All occupational therapy education programs include a period of supervised fieldwork experience. To become an occupational therapy assistant, you must complete a two-year associate degree and a period of fieldwork. Because entrance requirements, prerequisites, and program content differs from school to school, it is important to get specific information from those programs to which you are interested in applying. A list of accredited programs is available on this web site. Schools typically require course work concentrating on the biological and behavioral sciences, including biology, psychology, and sociology.
Most programs also require volunteer or paid work experience with persons with disabilities.
If you are an OT or OTA student and are not yet a member of AOTA, get a complete description of AOTA's Membership Benefits , including product and program discounts, leadership opportunities, and access to materials and information that can give your career a competitive edge. Inc. All rights reserved.