OTA Classes: Why You’ll Absolutely Love Them!

Communications Staff

UPDATED SEPT. 17, 2021

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 OTA classes is by design. The idea of so many types of instruction is to give you the skills and knowledge needed for your future career.

Comprehensive OTA Instruction

• 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.

OTA Leads You to a Satisfying Career

People pursue a career in healthcare 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 2021 U.S.News/Money annual survey, an OTA is in the top 15 of healthcare 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 $45-47,000 per year – even more if you go to a high-need state.
• In 2021, OTAs with experience are earning a median wage of more than $54,922 yearly, according to the wage data site Salary.com.

Learn About OTA Classes at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-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 admissions advisor so you can download the free eBook, Your Complete Guide to the Occupational Therapy Assistant Career.