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Occupational Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist holding patient's arm in cast
Degree Overview

Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

OTA students learning in classroom setting
Compassionate Care: Occupational Therapy Assistant Overview at South University

South University’s Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students to pursue entry-level careers* as a rehab professional. 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. 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.

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.

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.

 

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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.

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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.

Michela Mazard
Michela Lambert Mazard Grad Alumni
Class of ‘11 and ‘16
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“I wanted an education that would prepare me to build relationships and treat patients and families throughout their lifespan with interaction among their physical, emotional, and mental systems. I chose South University because I was confident that I would receive a well-rounded education that ensures I am armed with the skill set I need to provide the best care possible. Read more

Demitrius Archie
Demitrius Archie Grad Alumni
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.”

Jennifer DAngelo 2018
Jennifer DAngelo Grad Alumni
'05
Bachelor of Health Sciences-South University, Online Programs

“I needed a program that would support my professional and academic goals in addition to understanding my family obligations. South University did that and so much more. South University and their compassionate staff and educators never stopped encouraging me to follow my dreams. From helping me with class schedule adjustments to providing financial aid services, they always assisted me in my time of need.”

Timothy A. Stroy, Sr. 2010
Timothy A. Stroy, Sr. Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Associate of Science in Medical Assisting-South University, Columbia

“I am so grateful to my mother, Lessie Stroy, and the faculty and staff of South University for their support and encouragement. They gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and into what was, for me, the unknown. That's where I found what I was really looking for.”

Julie Long 2012
Julie Long Grad Alumni
Class of '12
Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management-South University, Atlanta

“I develop business plans, new services and service lines to bring in new business for the hospital, so I work on proposals and projects all the time, which is just what we did in my healthcare finance class. I was also able to apply what I learned in my human resources class to the workplace and implement it immediately.”