OTA FAQ’s
Q: How long is the program?
A: It takes two full years or six semesters to complete the OTA courses after pre-requisites are complete. Students may need extra time to complete general education courses in addition to OTA courses. The courses must be taken in sequence.
Q: Are there weekend or evening classes?
A: Generally all classes are during the day. There are no evening classes.
Q: May I pursue additional education in occupational therapy beyond the associate degree?
A: Yes. Graduates of OTA associate degree programs who want to pursue further education in occupational therapy (OT) may seek admission into a Master’s or Doctoral OT program after they complete program specific requirements such as a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Another option for furthering OT education would be to apply to a Bridge program designed specifically for OTAs who want to become OTs. These programs streamline the transition by building on the OTA’s existing education and experience. Many Bridge programs require OTAs to have a certain amount of work experience before applying. Refer to the following link to explore other OT programs: Accredited OT Programs
Q: How do job responsibilities of an OTA differ from job responsibilities of an OT?
A: OTAs must work under a supervising OT whereas an OT may work independently. OTAs focus on direct patient care and follow treatment plans that have been designed by OTs. OTs directly treat patients but generally have additional responsibilities such as evaluating patients, creating individual treatment plans and overseeing implementation of these plans. OTAs and OTs can both seek administrative roles.
Q: Can I still work while I’m in the program?
A: Due to the rigor of the program, it is recommended that students do not work a full 40-hour week while enrolled in the program. Class attendance is important therefore, work schedules must meet the demands of the program in order to be successful within the program. The course load will gradually build from semester to semester therefore students may be able to start the program working more hours, then need to decrease work hours as they progress in the program. During Level II fieldwork (last semester) students are not able to work during the week due to the amount of time in clinical settings.
Q: How hard are the courses?
A: All students find the OTA program challenging, even “A” students. The program has an excellent reputation in the OT community for the high quality of clinicians it graduates. Standards are high and course work is varied and demanding.
Q: Where will I do my fieldwork?
A: The Occupational Therapy Assistant program has clinical education agreements with facilities throughout North Carolina and South Carolina to provide clinical training for students during Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. Level 1 placements occur in the third through fifth semesters and are varied in regards to when they attend placements. Two of the Level I fieldworks are one-week rotations and one is a semester long rotation in which facilities are all within driving distance. Level II placements occur in the sixth (last) semester of the program and consist of two eight-week rotations. Most students will have at least one fieldwork rotation outside of the immediate Greenville area and should therefore plan financially for housing for at least 8 weeks. Faculty attempt to match students to locations where they have family or friends to assist with housing in order to prevent financial burden, while also providing a well-rounded clinical experience.
Q: What do I need to be successful?
A: Occupational therapists must be bright, caring, responsible, flexible, and able to work independently. They must be skilled in speaking in front of groups, in communicating clearly, and in writing concisely and correctly.
Q: Are you required to take a certification exam after you complete the program?
A: Yes. Once students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program have completed all of their course work, they are required to take a national certification exam, which has been developed by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) in order to practice as a certified occupational therapy assistant.
Q: What kind of salary could I expect after graduation? How much demand is there for OTAs?
A: Beginning salaries vary according to geographical area and practice setting. In general, beginning OTA salaries range from $36,000 to $54,140. OTA job opportunities are projected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Refer to the following link for additional information on OTA job opportunities and outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – OTA