Occupational Therapy Assistant

Transform Lives with Therapeutic Techniques for Rehabilitation and Recovery

Occupational Therapy Assistant playing with young boy on swing

Program Overview

Are you drawn to a career that makes a difference? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Occupational Therapist Assistant program is designed for individuals like you who are passionate about helping others achieve their fullest potential. In this program, you will learn how to support patients recovering from injuries, dealing with disabilities, or facing long-term health issues. You will gain the skills to assist in therapeutic activities, help with rehabilitation, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of your patients.

The Occupational Therapist Assistant program blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training. You will learn from experienced healthcare professionals and engage in clinical experiences that prepare you for real-world scenarios. Whether you are beginning your career journey or transitioning to a new path in healthcare, our program is your stepping stone to becoming a compassionate, skilled Occupational Therapist Assistant.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Location

Applications Open

The Fall 2024 program application deadline for Occupational Therapy Assistant is Tuesday, April 30, with a priority deadline of Monday, April 1.

Admission Steps

Learning Opportunities

  • Patient Care Skills: Learn to support patients with diverse needs, enhancing their daily living and working abilities.
  • Therapeutic Techniques: Master a variety of therapeutic techniques to assist in patient rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Clinical Practice: Gain practical experience in healthcare settings, applying your skills under professional supervision.
  • Comprehensive Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and occupational therapy principles.
  • Empathy & Communication: Cultivate strong interpersonal skills, learning to connect with patients and healthcare teams effectively.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Occupational Therapy Assistant – Associate of Applied Science

  • Program Cost

    The total cost of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is approximately $12,650.

    • The costs below are representative of four (4) semesters between Fall 2021 and Spring 2023. 
    • Costs are subject to change without notice.
    Semester Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Total
    Prerequisite Classes $2,780 N/A $1,548 $4,328
    Semester 1 $1,668 $155 $355 $2,178
    Semester 2 $1,668 $55 $205 $1,928
    Semester 3 $1,668 $130 $200 $1,998
    Semester 4 $1,668 $560 N/A $2,228
    Total $9,452 $900 $2,298 $12,650

    Cost & Aid

  • Student Outcomes

    Below are the student outcomes for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at College of Western Idaho. 

    Graduation Year 2021 2022 2023
    Students Entering 0 0 14
    Graduates 0 0 12
    Graduation Rate 0 0 85.70%
Occupational Therapist working with young boy in a virtual headset

Career Opportunities

  • Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

    18

    Annual Openings*

    $28.85

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,008

    Annual Median Salary

    62.13%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

Load more

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"The real-life application and experience not only helped us build on our current skills within the realm of OT but taught us more about our abilities to connect with and learn from our clients to discover what it is they truly need in their lives to be successful." Read more > about Working Together to Find Their Calling in Life
Leslee Tate
2023 Graduate, Occupational Therapy Assistant
"Through this program, I have realized how much change we can make in the everyday life of people of all ages and disabilities. OT is a wonderful career for anyone looking to help people and make a change in their everyday lives. I have seen firsthand through fieldwork how rewarding and helpful it is." Read more > about Learning Skills to Help Those Around Her
Michelle Wooton
Student, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Admissions

Admission into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process. Learn more about this process by attending a Healthcare Information Session.

STEP 1

  • Review the Occupational Therapy Assistant Application Steps which includes details on:
    • qualifications
    • admission to CWI
    • prerequisite and corequisite classes
    • medical terminology competency
    • unofficial transcripts
    • professional references
    • cover letter requirements
    • applying to the program
    • next steps

STEP 2

    • Complete each step of the application process as indicated.

    Step 3

    • Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.

    Fall 2024 Application Deadlines

    • Tuesday, April 30
    • Priority Deadline: Monday, April 1

    Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

    Program Accreditation

    The Occupational Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

    6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
    North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
    301.652.2682
    acoteonline.org

    Graduates of the Occupational Therapist Assistant program will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). All states require licensure in order to practice. State licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.

    News

    Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.

    Read more about Health Programs 2024 Application Deadlines

    Thanks to instructors and resources at CWI, Occupational Therapy Assistant student, Kaila Boeck, is on her way to pursuing her passion of helping others.

    Read more about From Teaching to Healing

    Occupational Therapy Assistant student, Michelle Wooton, is learning the tools and skills to impact lives around her — even in the most unlikely of places.

    Read more about Learning Skills to Help Those Around Her

    Occupational Therapy Assistant Program students and sisters, Kim Shores and Leslee Tate, are gaining the skills and training to graduate CWI’s healthcare program and make a difference in people...

    Read more about Working Together to Find Their Calling in Life

    Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.

    Read more about Health Programs 2023 Application Deadlines

    Occupational Therapy Assistant students spent the day talking to Idaho lawmakers and learning about their industry’s advocation to improve access to services in the state.

    Read more about OTA Students Advocate to Improve Client Access at State Capitol

    Students with College of Western Idaho's Occupational Therapy Assistant program helped put on a Halloween themed obstacle course for Boise students last Friday.

    Read more about OTA Students Help Boise Students Get in Halloween Spirit

    College of Western Idaho invites anyone interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.

    Read more about 2022 Fall Health Professions Open House

    College of Western Idaho’s Occupational Therapy Assistant students were able to provide information and screenings to senior citizens about fall prevention and risk reduction. 

    Read more about CWI’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Students Help Seniors Live Healthy Lives

    In partnership with TRICA, Occupational Therapy Assistant students put their knowledge to work with the creation of a week-long, all-inclusive dance camp for children in the community.

    Read more about OTA Students Finish Semester “en Pointe” with Children’s Dance Camp

    It didn’t take long for College of Western Idaho occupational therapy assistant students to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations.

    Read more about OTA Students Host Halloween-themed Sensory Night at YMCA

    Occupational Therapy Assistant students kick off the semester with a meaningful, hands-on learning activity.

    Read more about What do Pancakes Have to do with Occupational Therapy? EVERYTHING!
    View all news

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