No, there are no accredited occupational therapist assistant programs you can complete 100% online. Aspiring OTAs can get much of the training they need through online courses. For online and Web-assisted courses, students may access readings and other materials at their 24-hour convenience from a school's website. What do you, as a student, need to keep in mind when searching for OTA programs with key online elements and the best hands-on training support? Instead, they are available at vocational school and community college campuses. 2020-21 Match Cycle, there are 62 programs participating, offering a total of 93 positions. What Does Online Occupational Therapy Assistant School Cost? The principles of how to communicate effectively can be taught in textbooks and during online class sessions. After working as an occupational therapy assistant for a while and mastering the job, professionals may decide they want to move into more challenging positions in the health care field. In order to qualify to take the NBCOT, people must complete a degree program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Those affiliated with universities and colleges may choose to teach while also maintaining a practice. All states require that occupational therapy assistants receive a license in order to legally work in their state. If you want to become an occupational therapy assistant, online OTA programs can give you the knowledge and skills you need to earn professional certification in your state. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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). At this point, there are no graduate degrees available online for OTAs. The following is an overview of some of the ways people can pay for their OTA degree program. An OTA program will teach students the necessary tools they need to be successful in their career, including how to communicate with occupational therapists, patients, and family members, professional ethics, and therapeutic techniques. But which schools offer convenient scheduling and the right curriculum at a price you can afford? It's always best to confirm all licensing and registration requirements with your particular state before beginning an OT program. Coursework required for OTD programs will include topics such as leadership, ethics, advanced OT theory, program design and evaluation, quantiative research methods, occupational science, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum is designed to be completed with two years of full-time study, but students have up to 36 months from the time of admission to complete all program requirements. This test, which takes four hours to complete, is made up of 170 multiple choice questions and three clinical simulations. The duties of OT aides aren't regulated, so aides don't need to earn a license in the way that OTs and OT assistants do. In order to take the NBCOT certification exam, applicants must meet the following requirements: Because NBCOT is such a respected organization in the OT field, the certification will increase employment opportunities. The curriculum is offered with two options. Students in these programs learn how to carry out routine administrative and clinical tasks in occupational therapy settings. All applicants must have an acceptable GPA and complete prerequisites such as human anatomy and physiology, psychology courses, medical terminology, and statistics. Clinical internship courses in particular always require students to work on-site at a participating medical facility. Due to the high level of physical training involved in the OT master's program, online education options are somewhat limited at this time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy assistants make a median salary of $60,220 per year. The online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is typically designed for practicing OTs who are seeking advanced clinical or academic roles. Erie Community College OTA Program. In addition, these workers may decide to pursue careers as consultants, physical therapists, health care educators, or exercise physiologists in order to gain new skills, expand their knowledge, and command higher salaries. Although students can learn the basic principles of how this is done effectively online, it is no substitution for learning how to do this with actual patients and watching the techniques professionals use at work. Get updates and read in-depth content from industry experts and healthcare professionals. OTRs and COTAs must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education units. Occupational therapy aides do not have to be licensed. Most graduates with degrees in occupational therapy go into clinical practice, meaning they are working directly with patients. The following are examples of some of those skills. We’re here with you every step of the way, starting with the admissions process. The online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is typically designed for practicing OTs who are seeking advanced clinical or academic roles. OTAs assist people of all ages, with varying abilities or handicaps, to gain independence in their day-to-day activities. Two other common occupations in this field are occupational therapy assistants, who earn a median annual salary of $61,510, and occupational therapy aides, who earn a median annual salary of $29,230. The median annual salary for occupational therapists is $84,950 and the projected growth rate in this field over the next decade is 18%, which is much higher than average. Although there is no regulation for occupational therapist aides, some continue on to pursue careers as occupational therapists or OTAs by acquiring the necessary formal education and certification. St. Catherine University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS program features a hybrid online (80%)/on-site (20%) curriculum that includes: online asynchronous general education and OTA courses; once-monthly hands-on skills labs held at numerous sites in California, Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia; and 720 fieldwork experience hours at approved OTA practice sites. Students who wish to become a licensed occupational therapist will need to earn a master's degree from an accredited institution. Penn Foster Career School. In online OTA programs, you can use email, chat, and learning management systems such as Blackboard to collaborate with professors and peers. But how does that all work? But it is possible that an occupational therapy online degree program might take much longer to pursue than a brick and mortar program. When encountering patients during their clinical work, students get the opportunity to hone their ability to show compassion, which goes a long way toward building trust and helping patients have positive outcomes. Their purpose is to improve range of motion and help manage pain. Every student searches for an online OTA program with a different idea of what path they want to follow. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) associate degree program prepares students to help a variety of people in many different environments. Due to the physical nature of the concepts and principles taught in occupational therapy programs, it is not currently possible to earn an accredited master's or doctoral degree via online courses alone; all programs require at least some of the courses to be completed in-person at an instructional facility. Labs are attended on Remington’s Orlando-area campus while fieldwork experiences are available at several practice locations throughout the Southeast. Depending on the school, applicants to OTD programs must have a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy, hold a current OTR license, and must submit a personal statement illustrating how they plan to utilize their doctoral degree. 1. Graduates of the bachelor's-master's bridge program will be eligible to sit for the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam, which is part of the licensing process for OTs in all 50 US states. They are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate levels. The cost for education can add up when fees are added to tuition charges. A majority of the available online OT degree programs are doctoral programs, which are typically designed for current OT professionals who would like to advance into leadership roles in their career. Instruction: Occupational therapy assistants often are tasked with explaining medical information to their patients and teaching them how to care for themselves between appointments. You will learn everything from the history of the field and medical terminology to the duties of a rehabilitation team and safety in a healthcare setting. EduMed.org has created its Best in Class initiative to answer that question. Students can opt for online bachelor’s degree programs and prepare to become occupational therapy assistants. Not only did St. Kate’s launch the nation’s first OTA program in 1964, we redefined the way it’s taught with the introduction … Take your first step toward a degree today. These courses introduce students to … OTD programs take approximately two to three years. This is in part due to the fact that the number of Americans ages 65 and older will grow considerably in the next 10 years, as will the demand for occupational therapy. Option One features full-time study in which students complete LAS (Liberal Arts & Sciences) and OTA courses simultaneously, allowing them to earn their degrees in as few as 16 months. Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Sacramento City College Allied Health Division 3835 Freeport Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95822-1386 (916) 558-2271 Online degrees are available in 134 popular subjects that cover 37,317 unique programs from online schools. Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree. Published March 3, 2018. Due to the hands-on nature of the field, online OTA programs are pretty much non-existent, and hybrid programs are rare. Undergraduate certificates are generally designed to lead to a position as an occupational therapy aide, who assist OTs and OTAs and are not required to take the NBCOT certification exam. That will determine how much range you’ll need to … Why choose Online OT programs? Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the English language. In addition, OTAs can expect to see a healthy amount of job growth in the coming years. Online OTA Program Overview Our online occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program applies a blended learning model, comprised of 80% online and 20% on-site curriculum. Online Programs; About This Program . Eastern Virginia Career College OTA Program; Physical Address: Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 10304 Spotsylvania Avenue, Suite 400 Fredericksburg, VA 22408-8605: Phone Number (540) 373-2200: Website Address: www.evcc.edu: OTA Program Contact: jkress@evcc.edu : OTA Program Accreditation; Program … Online courses allow you to study at your own pace and attend “class” whenever it best fits into your daily schedule. Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides. Generally, prospective occupational therapy assistants can begin their career after two years of training in an associate degree program. Occupational Outlook Handbook. The OTA Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level … Our 16-month OTA program blends online learning with practical experience to provide a flexible, well-rounded education that spans four full-time semesters. In online OTA programs, you can use email, chat, and learning management systems such as Blackboard to collaborate with professors and peers. Every school on our website is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education. The following are examples of the skills that students can actually obtain by doing online work. Please visit our guide on college accreditation for more information about the benefits and the importance of these designations. … In addition to these required courses, students will also be required to complete fieldwork seminars and clinical hours at a local healthcare facility. Schools that compensate us advertise via school search results and featured placements. However, those who want to advance in their careers can get additional training to land higher-level positions. In the table below, you can explore a handful of occupational therapy … The hybrid-formatted Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate degree program offered by Remington College combines online general education and OTA courses with in-person labs, along with fieldwork experiences in which students are exposed to a wide range of therapeutic skills in diverse working environments. Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science. A job as an occupational therapy aide does not require a degree or licensure. Accessed March 3, 2018. Students will take courses in topics such as public health, occupational science foundations, mental health theory, ethics and advocacy, neuroscience, and pediatric practice. NOTE: At this time, no accredited entry-level occupational therapy assistant program is offered completely online. See Online OTA Programs. Program(s) offered at least partially online. Students who successfully complete the degree program are eligible to sit for the NBCOT Certification Exam. OnlineU is supported by advertising. Occupational Therapy Aide School. Develop the skills and knowledge to become an occupational therapist aide with Penn Foster Career School’s Occupational Therapy Aide program. This allows them to pursue a subsection of the field that interests them, as well as demonstrate their expertise to employers so they can stand out when looking for a job or seeking advancement at their current workplace. The US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize several regional and national accrediting agencies for postsecondary institutions, and they recognize the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as the accrediting agency for individual occupational therapy degree programs. Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) schools are available throughout the country and provide students with undergraduate degree programs in the field. The agency reports that between 2016 and 2026, there will be a 29 percent increase in jobs—more than the national average for all professions—which amounts to 11,400 positions that will be created during this ten-year period. Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) have more professional responsibility than occupational therapist aides, as they are qualified to administer care, prescribe therapeutic regimens, and observe and record patients' progress. Stay up-to-date with the latest education, training, and career trends in the medical profession. Physical therapists, by contrast, focus on treating, rehabilitating, and preventing further injury in patients who are dealing with injuries or chronic illnesses. Recordkeeping: Keeping patient records complete and accurate is imperative for providing the best care, as well as ensuring that health care facilities get payments from insurance companies. Professionals who want to concentrate their work on a certain area may choose to earn a special certification. While students can get many important skills through their online coursework, some skills occupational therapy assistants need can only come through hands-on training. Students in online occupational therapy programs study medical science, anatomy, physiology, and different interventions in occupational therapy. This is no different whether you get a traditional education or become an OTA online. You can also submit assignments, ask questions, share notes, and take exams all from the comfort of home or a coffee shop. Are there any fully online accredited OTA programs? Occupational therapy assistants have typically earned associate degrees or bachelor's degrees, and they must be licensed to work. To become a licensed OT in the United States, candidates must complete an accredited master's or doctoral degree program and a certain number of fieldwork hours, as well as earn a passing score on the NBCOT certification exam. Because occupational therapy involves patients, earning your OTA degree online also means hands-on training. Occupational Outlook Handbook. The curriculum and education provided by OTA schools will prepare OTA graduates to work in a variety of OT settings. Alternatively, they can become fully licensed professionals by enrolling in an online occupational therapy master’s program. Accredited OTA Schools in Virginia. Program Website: Utica College OT Department. Those who are interested in pursuing OTA degrees may be reluctant to enroll in an online OTA program because they may be concerned they won’t get all of the training they need to obtain their license and land a job after graduation. Wallace State Community College (Next visit: 2021/2022)(OTA - associate degree) Occupational Therapy Assistant Program P.O. Occupational therapists treat patients who are injured, ill, or have a disability by helping them develop or recover daily life skills. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, or NBCOT, is the test that OTAs are required to take in order to receive their state license. The test covers skills such as clinical decision making, patient monitoring, treatment plan creation, and first aid. Learn more about financial aid options, how to apply for the FAFSA, and more ways to make college more affordable by reading EduMed’s guide to financial aid. A job as an occupational therapist will require a master's degree and certification. However, some critical knowledge and skills can actually be learned online, while other areas require that students participate in campus work. 5. Occupational therapy is a growing field with a projected increase in demand of 16% over the next decade. The following are the special certifications OTAs can receive. Keep reading to see 2020’s top occupational therapy assistant programs online. Many traditional master's programs require volunteer or internship experience in an occupational therapy setting and prerequisites in physiology, anatomy, statistics, psychology, and additional health and science areas. Lower … NBCOT is a non-profit credentialing agency that offers certification for those in the occupational therapy profession. Because the field of occupational therapy is state regulated, all OTs and OTAs must be licensed or registered by their state's regulatory board in order to practice. The OTA program at EVCC prepares the student to enter the workforce as an entry-level occupational therapy assistant working under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Occupational therapist aides differ from OTAs in that they do not need to have a college degree or be licensed in order to do their work. The Post-Professional Bachelors of Science in OTA at CMU is completely online. The school also offers assistance for students who are seeking work experience as part of their education program. The program uses a blended learning format to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work in all areas of OTA practice. At the certificate level, students may enroll in an online program to become an occupational therapy aide. As an occupational therapy aide, you could spend your days assisting therapists in teaching patients the skills that will improve their quality of life as they recover from injuries or illnesses. In some cases, graduates can receive a temporary license, which allows them to work on a limited basis, until they have received the results of the licensing test. Associate programs include classes in natural science, occupational therapy protocol, and professional behavior. Students will learn about the qualities that make a successful occupational therapy aide, administrative and clerical tasks, medical terminology, and the best ways to maintain a clean and safe office environment. However, Herzing University does offer an online component of the program. You may complete your required general education courses online. Online. While each state has its own licensing rules, every state requires that OT and OTA candidates pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The Penn Foster Career School certificate program for occupational therapy aides requires 10 self-paced courses that can be completed in as little as a month. Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Communication: Strong communication skills are needed in order to successfully work with colleagues, patients, and family members. From OTA to COTA: Certification & Licensing, Career Growth & Salary Potential for OTAs, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), American Occupational Therapy Association, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. Completing an OTA program will also prepare you to pass the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. Clinical fieldwork will be required. Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, our new Online OTA program makes it possible to earn a quality associate of science degree in 16 months. Cost: $570 per credit hour, including fees. Are there any fully online accredited OTA programs? However, state requirements can vary, so it’s important for students to find out what is expected of them. Physical therapy assistant programs online give future PTA professionals the chance to earn high quality training in a flexible learning environment. This compensation will never influence our school rankings, in-depth guidebooks, or any other information or resources published on this site. Some OTs may be interested in becoming self-employed life or wellness coaches, medical equipment sales associates, assistive technology (prosthetics) professionals, or social workers. Online occupational therapy assistant programs allow you to earn an accredited degree with the flexibility of distance learning. Occupational therapists treat patients who are injured, ill, or disabled by helping them develop, recover, improve, or maintain the skills needed for daily life at home and at work. Take classes in medical terminology, therapeutic treatment, and customer service at home and at a pace that’s right for you. Box 2000 Hanceville, AL 35077-2000 (256) 352-8307erika.lee@wallacestate.eduwww.wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division/occupational-therapy-assistantStatus: Accreditation To find out how to contact their state board, students can visit the American Occupational Therapy Association. Read on to see inside online occupational therapy assistant programs and learn what it takes to get started. Salem State University. However, Herzing University does offer an online component of the program. Be sure to carefully review all program requirements prior to submitting your application for enrollment to ensure that the program will work with your lifestyle and your location. Featured programs and school matching are for institutions that compensate us. Penn Foster CollegePROGRAM: Occupational Therapy Aide. The following outlines how mostly online programs and programs with an online component work. Type of Program: Online and in-person hybrid Master’s in Occupational Therapy program with in-person courses held every other weekend. Students must meet program curriculum requirements and follow the OTA program policies and procedures in place for the academic year in which they are readmitted to the OTA program. Find an Online Occupational Therapy Degree: Columbia University in the City of New York, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, American Occupational Therapy Association, National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), http://www.aota.org/Advocacy-Policy/State-Policy/Licensure/How-To.aspx, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm, http://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/medical-and-health-careers/occupational-therapy-aide-career-diploma, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm. Length of Program: Three years. Re-entry at any level is not guaranteed. EduMed.org is supported in part by advertisements. In addition, a certain amount of clinical work is necessary for graduation from these programs, as well as for licensure. The online OT programs provide the own pace and time of learning occupational therapy. However, some may choose to use their knowledge and skills in nonclinical roles, such as healthcare administration, case management, or teaching. Institutional accreditation by a regional or national accrediting body is required if you plan to apply for federal financial aid or transfer your college credits to another accredited school in the future. Occupational therapist aides generally have a high school education or GED, and should display strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and empathy when applying for jobs. Occupational therapy assistant students generally are concerned about the format of the program they choose, particularly if they are holding down a full-time job as they work on their degree. Upcoming graduates from an Associate of OTA program may be accepted on a provisional basis. How Our Online OTA Program Works. OT aides are only required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, but earning a certificate may help improve employment prospects. The following are some of the most important things students should look for in an online occupational therapy assistant program. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (OTA) EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The following accredited entry-level occupational therapy assistant programs indicated that some portion of the program is offered by distance education* in response to the 2019/2020 ACOTE Annual Report. What to Look for in an Online OTA Program, Understanding the “Online” in Online OTA Programs. Use an online tool like AntennaWeb or the FCC’s OTA TV mapping tool to see how close your TV stations are. Occupational Therapy Assistant – Post-Professional Completion Degree Program Offering. Published March 3, 2018. When offered online, occupational therapist assistant programs are a hybrid of online and traditional instruction, with the balance of coursework in the latter. Agree to uphold the NBCOT code of conduct (ethical and professional requirements and standards of practice). This does not influence our college rankings or our content. Scroll down to find a ranked list of the schools that offer various levels of online occupational therapy degrees. You can also submit assignments, ask questions, share notes, and take exams all from the comfort of home or a coffee shop. No, there are no accredited occupational therapist assistant programs you can complete 100% online. In order to gain proficiency in these areas, OTAs need hands-on training. Graduates of OT master's programs will be prepared for advanced clinical roles or for teaching roles at the university level. And, as one of the most affordable and flexible online programs of its kind, you can study within your budget and graduate in as few as four months. Online occupational therapy assistant programs can help to alleviate some of students’ concerns about how they are going to fit their education into their lifestyle, however, they should keep in mind that these programs do require that they go on campus for instruction periodically. After completing the master’s degree, occupational therapists may continue their education at the doctoral level. These graduate programs take two to three years to complete and involve research and clinical work in addition to the didactic coursework. The educational requirement to become an OTA is an associate degree. There are many online degree programs available, which allow individuals to enter this rewarding field. Blending online and on-site curriculum, our accredited program has and continues to set the standard for OTA education.