Become an occupational therapy practitioner at JCC
The Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at Jamestown Community College prepares you for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). You can enter the workforce after graduation, or continue your education with our master's program transfer agreements and bridge programs. With JCC's OTA degree, you’ll have completed two years toward an advanced degree at significant cost savings and the flexibility to work full-time in a professional field.
Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP), which include occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and occupational therapists (OT), help individuals with difficulties due to developmental deficits, physical injury and illness, psychological and social disabilities, and the aging process. OTAs assist OTs with client evaluation, goal setting, implementation of care, and documentation. OTPs work in hospitals, nursing homes, school districts, inpatient and outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, home health care agencies, and mental health facilities. OTPs also work in health and wellness programming, assistive technology, and ergonomics.
While at JCC, you’ll study how human occupational development is affected by illness and injury, and how function can be facilitated. Your courses will emphasize hands-on learning, mentorship, and networking. JCC offers the national recognition and affordable cost of a SUNY community college, plus field expertise from licensed OTPs who work in the classroom and local OT community. JCC’s OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) (6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929; 301.652.AOTA).
2021 median pay for occupational therapy assistants: $61,520/year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How to apply to OTA
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
Occupational therapy assistant skills
After you complete the program, you will be able to:
- Develop and exhibit professional, desirable workplace behaviors which reflect occupational therapy standards of practice.
- Apply occupation-based, client-centered interventions that address the varying needs of clients.
- Demonstrate the ability to research evidence-based practices to positively impact interventions and inform occupational therapy practice.
- Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills and provide innovative occupational therapy interventions in challenging healthcare environments.
Program outcomes
- 75% of graduates find jobs in occupational therapy or related healthcare fields, or continue on for their OT degree.
- 90% of graduates are satisfied with their ability to function in an entry level OTA or related position.
- NBCOT program results
- JCC program outcome data