Rediscover Abilities. Restore Independence.
Help people rediscover what they can do.
Change lives as an occupational therapy assistant with an Owens’ Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS. As an OTA supervised by an Occupational Therapist, you’ll help people of all ages overcome challenges from illness, injury or disability to live fuller, more independent lives—whether that’s teaching stroke recovery, helping a child succeed in school, or supporting an older adult’s independence at home.
Owens’ Occupational Therapy Assistant Program will prepare you for this rewarding, in-demand healthcare career that blends science, creativity and compassion. You’ll learn to work with clients who have physical, developmental and emotional conditions, focusing on improving their ability to perform daily living activities.
OTAs look at the whole person, their environment and their goals to help design practical, meaningful solutions. Every day, you’ll see the direct impact of your work improving someone’s ability to do what matters most to them. As an OTA, you’ll make a lasting impact—one client, one goal, one day at a time.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Occupational Therapy
Required Credit Hours
62-65
Real Outcomes
98%
Overall program graduation rate since 2022
$59K
Average annual salary in Ohio—3,690 positions across the state
14-15
Students per class—smaller cohorts for close mentoring
From Theory to Therapeutic Practice
Your first semester will introduce you to the occupational therapy health profession through courses like anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and composition. You’ll discover the professional skills OTs need to succeed in this in-demand field.
In your second semester, you’ll learn how to apply therapeutic processes across different client needs and environments by diving deeper into psychology, advanced anatomy and OT practice. By summer, you’ll study lifespan psychology while continuing to increase your understanding of OT domains and client factors.
As you move into your second year, the focus will shift to advanced applications with a real-world supervised practicum. You’ll also strengthen your professional toolkit with courses in interpersonal and small-group communication, public speaking and math.
In your final semester, you’ll round out your studies with medical terminology and two extended fieldwork practicums. Spend immersive time in clinical settings applying everything you’ve learned during your studies and gaining the confidence for your future employment.
Career Outcomes
You’ll graduate ready to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Pass this exam and you’ll earn your Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential.
Your expertise will lead to high-demand career opportunities across diverse healthcare settings—from rehabilitation facilities and hospitals to schools, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and community programs.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
Program Graduation Rates
The total number of graduates from the Owens Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program during the 3 years of 2022-2024 was 59, with an overall graduation rate of 98%.
| Graduation Year | Students Entering / Completion* | Graduation Rate |
| 2024 | 15/10 | 100% |
| 2023 | 22/18 | 100% |
| 2022 | 22/14 | 93% |
| Total | 59/42 | 98% |
*Completion = original size minus students who dropped for reasons other than academic.
In Their Words
“The teachers are committed to every student’s educational journey and try various approaches. Without the individualized support and care during my pre-requisite classes and program, I may not have made it without them cheering me on.”
Peyton Hull, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Selective Admission
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, AAS is a “Selective Health” program—meaning we can only admit a limited number of students each year. Prospective students should apply to Owens first, then to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Class admission uses a point-based system based on your academic record.
First, we look at your grade point average (GPA). Next, bonus points are awarded for most occupational therapy assistant general education course earning a C or better. If you haven’t taken enough of those courses, we look only at your high school GPA. General education courses can be taken before you’re admitted to the program.
If you choose a different program at Owens, these general education courses may also count toward it. Work with your advisor early and often if you are considering multiple programs. See how the points work.
For clinical placement, you are required to submit documentation of a completed health exam, background check and additional requirements.
Certification
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
View NBCOT Program Data Results
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for a period of 10 years from academic year 2014/15 to 2024/2025, located at 7501 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 352-6611 and its web address is acoteonline.org.
State Licensures
The states where a student intends to practice or apply for employment may require licensure, certification, or other mandates. The student should contact the relevant agency to obtain the necessary information for application. Each state differs in procedure; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination (or pending results).
A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.
For more information about the Ohio OT licensure, visit otptat.ohio.gov.
Contact Us
Barbara Seguine, Chair
Healthcare Education Center 132 M
Phone: (567) 661-7415 | Email
New Owens Students
You’re ready to begin your OTA journey and still need to apply to Owens.
Current Owens Students
You’re already an Owens student and ready to get started in your OTA journey.
Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026