibility for the coordination of classroom teaching and supervised fieldwork practice and for providing assurance that the practice activities assigned to students in a fieldwork setting are appropriate to the program (adapted from ACOTE Standard A.1.4).