Applications are now being accepted for College of Western Idaho’s Health Science programs.
Read more about Health Programs Application DeadlinesOccupational Therapy Assistant
Facilitate Independence Through Client-Centered, Occupation-Based Interventions
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
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
2 years
Primary Location
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
Degree Requirements
Cost: $10,445
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 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%
Career Opportunities
Postsecondary Teachers
1434
Annual Openings*
$35.69
Hourly Median Wage*
$74,235
Annual Median Salary
45.6%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
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.
63
Annual Openings*
$31.51
Hourly Median Wage*
$65,541
Annual Median Salary
62.3%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*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. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“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
“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
Admissions
Admission into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.
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
Step 3
- Submit the program application and necessary documentation by the deadline.
Fall 2025 Application Period
- Applications open in February.
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.
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Lab Spaces
View the College’s state-of-the art lab spaces where you will receive hands-on, comprehensive career training.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Related Programs
News
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!Request More Information
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