General education courses are integrated into the program to supplement and enhance our OTA courses. Some of these general education courses are offered online, which creates additional flexibility for our students.
A graduate of our OTA program is eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Upon passing the exam, students then submit for state licensure to obtain employment.
Local and distance-education students will enjoy our flexible, blended classroom with the majority of the coursework completed online. Students are only required on campus for in-person labs during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters and take place at Joyce University in Draper, Utah. Distance-learners may opt into a stipend to cover the cost of travel to the Utah campus. The stipend for lodging, airfare, and meals may be included in the cost of attendance for students from approved states. View our OTA Residency Requirements.
There are no prior college prerequisites required for admission to our OTA program. Learn more about our general Admissions Requirements.
Our OTA degree is a 66 credit hour program composed of 75 weeks (5 semesters) and is offered as a blended (on ground and online) format. Students will learn to work with individuals and groups who are experiencing difficulties in participating in and/or completing everyday living tasks as a result of physical injury or illness, mental health concerns, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process. Distance learners are required to attend the Draper, Utah campus for labs during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters of the program. View all of our OTA Residency Requirements.
Coursework will consist of lecture, lab, and fieldwork training. Students learn to utilize evidence-based practice, occupation-based, and client-centered approaches to patient/client care to assist clients in achieving their highest level of function and independence for improving the client’s quality of life.
Students must complete 16 weeks of level II fieldwork. During your fieldwork courses, you will implement use of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework to provide appropriate interventions to a diverse population of persons in a healthcare, education or community site. Faculty or clinical educators are present to assist with guiding your learning experiences and clinical decision making.
High pass rates.
High satisfaction.
NBCOT Exam Pass Rate
Source: NBCOT School Performance Data
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Known for our quality healthcare education, Joyce University is proud to have helped thousands of students graduate and launch successful careers as Occupational Therapy Assistants. From our blended classrooms to our experiential learning opportunities, we are committed to ensuring our students can enter the workforce with confidence, competence, and readiness to succeed on day one.
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Through lecture-based coursework you’ll gain a foundation of knowledge in OTA fundamentals. You’ll engage in fieldwork where you will have the opportunity to experience real-world scenarios and gain the practical skills needed to practice as a competent OTA the day you graduate.
As one of the more challenging endeavors you’ll undertake, we are here to support you through your OTA journey from day one to graduation. Our dedicated academic advisors, experienced faculty, and tutoring center are committed to your success, and are here to provide you with the personal attention you need to thrive in our rigorous academic environment.
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Our dedicated career services team is here to provide graduates with job placement assistance, giving you an indispensable resource for new employment opportunities when you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Accreditation
Program Accreditation
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Associate of Science Occupational Therapy Assistant program has been granted programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
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The Occupational Therapy Assistant total program cost is based on 66 program credit hours. In 2023, top-earners in the field brought home over $89,230 a year, with a median annual wage of $67,010 a year.*
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Our OTA program makes it easy to start your new career. Admittance to the program requires proof of high school graduation, a passing drug screen and background check, and an entrance exam called a TEAS test (Test of Essential Academic Skills), along with other general requirements.
An Occupational Therapy Assistant is a healthcare professional who helps patients develop, recover, improve, as well as retain the skills needed for daily activities of living. Occupational therapy assistants are directly involved in providing therapeutic interventions to patients/clients.
Occupational Therapy Assistants play a key role in providing occupational therapy services in every practice area. Occupational therapy assistants collaborate with occupational therapists to develop and implement a treatment plan for each patient. Treatment plans address diverse activities such as teaching the proper way for patients to move from a bed into a wheelchair, teaching a patient how to get dressed or cook, drive, grocery shop, community mobility, and social participation after an illness or injury, are a few examples of the distinct ways an OTA can help clients. If you have more questions, please refer to our OTA career visual guide.
Our Occupational Therapy Assistant program can be completed in as little as 20 months, of which 16 weeks are focused on Level ll fieldwork. Visit our program page to learn more.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program tuition is $38,175 based on 66 program credit hours. To see a full breakdown program costs, please visit our Financial Aid page. To learn more about tuition and fees for the OTA program, please visit our financial aid page.
In 2021, top-earners in the field brought home over $80,210 a year, with a median annual wage of $61,730 a year.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
Based on guidelines by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Utah Department of Health, Joyce University has transitioned to virtual classroom instruction with labs and simulations taking place on campus with additional precautions. Learn more about our COVID-19 Response.
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