Program Overview
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program offers an Associate in Science degree that equips students with the skills needed to assist occupational therapists in providing therapeutic interventions. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and clinical experiences to ensure students are prepared for the workforce. Students will gain a deep understanding of anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and client care. After completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Start your rewarding career in occupational therapy by enrolling in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at NSCC today.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
- Comprehensive curriculum with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience.
- Focus on developing skills in therapeutic interventions, patient assessments, and client-centered care.
- Graduates are eligible for national certification and state licensure.
- Opportunities for specialized internships and clinical placements at local healthcare facilities.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllReview the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Policies.
Download the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Handbook >
View and print the required courses for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program can pursue careers in:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Pediatric clinics
- Outpatient clinics
- Schools and special education programs
- Home health care agencies
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
For complete details on program learning outcomes, semester course breakdowns, and practicum requirements, please refer to the Academic Catalog.
Interested in finishing faster? The OTA Accelerated Option is a full-time day program that allows motivated students who have already completed the required general education courses to complete the OTA curriculum in just three semesters. This option is ideal for students who have completed general education requirements.
Program Highlights
- Full-time, accelerated 13-14 month program.
- Accredited by ACOTE and eligible for NBCOT certification.
- Transfer opportunities to professional occupational therapy schools.
- Clinical fieldwork placements in various healthcare settings.
- Personalized support from faculty and staff throughout the program.
The program begins in September and concludes the following October, providing a faster path to entering the workforce.
Contact
Shauna Manthorn, Department Chair
Email: smanthor@northshore.edu
Phone: 978-762-4168
Need more time to finish? The OTA Part-Time Option allows students to complete the OTA program with a reduced course load each semester, except during the final semester when Level II fieldwork must be completed on a full-time basis. This option is ideal for students who are unable to meet the demands of the traditional full-time program.
Program Highlights
- Part-time, 3 year+ program.
- Accredited by ACOTE and eligible for NBCOT certification.
- Transfer opportunities to professional occupational therapy schools.
- Clinical fieldwork placements in various healthcare settings.
- Personalized support from faculty and staff throughout the program.
The course sequence is subject to change depending on whether the Accelerated Option of Study is offered, as some courses may be interchangeable within the schedule.
Contact
Shauna Manthorn, Department Chair
Email: smanthor@northshore.edu
Phone: 978-762-4168
NSCC maintains transfer agreements with various four-year institutions, expanding opportunities for students to pursue bachelor's degrees in their chosen fields. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Student Achievement Data
Most recent performance results of NSCC Occupational Therapy Assistant graduates on the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy examination can be accessed by visiting this secure NBCOT link.
2022 - 2024 Graduate Information
|
Graduation Year |
Students Entering/Graduating |
Graduation Rate |
| 2024 | 12/11 | 92% |
| 2023 | 13/12 | 92% |
| 2022 | 22/18 | 82% |
| TOTAL | 47/41 | 87% |
Additional Information
Further information about certification exam performance, employment rates and clinical performance of graduates as evaluated by employers is available upon request by contacting:
Shauna Manthorn
Department Chair, OTA Program
Phone: 978-762-4168
Email: smanthor@northshore.edu
Contact Admissions |
General AssistanceVisit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge. |
Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
North Shore Community College's associate-degree-level Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
c/o American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-652-2682
Website: www.acoteonline.org
ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage.