General introduction to the discipline

Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist to help individuals across the lifespan do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).

Occupational therapy assistants choose and adapt tasks, activities, and therapeutic media to improve the functioning of their clients. They work with individuals and groups, contribute to evaluation and assessment, and communicate reports of patient progress to the healthcare team. Services may be provided to the community, including those with physical, psychiatric, developmental, or other conditions.

Main Programs and tracks within the discipline

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is coordinated by the Health Sciences Department and leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The LaGuardia Community College OTA Program is the only CUNY OTA program. The program offers Day Sessions (Spring admissions), Evening Sessions (Fall admissions), and a Part-Time option (Spring & Fall admissions).

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT certification examination, the graduate will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and eligible for licensure. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Learn more on the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) website.

TOP CAREER FROM THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, WITH SALARY

• Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides (Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides salary information)