Occupational Therapy Assistant
| Degree Type | Program Number | Program Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 105141 | OCTA | 65.00 |
| Typical Start | Learning Format | Financial Aid | Estimated Cost | Location | Area of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | In-Person | Available | 11491 | La Crosse | Health Sciences |
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, 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 licensure (PDF), program graduation rates (PDF), and estimated program costs (PDF).
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.
Admissions Requirements
- Apply at www.westerntc.edu/how-to-apply
- Western’s Admission Coaches are available to help you through the application process. Have questions or need advice? Call 608-785-9200 or email AdmissionsCoach@westerntc.edu.
- Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.
Additional Requirements
These Academic Preparedness Requirements must be complete to be admitted to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program core courses:
- High School or GED/HSED Transcript
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Technical Standards
- Background Check (PDF)
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
Career Opportunities
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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
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.
Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025
| Graduates | 11 |
|---|---|
| Graduates Responding | 8 |
| Employed In Related Occupation | 5 |
| Employed In Non-related Occupations | 3 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 0 |
| Not In Labor Market | 0 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation | 2 |
| PT Average Hours per Week | 31 |
| PT Median Hourly Wage | $29.88 |
| PT Hourly Wage Range | $25.00 - $34.75 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation | 3 |
| FT Average Hours per Week | 37 |
| FT Median Hourly Wage | $25.50 |
| FT Hourly Wage Range | $25.00 - $30.00 |
| Related Occupations | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) |
Software & 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
- 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.
- 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 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. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
- 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 or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
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
Career Pathways
This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.
Prior Learning
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.
Certificates
There are currently no certificates associated with this pathway.
Technical Diplomas
There are currently no technical diplomas associated with this pathway.
Associate Degrees
There are currently no associate degrees associated with this pathway.
University Transfer
Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10801136 - English Composition I | 3.00 |
| 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology | 4.00 |
| 10809198 - Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10801196 - Oral/Interpersonal Comm | 3.00 |
| 10890106 - Strengths Seminar | 1.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10514173 - Activity Analysis and Applications | 2.00 |
| 10809188 - Developmental Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10809172 - Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3.00 |
| 10514171 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy | 3.00 |
| 10514172 - Medical and Psychosocial Conditions | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10514179 - Community Practice | 2.00 |
| 10514174 - OT Performance Skills | 4.00 |
| 10514176 - OT Theory and Practice | 3.00 |
| 10514175 - Psychosocial Practice | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10514178 - Geriatric Practice | 3.00 |
| 10514190 - OT Pediatric Practice | 4.00 |
| 10514189 - OT Phys Rehab Practice | 4.00 |
| 10514184 - OTA Fieldwork I | 2.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10514186 - OTA Fieldwork IIA | 5.00 |
| 10514187 - OTA Fieldwork IIB | 5.00 |
| 10514185 - OTA Practice and Management | 2.00 |