OTAs ARE MADE HERE.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Orange County and Los Angeles County Campuses

Apply for 2025 Classes!¹

TOP 10

Best Small Colleges in CA²

2023, OC Campus, Niche.com

85%

NBCOT-COTA Pass Rate³

2019-2023, OC & LA Campuses

Your path to a fulfilling OTA career starts here.

Every touchpoint, such as through online mentorship, cumulative practice tests, and practicing real-world skills in a safe, ACOTE accredited OTA school environment, is designed to build your confidence toward earning an OTA degree and training to become an occupational therapy assistant.

On-ground classes typically held 2.5 days per week⁴
Approximately 22-23 months or 2 years to complete⁵
Orange County and Los Angeles campuses
Experience hands-on training with virtual reality, synthetic cadavers, and high-fidelity patient simulators
Comprehensive student support services
Make an impact on the local community

Through an immersive OT assistant program with comprehensive NBCOT exam preparation, you will be equipped with the tools for every challenge of a modern occupational therapy career.

Individual Guidance

Small class sizes in our labs and one-to-one tutoring

Critical Care

Practice with high-fidelity patient simulators

Hands-On OTA Courses

Learn real-world skills to make a difference

Innovation

Dive into an immersive hands-on experience

OTA Program FAQ

As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), under the supervision of certified occupational therapists (OTs), work with clients of all ages, from children with developmental disorders like autism and fragile X syndrome to adults and seniors looking to regain functional independence after life events such as surgeries, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. They help individuals develop, recover, and maintain essential skills for daily life.⁶
OTAs work closely with OTs to implement treatment plans, deliver interventions, and provide ongoing support. They have more one-on-one time with clients, allowing them to impact their clients' progress significantly. OTA students complete an associate degree program in about 22-23 months.⁵ OT students pursuing master's degrees require a bachelor's degree and take approximately two years to complete their programs.⁷

OTs and OTAs collaborate with each other, speech therapists, physical therapists, and physical therapist assistants, to improve the lives of individuals across the lifespan.
To become an occupational therapy assistant through Stanbridge University, you will need to:

1. Complete the Stanbridge University, ACOTE accredited, OTA program: Enroll in and successfully complete our Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree program.

2. Prepare for certification: Throughout the program, you'll receive threaded assessment and guidance to support and prepare you for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Exam (NBCOT-COTA). Our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you succeed in this important step towards becoming a certified occupational therapy assistant.

3. Take the NBCOT-COTA: Passing this exam is required to become a certified OTA.
Stanbridge University's OTA program is offered full-time. Classes are delivered on-ground, online, and blended (on-ground and online) learning environments, with on-ground classes scheduled two and half days per week. The program takes approximately 22-23 months to complete, including federal holidays and any breaks between terms.⁵

Occupational therapy is a dynamic healthcare profession dedicated to enhancing individuals' participation in both activities of daily living (ADLs) and daily occupations. ADLs encompass essential tasks for daily survival, like bathing and eating. Daily occupations, in contrast, encompass a wide range of daily activities, from gardening and playing musical instruments to activities like surfing, all of which contribute to the meaning and purpose of an independent life.⁸

In OTA classes at Stanbridge University, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to assist individuals in overcoming physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. You'll learn how to implement therapeutic interventions and work one-on-one to aid your clients in reaching their goals.
The Employment Development Department of the State of California projects that in-state employment for OTAs will grow by 43.3% from 2020-2030.⁹

Becoming an OTA can open up a world of career opportunities in diverse healthcare and rehabilitation settings, such as nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient and community clinics, home care services, hospitals, and school systems. OTAs play a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve their goals and fostering their independence.
A variety of academic backgrounds, such as bachelor's degrees in psychology, behavioral sciences, childhood development, kinesiology, or related fields, tend to align well with preparing for the OTA curriculum. However, these specific backgrounds are not a requirement for admission and students from diverse educational paths are welcome to apply.
The Stanbridge University Occupational Therapy Assistant program is available at the Irvine (Orange County) and Alhambra (Los Angeles) campuses.

With high quality guidance, teachers, and classmates, you can take one step closer to the occupational therapy career you've always wanted.

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