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.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Accelerated Option
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Accelerated Option is a full-time day program designed to enable completion of the OTA curriculum within a 3-semester time frame [September through the following October]. The general education courses required within the traditional OTA Program are pre-admission requirements for the accelerated option of study.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Accelerated Option >
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.
- Small class sizes for personalized attention and learning.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllUpon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The curriculum integrates classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and clinical experiences to ensure students are prepared for the workforce.
Courses include:
- Foundations of Occupational Therapy
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Therapeutic Techniques for Occupational Therapy
- Clinical Fieldwork I & II
- Psychosocial Aspects of Occupational Therapy
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
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
Shauna Manthorn
Program Director
NSCC
Holly Andrews
Supervisor
SeniorCare
Kerry Bourgeois
Director of Rehab
Genesis Rehab Services
Holly Briad
COTA/L
NuPath INC
Kim Cook
Owner
Angel Care Kids Therapist Ctr.
Arlene Hanson
Academic Counselor
NSCC
Karen Hefler
Owner
Rehabilitation Therapy Associates LLC
Lynn Marcus
Career Placement Coordinator
NSCC
Sharon McGrath
Coord. Post-High School
Peabody Public School
Ellen O'Gorman
Executive Director
New England Pediatric Care
Michelle O'Neill
Program Director
Riverside Day Treatment
Chrys Peralta
Occupational Therapist
MAB Community Services
Tiffany Pritchett
Clinical Specialist
Spaulding Rehab Hospital - Boston
Sheri Purdy
Case Manager
Northeast Rehab Hospital
Cely Rosario
Occupational Therapist/Project Lead
Element Care
Jeramie Silveira
Chairperson SSU OT
Salem State University
Melissa Tilton
Clinical Operations Area Director
Genesis Rehab Services
Lori Vinci
Dean of Health Professions
NSCC
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
Program Questions
smanthor@northshore.edu
978-762-4168
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
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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.