Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Associate Degree
Program Number:
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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 [1] 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 [2].
View the Occupational Therapy Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensure [3], program graduation rates [4], and estimated program costs [5].
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 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 18 |
| Graduates Responding | 12 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 9 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 1 |
| Not in Labor Market | 3 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 5 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 5 | 39 |
| 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
Program Outcomes
- 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:
Application Fee:
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Program Specific 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.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Technical Standards [6]
- Background Check [7]
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
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 [10].
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
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [11].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [12] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [13]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [14].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [15] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [16]! 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 301-652-6611, or www.acoteonline.org [17].
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 Handbook [18]
Program Contact
Stephanie Andersen
Program Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant
608-789-6132
AndersenS@westerntc.edu [19]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [20] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [21] self-service portal for academic planning.