Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program consists of three semesters of academic preparation and one semester of full-time fieldwork education leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The OTA curriculum includes a blend of online and hybrid courses coupled with face-to-face labs. All students are required to travel to the Oak Ridge campus one day per week for labs. Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences are completed in community-based practice settings. Placement decisions are based on factors such as site availability, alignment with program philosophy, and geographic proximity to the student. Fieldwork education may occur in any practice setting in which there is a Clinical Affiliation Agreement between the school and the site. Please refer to the RSCC Catalog for additional information.
Group Advising Sessions (Fall 2025)
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) may provide services in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, school systems, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and long-term care settings, home health agencies, mental health facilities and community-based programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for OTAs is expected to grow 28% from 2016-2026. The BLS reported the national average salary for OTAs was $56,070 in 2016. Salaries will vary according to geographical location, practice setting and other factors.
Roane State Tuition & Fees
All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
The following are approximate costs for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program by semester.
|
Material |
Estimated Cost |
Semesters Following OTA Academic Map |
|
CPR Certification - Must be BSL through American Heart Association |
$80.00 |
1st Fall semester of OTA Coursework |
|
Immunization Requirements |
Cost dependent on clinical Affiliate Immunization Requirements | Varies dependent on clinical affiliate immunization requirements |
|
Textbook |
Cost dependent on point of purchase, publisher, format (Some textbooks are utilized for more than one course and semester – price cost based on utilization of book for additional courses) 1st semester fall - $ 437.00 2nd semester spring - $ 588.25 3rd semester fall - $ 209.00 4th semester spring - No New Textbooks |
|
| Criminal Background Check (fieldwork sites may have their own requirements) |
$50.10 |
1st fall semester of OTA Coursework |
| Drug Screen (fieldwork sites may have their own requirements) | $39.00 |
1st fall semester of OTA Coursework |
MRT |
1st year - $17.50 2nd year - $7.50 |
1st fall semester of OTA Coursework then annual renewal |
Professional Liability Insurance |
$13.95 annually |
Included in tuition fees every fall semester while enrolled in OTA coursework |
In-class projects |
$40.00 |
Per semester once enrolled in OTA coursework |
| AOTA Student Membership Fees | $75.00 |
1st fall semester of OTA Coursework |
| Recommended NBCOT Practice Exam | $30.00 |
4th semester spring of OTA coursework |
| Optional NBCOT Study Pack |
$85.00 |
4th semester spring of OTA coursework |
| State of Tennessee Licensing Fee |
$85.00 |
4th semester spring of OTA coursework |
|
NBCOT Examination fee |
$540.00 |
4th semester spring of OTA coursework |
|
Total Additional Costs |
$2,297.30 |
|
Approximate total cost for OTA Program following the RSCC OTA Academic Map: $15,571.35
*Other costs: Students assume the cost of transportation, parking, meals, and medical coverage for injury or illness. Fees are subject to change without notice.
Visit the bookstore for book titles and prices.
See the bursar's office for out-of-state tuition and fees and the current catalog for residency requirements.
Occupational therapy assistant students who successfully complete their academic and fieldwork education requirements will be eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Initial certification is a requirement for OTA licensure in most states.
Note: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination and obtain a license to practice. Concerned applicants may request an Early Determination Review by the NBCOT.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is taught from the Oak Ridge Branch Campus utilizing both face-to-face and distance education delivery formats. Students are typically on-campus 2 days per week.
Application Deadline: Has been extended from: March 31 to now (May 01, 2025)
The application deadline is May 01, 2025.
The associate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program 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). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
| Graduation Year | Admitted | Program Completion | Percentage (150%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 | 13 | 72% |
| 2024 | 20 | 12 | 60% |
| 2025 | 19 | 16 | 89% |
| Totals | 57 | 41 | 84% |
| Year | Passing % within 1 year |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 92% |
| 2023 | 100% |
| 2022 | 88% |
Updated September 2025
Cindy E Ayo
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 2222
Program Director
Kristin C Felder
Click above for email address
(865) 481-2011
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Mariella Akers
Click above for email address
(865) 481-2000 ext .2007
Allied Health Sciences Secretary
Oak Ridge Branch Campus
For information regarding the status of your AHS application for the OTA program, please contact:
Dr. Patricia Jenkins
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4809
Dean of Health Sciences
For Information regarding program admission contact:
For program specific information contact:
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by federal or state laws and regulations, and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.
Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse | Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 | Privacy Notice
