Become an occupational therapy practitioner at JCC
The Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at Jamestown Community College prepares you to become a certified OTA. With JCC's OTA degree, you can study to become an occupational therapist through our transfer agreements, or work directly after graduation.
Occupational therapy practitioners help people live as independently as possible through activity modification, environmental adaptation, rehabilitation, education, wellness, and prevention. Some areas you can work in include:
- Hospitals, nursing homes, inpatient/outpatient rehab, home health care
- School districts, early intervention, after school programs
- Health, wellness and prevention, home modification and ergonomics
2024 median pay for occupational therapy assistants: $66,050/year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Benefits of JCC's OTA degree
- Earn an in-demand degree in a healthcare profession in only two years.
- Save money by starting at JCC for an entry-level career as an OTA. OTA program cost and affordability »
- Learn from licensed OT practitioners who are connected to the local OT community.
- Develop skills through JCC's Jayhawk Explore & Soar: OT Clinic for Families.
- As an accredited program, 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 (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA).
JCC’s 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 | 301.652.6611
Application process
The OTA program has a supplemental application in addition to the JCC application.
Where to study at JCC
- Fully available on the Jamestown Campus
- Some courses must be completed on the Jamestown Campus
Licensure
Successful completion of Jamestown Community College’s A.A.S. program in Occupational Therapy Assistant is sufficient for meeting the educational requirements necessary to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Passing of the NBCOT exam is required for licensure consideration in all states. Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their states’ licensure board to review all other licensure requirements imposed by that state. New York State Office of Professions for OT »
Courses
Occupational therapy assistant skills
After you complete the program, you will be able to:
- Exhibit professional, desirable workplace behaviors which reflect occupational therapy standards of practice.
- Design and implement client-centered interventions for persons, groups and populations.
- Apply evidence-based practices to positively impact interventions and inform occupational therapy practice.
- Articulate the value of occupational therapy to society.
- Cultivate a professional growth mindset through reflective practice.