The Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science degree Program is offered at the Gallup Graduate Studies Center through interactive video teleconferencing. Western New Mexico University offers a two year program leading to an Associate of Science Degree with a major in Occupational Therapy Assistant. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Certification exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Most states require licensure in order to practice.
All students interested in applying for admission must first meet the requirements for admission to WNMU as specified in the University catalog. Students may then contact the Department of Occupational Therapy to apply to the program. The loss of skills may be related to illness, trauma, or developmental delay resulting in physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction. COTAs are employed in a wide variety of health care and community settings. COTAs may also apply to become activity directors in programs serving the elderly.