Associate of Science

This program prepares graduates to assist in providing occupational therapy services under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist in a variety of health care and school facilities. A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is trained to assist in the prevention of further disability and the restoration of function in persons with developmental, physical or emotional disabilities. Through therapeutic activities, occupational therapy assists patients in becoming as independent as possible within their own environment.

Enrollment is limited by availability of clinical sites and other factors. Students must make separate application to the program. Applicants should have a successful record of achievement in high school science courses or develop these skills prior to program admission. Students must also meet pre-program requirements, which include the successful completion of BIO 151 - General Biology 1  or BIO 110 - Introduction to Biological Science .

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The address is ACOTE, c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929; 301.652.2682, www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates of this will be eligible to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). www.nbcot.org/en/educators/home#schoolperformance

A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

For information for Individuals with criminal convictions who are considering an occupation or profession that requires licensure, and an overview of the license application process, see PA Department of State, Act 53 of 2020.PA Department of State Logo2Active-Hidden2022-08-09 11:08:482022-08-09 11:08:48

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Exhibit entry-level competencies as an occupational therapy assistant.
2. Display professional behaviors that are congruent with the core values, standards and ethics of the occupational therapy profession.
3. Communicate effectively with clients, families and other team members.
4. Utilize reflective judgment and problem solving to effectively integrate theoretical concepts of the use of occupation in promotion health and wellness.

See Occupational Therapy Assistant Program for more information.