Why You’ll Absolutely Love Your OTA Classes

Communications Staff

Posted November 8, 2018

Here’s some excellent news: you’ll love the different types of OTA classes on the way to a career as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA). Best of all, the rapid progression from foundational classes to professional OTA classes leaves no room for boredom with your studies! Prepare yourself for (1) collaborative group projects, (2) question-and-answer sessions with instructors and other students, and (3) extensive fieldwork experience with actual clients.

The variety of occupational therapy assistant (OTA) classes is by design. The idea is to give you the OTA skills and knowledge needed for your future career.

Comprehensive OTA Classes

• Hands-on instruction
  As early as the second semester, you’ll begin mastering hands-on techniques to help your clients achieve their best possible future. You’ll love learning about combining your creative ability with proven techniques in instructor-led practice sessions and seeing what’s effective.
• Presentations, discussions
  Because OTAs work with clients from the very young to senior adults, therapy solutions are highly personalized – what’s effective for one client may not be for another. Many OTA classes emphasize group and individual presentations that will help you explore a wider variety of therapy options. Group discussions help you sharpen problem-solving capabilities.
• Guided fieldwork experiences
  During Level II Fieldwork, you’ll put what you know into actual practice with clients. Your fieldwork instructors will provide you with opportunities to gain experience and guidance as an OTA. You’ll be involved in researching, planning, and implementing occupational therapy treatments.

Your OTA Classes Lead You to a Satisfying Career

People pursue a career in health care because they like a career that helps people. If that’s what draws you to occupational therapy, then the two-year occupational therapy assistant degree is for you.

After completing your OTA degree – usually, in as little as two years – you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Passing the NBCOT means that you are a COTA.

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you’ll find yourself in a field that’s expanding at twice the rate as other professions. According to the 2018 U.S.News annual survey, an OTA is in the top 10 of all health care support jobs.

It’s also satisfying to know being an OTA delivers an annual compensation that reflects the unique skills of OTAs and their growing importance in today’s health care economy.

• A newly certified OTA often earns right at least $45,000 per year – even more if you go to a high-need state.
• In 2018, OTAs with experience are earning a median wage of $59,300 yearly according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Learn About OTA Classes at Cleveland University-Kansas City

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, health care-focused university with small classes that prepare students for national certification and professional job opportunities. CUKC links the teachings, learning process, and best practices used by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.

The full-time, on-campus Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program at CUKC delivers 8-week classes, lab time in our on-campus facilities, and the required fieldwork experience. Our OTA classes are intentionally sequenced to allow students to build on the knowledge and skills gained in each course, so challenging concepts are easier to grasp.

Students at CUKC can complete their occupational therapy assistant degree in as little as two years. There are three class starts per year, in the fall, spring, and summer to ensure you can begin this degree program when it fits you best.

At CUKC, we have full-time staff to guide you through the financial aid options available, including grants, loans, and scholarship assistance.

Learn much more about OTA classes and the OTA profession today. Contact an advisor or download the free ebook,Your Complete Guide to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.