Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Associate of Applied Science
- Entry wage: $54,216*
- Median wage: $63,639*
- Job placement rate: 87%**
A day in the life
The primary role of occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) is to implement a plan of care established by a supervising occupational therapist. OTAs are creative, flexible, and comfortable interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds. No day is the same because clients' needs are unique.
Three reasons to consider this program.
- Graduates can work with a variety of clients and in different areas of practice.
- Pass rates on the national board exam and job placement rates are high.
- The demand for OTAs continues to be strong in most areas of the United States.
Before you sign up, make sure you understand...
- You will work with clients when they feel vulnerable. You must place clients’ needs before your own and provide care while maintaining personal boundaries.
- Program delivery relies heavily on distance education technology.
- Admission is competitive. The typical GPA for admitted students exceeds 3.5, and space is limited. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills.
Program Navigation
Notes and Map Legend
Key Course: program faculty have identified this course as key to your success
Recommended Elective: check catalog for other acceptable courses- This map assumes completion of course prerequisites
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
- February 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. ET, via Zoom
- February 20, 2025 at 4 p.m. ET, via Zoom
- March 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. ET, via Zoom
Work Settings
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.
Salary and Job Outlook
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.
Program Costs
Roane State Tuition & Fees
All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
*Program courses that are taken in an online format are subject to a distance education fee. A Specialized Allied Health Science Fee of $25 per credit hour will be applied to all Allied Health Science courses. See the Tuition and Fees link above.
Books, Supplies, and Additional Program Expenses
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
|
$34 (estimated)
|
1st Summer of OTA Coursework
|
|
Immunization Requirements
|
Cost Varies (Insurance Dependent)
|
1st Summer of OTA Coursework
|
|
Textbook
|
Cost dependent on point of purchase, publisher, format
(Some textbooks are listed again in next semester - if you keep textbooks, prices will be lower)
OTA Summer - $0
2nd Fall - $463
2nd Spring - $607
3rd Fall - $515.35
3rd Spring - No New Textbooks
|
Per Semester
|
|
Criminal Background Check
(Fieldwork sites may have their own requirements)
|
$50.10
|
1st Summer of OTA Coursework
|
|
Drug Screen
(Fieldwork sites may have their own requirements)
|
$39
|
1st Summer of OTA Coursework
|
|
MRT
|
1st year - $17.50
2nd year - $7.50
|
1st Summer of OTA Coursework then annual Renewal
|
|
Professional Liability Insurance
|
$13.95 annually
|
Included in tuition fees every 2nd and 3rd Fall
|
|
In-class projects
|
$40
|
Per Semester once Enrolled in OTA Coursework
|
|
AOTA Student Membership Fees
|
$75
|
2nd Fall Semester
3rd Fall Semester
|
|
Practice NBCOT Exam
|
$30
|
3rd Spring Semester
|
|
Optional NBCOT Study Pack
|
$75
|
3rd Spring Semester
|
|
State of Tennessee Licensing Fee
|
$75
|
3rd Spring Semester
|
|
NBCOT Exam Fee
|
$555
|
3rd Spring Semester
|
|
Total Cost
|
$2,761.25
|
|
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.
Credentialing 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.
Location
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.
Links
Application Deadline: Has been extended from: March 31 to now (May 01, 2025)
OTA Admissions Information
The application deadline is May 01, 2025.
Applications Required for the OTA Program
- RSCC Application Link - Steps 1 and 2 are required for admission to the College and Allied Health Sciences programs
Accreditation
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.
Program Outcomes
| Graduation Year |
Admitted |
Program Completion |
Percentage (150%) |
| 2022 |
28 |
19 |
68% |
| 2023 |
18 |
13 |
72% |
| 2024 |
20 |
12 |
60% |
| Totals |
66 |
45 |
68% |
NBCOT Exam Data
| Year |
Passing % within 1 year |
| 2024 |
92% |
| 2023 |
92% |
| 2022 |
88% |
Updated January 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
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