One of the 20 Fastest Growing Careers
Some basic tasks can seem impossible for those with physical or mental disabilities. Occupational therapy assistants work with licensed OTs to provide care and treatment to help people participate more fully in everyday life.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
As an OTA, you can help individuals develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. You will work with individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings: hospitals, clinics, schools and nursing homes, as well as in their homes, places of employment and other community settings
Our Occupational Therapy Assistant program provides you with four semesters of classroom and laboratory learning followed by one semester of full-time fieldwork under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) or a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
OTA Application Cycle Spring 2025
Application cycle opens: January 21, 2025
Application cycle closes: May 16, 2025, at noon.
If you have questions about the OTA program, review the links on this webpage. For any additional questions please contact an OTA faculty member.
All applicants must take the HESI A2 exam. Schedule the HESI A2 exam here.
Applicant interviews will be held June 5, 2025.
Information Sessions will be held:
- Tuesday, February 11 | 12:00 p.m.
Click here to register for the online zoom session: https://tjc.zoom.us/meeting/register/RqkvdGgtRFiuSXZ8xGFi9Q
- Thursday, February 27 | 5:00 p.m. In-Person Session: RNHS 132
- Tuesday, March 11 | 12:00 p.m.
Click here to register for the online zoom session: https://tjc.zoom.us/meeting/register/qBH5IyorSi26rwkDEQth_Q
- Thursday, March 27 | 5:00 p.m. In-Person Session: RNHS 132
Certification
After successfully completing the program, OTA students will be eligible to sit for the National Exam given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Click here to review program data and outcomes: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
In addition, the state of Texas requires licensure to practice. Licensure involves a separate application process and is based on successful completion of the NBCOT Certification Examination.
Degree Plan
How to Apply
TJC is an open admissions college; however, acceptance into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is limited. Please submit a Selective Admissions Application.
Related Degrees
Physical Therapist Assistant
Read MorePhysical Therapist Assistant
PTAs provide care for people in hospitals, outpatient clinics, patient’s homes, schools, work settings, nursing homes and fitness facilities.
Accreditation
The 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 Ave Suite 510 E, Bethesda MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org.