Occupational therapy provides services throughout the life span for individuals with developmental, learning, physical, or psychological disabilities.  The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist to assist in client evaluation, implementation of therapeutic goals and assessment of client progress.

The program prepares assistants for employment in settings such as community health agencies, schools, hospitals, mental health facilities and rehabilitation centers.  Graduates may also work as activity directors in long term care facilities, day care center, and senior center.

The OTA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.  Telephone number for AOTA is (301) 652-2682.  Graduates of the occupational therapy assistant program will be able to sit for the national certification examination given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.  After passing the exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.  Certification allows the graduate to apply for licensure in states that have licensure laws.  Licenses required by states are usually based on results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Following completion of the two year coursework, students will spend 16 weeks in clinical affiliation (OT 260 and OT 262) to gain skills in the practice of occupational therapy.  THESE EXPERIENCES ARE MANDATORY AND WILL REQUIRE OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL AND HOUSING EXPENSES.

Limited enrollment makes the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program highly competitive.  In order to continue in the program, students must maintain a grade of “C” average in all courses of the degree plan.  If these requirements are not met, the student will be asked to leave the program.  Students who do not successfully complete the first semester may subsequently re-apply but will be competing with the next group of applicants.  Students who do not successfully complete subsequent semesters may re-apply on a space available basis.  Students entering or re-entering the OTA program do so under the current catalog guidelines.

As part of the degree plan requirements students will take the CAAP test prior to completion of the coursework.

Please see the degree plans page for the most up-to-date information on the OTA program.

Program Cost Estimates (2 Years)

• Cost Estimate (RTF)
• Cost Estimate (PDF)

Application for Occupational Therapy Assisting

• Application Form for First Year Students (RTF)
• Application Form for First Year Students (PDF)
• Application Form for Second Year Students (RTF)
• Application Form for Second Year Students (PDF)

Related Links:

• AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association)
• NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.)
• NMOTA (New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association)
• NMBOT (New Mexico Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners)