Occupational Therapy Assistant | Western Technical College

Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Associate Degree

Program Number: 

105141

Credits: 

65.00
Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Summer

Are you interested in a career that makes a real difference in people's lives? Consider enrolling in our associate degree program to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), or to explore other exciting job opportunities in related fields. As a COTA, you'll have the chance to work closely under the guidance of an occupational therapist. Your role? To help individuals overcome challenges in their daily lives using engaging, goal-oriented activities. This could mean assisting people in mastering everyday living skills, enjoying leisure and play, or developing work skills.

But that's not all. As a COTA, you'll find yourself in a variety of settings, each offering unique experiences. You might work in a hospital, a school, a geriatric center, or even in people's homes and communities. Each environment offers a chance to positively impact lives, helping people to not just live, but to thrive. If this sounds like the path for you, our program is the perfect starting point to launch your rewarding career in occupational therapy.

General Education classes are offered in a variety of learning formats. A few OTA program-specific courses are offered online or blended, with the majority taught face-to-face at the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.

For more information about Western’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program’s student outcomes, please consult the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) website by clicking here.

View the Occupational Therapy Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensureprogram graduation rates, and estimated program costs.

Students from Western’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam upon graduation. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT exam.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Image
Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost

Occupational Therapy Assistant

This program will cost about $10,670* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, view the Tuition page or Cost of Attendance document.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Graduation Employment Stats

Occupational Therapy Assistant 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates18
Graduates Responding12
Employed in Related Occupation9
Employed in Non-related Occupations0
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education1
Not in Labor Market3

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding15
Average Hours Per Week539
Average Hourly Wage$25.00 $23.30
Hourly Wage Range$25.00 $21.00-$24.50
Average Annual Salary

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA/L, PRN COTA

Career Opportunities

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Program Outcomes

  • Living responsibly
  • Refining professionalism
  • Cultivating passion
  • Practice within the distinct role and responsibility of the occupational therapy assistant
  • Serve a diverse population in a variety of systems that are consistent with entry level practice
  • Seek out learning opportunities to keep current with best practice
  • Apply occupational therapy principles and intervention tools to achieve expected outcomes
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession
  • Advocate for the profession, services, and consumers

Admission Requirements

College Requirements

Application
$30 Application Fee
High School or GED/HSED Transcript

Additional Requirements

To enroll in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, first apply for admission to the College, then read and sign the Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. The last step for admission to the program will be to complete an Intent to Enroll form. Please see the details below.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814, phone 301-652-2682, or www.acoteonline.org.

ACOTE and NBCOT Reporting Requirements

Additional Information

Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:

Program Contact

Stephanie Andersen
Program Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant
608-789-6132
AndersenS@westerntc.edu

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