Occupational Therapy Assistant

Find your calling as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Make a difference in everyday lives. In the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, you will learn the foundational skills to help people with physical or mental limitations live fuller, more meaningful, and more independent lives. Work hands-on in real-world environments with the industry's latest technology and equipment as you discover an exciting, rewarding career.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) through 2028/2029 in Orange County and Los Angeles. AOTA is located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist 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 to practice; however, state licensure is 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 examination or attain state licensure.

Applicants must be aware that felony convictions and other character issues could disqualify them from taking the NBCOT exam, as well as individual state licenses. For more information regarding this and other certification questions, or to obtain an Early Determination Review prior to starting your program, please contact the NBCOT at:

Credentialing Services at NBCOT
12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100,
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877. Phone: (301) 990-7979.
Email: [email protected]

ADMISSIONS TIMELINES

Stanbridge University accepts applications for admission to our diploma and degree programs on an open enrollment basis. All class starts are subject to change.

Orange County & Los Angeles Campuses:

Process	Due Date
New Student Orientation Week	05/11/26
First Day of Class	05/18/26

How to Apply for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program:

To apply, please visit the Stanbridge University Portal to access the application form. Your Admissions Representative will provide you with details for each step.

• Complete an online application form. Click here to start.
• Meet with your Admissions Representative for a personal tour of the campus.
• Take the entrance exam appropriate for your educational level and program.
• Provide proof of high school graduation, a GED or a higher degree.
• Take the Online Readiness Quiz.
• Complete entrance questionnaire.
• Attend an interview with a designated member of the OTA faculty.
• Meet with a Financial Aid Representative to review your tuition funding options.
• If accepted, complete enrollment paperwork and background check.
• Submit transfer of credit request by 14th day from acceptance date.
• Financial aid process deadline: 14 days from acceptance (if eligible), or from date of first financial aid meeting, whichever comes later.
• Attend an orientation prior to the start of your program. In the orientation, you receive important information to help you begin your classes and manage your time at Stanbridge University.

To learn more about transfer credit information, please visit catalog.stanbridge.edu.

Flexible Schedule Options That Fit Your Life

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Stanbridge University offers a full-time schedule at the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses. Part-time offerings may vary by year and are not guaranteed at either campus.³

Program Duration³

The OTA program is 112.5 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 22–23 months to complete.

Time to completion includes federal holidays and term breaks and may vary depending on your cohort start date and individual academic progress.

Learning Formats

Courses are offered in on-ground, online, and blended (on-ground and online) learning environments.

Labs are conducted on campus, while fieldwork occurs at community-based clinical facilities.

Full-Time Schedule⁴

Available at: Orange County and Los Angeles

On-ground didactic and lab courses are commonly scheduled up to 2.5 days per week.

Courses offered on additional days will be delivered online.

Typical scheduling details:

• Days: Monday through Friday
• Start time: As early as 8:00 AM PT
• Session length: Up to 8 hours per day, commonly ending by 5:00 PM PT

Terms that include blended or online learning may require asynchronous coursework.

Tip: During your application process, take the Online Readiness Quiz to determine whether online or blended courses are an appropriate fit for your learning needs.

Offsite Fieldwork (Clinical Experiences)

Fieldwork assignments take place at approved community healthcare or rehabilitation facilities.

Common scheduling patterns:

• Days: Monday through Friday
• Shift length: 8- or 10-hour rotations, aligned with site operating hours
• Variability: Some rotations may require additional hours, holiday coverage, or weekend shifts depending on site needs

Sites are typically confirmed no later than two weeks prior to the start of a fieldwork rotation, though final schedules may be subject to change based on site availability.

Program Review Course:

The Program Review Course is commonly scheduled one day per week on campus.

Sessions typically begin at 8:00 AM PT, with up to 4 hours of on-ground instruction and additional asynchronous online learning as assigned.

Finding the Right Fit for You

Furthering your education is both a commitment and an investment. A diploma or degree will open doors to greater career opportunities and increase your earning potential. We understand that funding this investment can feel overwhelming, which is why Stanbridge University has a Financial Aid team that will walk you through your options and help you decide on the best financial aid package.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Stanbridge University has the following federal financial aid programs available to those who qualify.

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
• Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Read more about these options in the Stanbridge University Catalog.

Cal Grants

Stanbridge University also participates in Cal Grants. Cal Grants are awarded to those who qualify by the California Student Aid Commission. Read more about these options in the Stanbridge University Catalog.

Private Education Loans

Stanbridge University has partnered with various lending institutions that offer private loans to those who qualify. FASTChoice provides you with information about private loan options. Please visit their website to help you determine which is best for you. Learn more at www.fastproducts.org.

How to Start Your Financial Aid Process

Get the most out of your meeting with our Financial Aid team by first creating your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) and completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

FAFSA Application School Code: 038893

Cost of Attendance

OTA	Terms 1-6	Total Cost of Program
Tuition per Term	$9,803.33	$58,820
Books & Supplies1		$1,325
Total Program Charges2		$59,995
California STRF FEE3		$0
Total Cost		$59,995

Pre-Enrollment Expenses

Pre-enrollment expenses include fees not associated with Stanbridge University that must be paid to third-party providers for obtaining official documentation, including but not limited to background checks, vaccinations, educational and financial records, and are not part of the total cost as outlined above. The amounts charged and the refundability of such are at the sole discretion of the third-party provider.

¹Books & Supplies includes ebooks/books, equipment, NBCOT Exam Prep, and Document Manager.
²Tuition, books, ebooks & supplies charges for the entire program for first-time students completing in normal time for first-time students who complete the program in 22-23 months.
³Student Tuition Recovery Fund is a NONREFUNDABLE fee collected for and paid to the State of California BPPE.

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®), a not-for-profit credentialing agency, certifies professionals in the field of occupational therapy. The NBCOT-COTA exam, a key milestone toward becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, tests decision-making in critical patient care scenarios, requiring knowledge of occupational therapy principles, client-centered intervention plans, evidence-based practices, and professional standards.

We are committed to your preparation for certification. You’ll receive a cumulative review and exit exams followed by a comprehensive end-of-program review and NBCOT-COTA exam preparation. These services are provided at no additional charge to our students.

NBCOT-COTA Certification Exam Pass Rates²

RESULTS OF NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (NBCOT) EXAMINATION

2022		2023		2024
Pass %	Testers	Pass %	Testers	Pass %	Testers
81%	135	73%	73	83%	46

Annual Graduation Rates

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2023	63/62	98%
2024	49/41	84%
2025	33/23	70%
Total	145/126	89%

At Every Step of the Journey

Stanbridge University is committed to helping you achieve educational excellence through innovative, rigorous, and accessible programs with a student-centric, holistic support framework. From day one of orientation until well after graduation, our goal is to support each student, who will then go on to transform thousands of lives.

From the Very Start

Student support is woven into the very fabric of academic life from day one of your comprehensive, three-day orientation. At orientation, you will meet your support teams and fellow classmates who will join you as you journey towards your fullest potential.

Laying the Foundation for Success

Within your first year at Stanbridge®, you will have exclusive access to signature seminars designed to assist with goal setting, time management, academic discipline and integrity, positive communication, managing stress, and much more.

Support When You Need It Most

No matter how you learn, we offer tutoring solutions at no additional cost to help you succeed. Tutoring options include one-on-one and group tutoring with current students, alumni, and caring, dedicated faculty for your program. Additionally, you can access virtual tutoring from anywhere, conveniently integrating learning into every day life.

A Team You Can Count On

Student Services Officers

Your individual, dedicated Student Services Officer (SSO) is assigned to you from the first day of orientation. Your SSO is ready to provide highly individualized support with academic and personal development, offering assistance and guiding you through your program.

Academic Assistance

In the Learning Resource Center, you can hone your writing, research, and critical thinking skills with the expert assistance of our on-campus librarian and writing specialist. Meet and collaborate with fellow students and tutors in your go-to location for all things academia.

Stanbridge Student Assistance Program

We are committed to not only your success as a student, but also your personal well-being. Through the Stanbridge Student Assistance Program, you will have access to free counseling services in order to help with a wide variety of difficult situations, including stress, depression and anxiety, family conflict, alcohol and drug abuse, identity theft, daycare issues, and more.

Help at the Click of a Button

We strive to create an environment where you can pursue your passion to the fullest. To this end, we provide convenient online workshops to enhance and enrich your student experience. You can delve into both academic and personal development workshops on a schedule that works for you.

Become the Best You Can Be

OutREACH

We believe that every student has the power to change the world. You will have the opportunity to enrich your academic and personal development through rewarding community service projects. Learn, develop, and train for your future while you transform the local and global community for the greater good.

Student Organizations

Campus life at Stanbridge creates a lifelong community. By joining a student organization, you can practice, develop, and hone effective leadership skills and gain exclusive access to professional networking and leadership events that provide valuable career preparation.

Student Leadership Development

Become a new kind of leader, ready and able to meet the needs of a fast-paced, demanding industry. At the biannual two-day Stanbridge Student Leadership Summit, you will explore the values, skills, and professional behaviors required as you learn alongside accomplished leaders.

Your Future Starts Now

From your first day of orientation until long after your educational journey, our dedicated Career Services team is here to help. You will be paired with an individual Career Services Officer (CSO) who will offer one-on-one guidance with resume preparation, portfolio development, and practice interviews.

Career Advising

From the beginning of your program you’re paired with a Career Service Officer to help guide you with career advising and preparation. In each term of your program, you’ll work with your Career Service Officer on specific goals including resume and portfolio building, networking, and interviewing. Our goal is to help you prepare for a seamless transition to a rewarding career.

Digital Portfolio Builder

As an exclusive resource to our students and graduates, the Stanbridge University Digital Portfolio Builder helps you organize and present your academic experience from Stanbridge University and professional achievements into a modern and sleek online portfolio. As you progress, your academic achievements including GPA, completed courses, and community service activities are automatically updated in your portfolio. Along with guidance from your Career Service Officer, you can easily add and edit your achievements. The Digital Portfolio Builder also automatically creates a resume for you from the data collected during the portfolio creation process. You can email your digital portfolio in a single link to your future, potential employers for a unique and strong first impression.

Mock Interview Sessions

Our Career Services department guides students and graduates through personality mapping, salary negotiations, role-playing, and other specialized interview techniques to enable them to take control of the job interview. We make sure you’re confident to put your best foot forward.

LinkedIn Profile and Networking

LinkedIn is an essential tool for any active job-seeker. Career Services works with students and graduates to build LinkedIn networks to connect them to colleagues and potential employers.

Job Leads

Graduates receive access to continually updated job listings and career opportunities, including recruiting organizations and Southern California companies with whom we have built relationships.

Alumni Services

From a highly networked, vibrant Alumni Association to proven career services, we are committed to your success as a graduate. You can network professionally and take part in fun community-building events. From the moment you cross the stage to every moment after, we’re there to help prep and propel you toward that next big thing.

Stanbridge University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program is available at the Irvine (Orange County) and Alhambra (Los Angeles) campuses.

The Orange County campus is conveniently located near the 405 freeway, across from the John Wayne Airport, providing easy access for students from Irvine, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Lake Forest, and other Orange County cities.

The Los Angeles campus is located in the San Gabriel Valley with quick access to the 10 and 710 freeways, serving students in Alhambra, Pasadena, Monterey Park, El Monte, West Covina, Long Beach, Rosemead, and throughout Los Angeles County.