Application Deadline: April 15, 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA 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.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2022.
The application deadline is March 31 each year.
Roane State Tuition & Fees
All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
These expenses are variable and subject to change.
Visit the bookstore for book titles and prices.
Brittany N Kilburn
Click above for email address
(865) 481-2011
Program Director
Cindy E Ayo
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 2222
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:
Health Sciences Admission Advisor
Michael Burtch
(865) 354-3000, ext. 4705
hsnadmissions@roanestate.edu
Brittany N Kilburn • (865) 481-2011 • Click name for email address
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.
