As a student accepted into USI's occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program, you’ll complete your degree in just 4 semesters. Courses will give you a broad introduction to the occupational therapy profession as well as on-the-job training in a variety of healthcare and/or community settings. Getting your degree from USI's OTA program can open many doors to a fulfilling healthcare career. Coursework and fieldwork aside, OTA students have a tradition of serving the community in many ways including learning and teaching backpack safety, evaluating homes for safety and accessibility, creating therapeutic activities for individuals with mental illness, strength and balance assessments and participating in disability awareness events.
At the University of Southern Indiana, we understand the importance of versatility and expertise in the healthcare field. Our dual degree pathway allows you to pursue an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) simultaneously with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services (Generalist Track option). This combination gives you a competitive edge in the job market and opens up a world of career opportunities. Gain a strong foundation in both occupational therapy and health services, making you an asset to healthcare organizations that value versatile professionals. The dual degree pathway prepares you for diverse roles, including occupational therapy assistants, healthcare administrators and other healthcare related positions. By pursuing both degrees concurrently, you save time and tuition costs compared to completing them separately.
To apply to the University of Southern Indiana (USI) for undergraduate enrollment:
Upon acceptance to USI, you'll receive detailed information about next steps, including orientation, registration and housing.
There is a secondary application process to be accepted into the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Students may declare a major in pre-OTA upon entering the university or complete a change of major form at any point in time.
Applications are available December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, for a Fall 2025 start date. For more information, visit the Program Admission page.
Visit USI Registrar's Office Transfer Credit website to see if your courses will transfer to USI.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 23 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
In the past three years, an average of 94% of USI OTA students graduated and successfully completed the national board examination. Graduates are currently working in hospitals, schools, mental health agencies and facilities serving older adults. Some OTA graduates who also completed their baccalaureate degree in a health-related field acquire management-level positions. Some also continue their occupational therapy (OT) education by completing an OT master's or doctorate degree.
*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.
The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number, C/O AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is WWW.ACOTEONLINE.ORG
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Assistant (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
Requirements for licensure and certification vary by profession and by state. USI has reviewed the educational requirements for each state and licensing agency to determine if the academic program here at USI meets the educational requirements to be eligible for licensure/certification in each state or not. Please note that some states may have additional requirements for licensure, such as residency requirements, additional non-academic certifications, etc. that USI cannot determine. We encourage you to check with your state's licensing agency for all requirements needed to obtain licensure.
