Of all the jobs out there that fit what you want to be, an occupational therapy assistant makes the most sense. It gets you directly involved in patient care in just two years, it’s a high-demand career, and it’s personally satisfying. For some, the harder part of the decision is knowing how to pay for occupational therapy assistant school. Don’t let that hold you back – there are a variety of ways to go about it.
1. Determine the Net Cost
Sometimes the task ahead seems so big, that where to begin is a big mystery. So, break down the process of going to the occupational therapy assistant school you want into smaller steps. Of course, you’ll want to understand the cost of the education you’re considering, the time it will take to get there, and the salary potential earned after graduation.
Your choice of an occupational therapy assistant school will have Admissions and Financial Aid Staff who help you find this information. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Even better, universities should have a “net cost” calculation form. This lets you see the “net cost” by factoring in eligible scholarships, grants, loans, etc.
2. Start Coursework Gradually
If not going to school full-time, it’s possible to pay for the “prerequisite” courses as you go. Prerequisites are “general education” courses like algebra, communication, etc. to be completed before starting the professional OTA coursework. “Gen ed” courses are usually offered online or in a hybrid online/on-campus mix that allows you to continue working.
Research where to take your “gen ed” courses. Sometimes the courses are less expensive at one institution than another. When you shop around for your “gen ed” courses, make sure that the credit you earn is transferable and accepted at the occupational therapy assistant school that you’ve chosen.
3. Leverage Available Financial Aid
Learning how to pay for occupational therapy assistant school doesn’t have to be difficult because you can be sure your school choice has (or should have) financial aid experts who know about choices and options for your situation.
Typically, paying for your OTA education is accomplished by a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and any personal funding sources.
All the knowledge about paying for education would be pointless unless the financial reward made it worthwhile.
In 2021, OTA was again ranked as one of the top-10 health care support jobs in the U.S., and the career outlook for OTAs calls for more than a 30% growth rate through 2030. The average annual salary of $$55-58,000 more than doubles the pay scale for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and home health aides. In the midwest, salaries will typically range between $45,000 -$48,000.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a healthcare-focused, nonprofit, private university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro area.
Our OTA program consists of 16 core courses and 16 weeks of fieldwork education OTA employers seek. Concentrated eight-week courses immerse you in your subjects, so you’re on track to earn the OTA salary you’ve been waiting for. Even better, CUKC admits students into the OTA program three times a year, giving you the option to begin your studies as soon as you’re ready.
Schedule a time to take a tour of the CUKC campus, speak with an advisor, and to talk with a financial aid expert. During that time, you can:
Take the next step by requesting more information today from CUKC! If you’re really excited about the potential of an OTA career, get this free eBook about financial aid eBook today!
