Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) associate degree program is designed to prepare you to support and collaborate with an occupational therapist in helping patients restore the ability to accomplish tasks they want or need to do. Through immersive classroom and clinical instruction, you’ll focus on how to serve clients with impairments due to things like genetic or chronic conditions, illness, and/or trauma. You’ll study how to assess and instruct patients, explore how to adapt activities and environments to their needs, and gain hands-on experience with therapy equipment.
OTA didactic courses are delivered online. Labs are completed on campus. The program also includes 16 weeks of supervised off-campus experience in clinical environments working with patients under the supervision of an OT practitioner. As a graduate, you’ll have worked to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills for providing therapeutic strategies for children, adults, and seniors while serving under the supervision of an OT practitioner.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Clinical reasoning
- Client-centered care
- Patient observation and assessment
- Therapeutic strategies and techniques
- Patient education and adaptations
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tuition and Fees
Available Locations
Ranked #2 in the
Southeast Region
2023-2024 for
Associate Level
Occupational Therapist Assistant
Ranked #5 in the
Nation 2023-2024
for Associate Level
Occupational Therapist Assistant
Examples of Scholarships and Grants That May Be Available (Check with Your Campus Financial Aid Office For More Information)
South College Promise
TN Promise
Yellow Ribbon
Concentrations in this Program
Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…
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Enjoy helping others and assisting them when they really need help -
Like coming up with directions, plans and programs for other people -
Are fascinated with the human body and how it moves, recovers and functions -
Want to help people of all ages regain, develop or master everyday living skills for independent, satisfying lives -
Act professionally and ethically in all settings -
Provide holistic quality patient care and support
Go even further with South College!
Mission, Additional Program Information, and Enrollment
Student Learning Outcomes
South College Asheville Location Graduation Rates
| Calendar Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
| 2021 | (13/13) | 100% |
| 2022 | (8/8) | 100% |
| 2023 | 5/5 | 100% |
| 3 Year Average | 26/26 | 100% |
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
Student Learning Outcomes
South College Knoxville Location Graduation Rates
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
| 2021 | 17/17 | 100% |
| 2022 | 9/8 | 88.9% |
| 2023 | 13/12 | 92.3% |
| 3 Year Average | 39/37 | 94.9% |
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
Student Learning Outcomes
South College Nashville Location Graduation Rates
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
| 2021 | 5/5 | 100% |
| 2022 | 8/7 | 87.5% |
| 2023 | 6/5 | 83.3% |
| 3-year average | 19/17 | 89.5% |
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.
Admissions Requirements
Accreditation
Asheville
The South College Occupational Therapy Assistant program offered at the Asheville campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510 E. Bethesda MD 20814, www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE’s telephone number is (301) 652-6611. Accreditation was granted in August 2022 for 10 years with the next site visit to be scheduled during the 2031/2032 academic year.
Knoxville
The South College associate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program offered at the Knoxville campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510 E. Bethesda MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number is (301) 652-6611 and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state. Accreditation was granted for 7 years with the next site visit to be scheduled during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Nashville
The South College – Nashville Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510 E. Bethesda MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number is (301) 652-6611 and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Accreditation was granted for 7 years with the next site visit to be scheduled during the 2027/2028 academic year.
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What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
More InfoDoes South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
More InfoIs South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
More InfoHow do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Apply NowDo you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
More InfoLooking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
More InfoWhat Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
More InfoDoes South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
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