Occupational Therapy Assistant

Degree Overview

Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapist helping an older male patient with his exercises — Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at South University

The Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at South University could prepare you to pursue work* as occupational therapy assistant. Those who work as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) act as part of a patient’s recovery process, working with people of all ages who have physical, psychological, or developmental conditions to promote health, well-being, and their ability to participate in the important activities in their life. This includes taking care of themselves and their families, working, volunteering, and going to school, among many others. OTAs also assist their patients with activities such as dressing, bathing, crafts, games, cooking to improve strength, coordination, sensation, perception, cognition, or balance. The occupational therapy assistant program further seeks to lead the profession and community through its contributions in educational leadership, community and professional service, learning, and scholarship.

NBCOT Certification Exam Program performance data on the NBCOT certification examination is available for public viewing by state and program level: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

South University’s OTA program meets the requirements for state licensure in Florida and Virginia. Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.

REQUEST INFO Apply Now

Available Locations

Richmond, VA

REQUEST INFO

What's New

Latest News and Blogs

Helen Ramirez Physician Assistant South University

Nov 07, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Setting the Standard for Aspiring PAs

Learn how Helen Ramirez found her passion for healthcare and how she became a Physician Assistant.

three hospital professionals, one man and two women, standing in a hallway holding their stethescopes

Jun 05, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Landing a Surgery Residency at Johns Hopkins

Paloma Loperena, a 2024 graduate of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program, is going through a surgical residency at John Hopkins.

Physician Assistant Mackenzie Doughty in her whitecoat

Jun 04, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Earning a PA Residency at Johns Hopkins

MacKenzie Doughty, a 2024 graduate of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program, has been accepted into the John Hopkins system.

young woman in scrubs typing on a laptop

Mar 05, 2024

Exploring Physician Assistant Specialization Options

Physician Assistants are essential members of the healthcare team who work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide quality care to patients.

pharmacist helping a woman choose a medicine with her small child nearby

Jun 24, 2025

Unlock Your Potential with a PharmD + MBA in Healthcare Administration

South University's Pharmacy program offers an MBA in Healthcare Administration as part of its curriculum.

plate with a heart shaped object and stethescope on it

Jun 12, 2025

Anesthesiologist Assistant Students Transform Global Anesthesia Safety

The Anesthesia Assistant students held their 10th Annual Chili Cookoff fundraiser to help purchase materials for safer anesthesia care.

Request Information

Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.

Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

Your Location of Interest

Your Program of Interest

First Name First Name

Last Name Last Name

Your Email Address Your Email Address

Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX) Telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX)

Address Address

City City

Zip Code Zip Code

State

High School Grad Year

Country of Citizenship

How did you hear about us

Student Visa?

Yes No

By clicking the button below as my official signature, I consent to representatives of South University contacting me about EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES via email, text or phone including my mobile phone if provided above, using an automatic dialer. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I consent to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws.

Province

Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!

In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.

If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

Success Stories

We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our healthcare graduates have to say.

Elizabeth Tran

Class of '22

Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science – South University, Savannah

“South University definitely challenged me in the clinical setting and the classroom. At first, you learn everything in the classroom. Then you get to apply those things in the clinical setting.”

Demitrius Archie

Class of '20

Master of Healthcare Administration-South University, Online Programs

“I was the first in my family to go into the military, and the first person of my siblings to graduate with a degree.”

Helen Ramirez

Class of '19

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, South University, Richmond

“One thing I love about the PA program here is that it's small and really intimate. You know all of your professors and classmates extremely well. You spend a lot of time together throughout the 27 months you're in the program.”

Jason Miller

Class of '17

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant

“South University pushed me hard - to the limits of my mental capacity - and that brought out the best in me.”

Allyson Obluck

Class of '17

Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant-South University, Tampa

“I wanted to make a difference and I knew occupational therapy was a hands-on way to improve quality of life for many people. My professors always made the effort to ensure that I understood the material and were constantly encouraging me to be better and do better. All of my experiences throughout my clinical rotations challenged me to think outside the box and to trust my instincts.”