Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)

Help people gain or regain independence and improve quality of life. Learn therapeutic techniques to support recovery using daily living tasks such as dressing, eating, writing or gardening.

Occupational therapy banner
Associate Degree
Outcome
Two Years
Duration
On-Campus
Learning Format
Central Campus
Location

Statistics

100% exam pass rate

Our graduates have a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam for four years.

Hands-on learning

Hands-on learning combines science and creativity to build strong problem-solving skills.

Career-focused

This program helps you prepare for flexible jobs. You can work in hospitals, schools, clinics or community settings.

Positive impact

Our students develop skills that help people gain independence and improve their quality of life every day.

Let's map out your next move together.

About the programs

About the Occupational Therapy Assistant program

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares you to support people of all ages as they recover, adapt, and live more independently. You’ll learn how health, environment, and daily activities work together to support well-being. Graduates are trained as generalists, ready to work in many healthcare settings and grow with the profession over time.

For more information about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, view the on-demand information session.

Career Outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.)

This Career Outlook combines extensive labor market data to help you evaluate the careers that match your strengths and interests, and where those careers are thriving. Please explore the national, state, and regional data, as you compare the careers related to Occupational Therapy Assistant (A.A.S.).

Geographic Region

Please enter your zip code to view the targeted region or state-level data.

Region CHARLOTTE, NC
Loading career data…

Occupations

Showing list of job titles from most popular to least.

Frequently asked questions

Occupational therapy assistants help people of all ages overcome barriers to engage in daily activities. They work with occupational therapists to support meaningful participation at home, school, work and in the community.

Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, school systems, skilled nursing facilities and community-based settings. Many change settings over time, offering strong career flexibility.

Applicants must first apply to Central Piedmont. Program requirements include a qualifying ATI TEAS test score and documented observation hours or an approved in-lieu form. Please read the specifics for your program on the requirements page.

Yes. In addition to applying to the college, healthcare programs have a few extra steps. Learn what to do on the apply to a healthcare program page.

Yes. Learning includes labs, real-world practice, and activities that mirror professional settings, helping you build confidence before entering the workforce.

Yes. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam. Students have maintained a 100% pass rate over the past four years.

ItemDescriptionIn State StudentsOut of State Students
TuitionWith General Education Courses (refer to note 1)$5,624$19,832
TuitionWithout General Education Courses (refer to note 1)$3,192$11,256
BooksWith General Education Courses$1,258$1,258
BooksWithout General Education Courses$1,003$1,003
Activity FeePaid each semester at registration - $26/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $35/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more$192$192
Tech FeePaid each semester at registration - $48/semester$288$288
CAPS FeeCampus Parking - $80/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $107/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more$589$589
Lab FeeIncluded in Course Registration - $27/lab hr. or $216 max/semester$945$945
Accident InsuranceRequired for program - $1.60/semester$8$8
Liability InsuranceRequired for program - $8.70/semester$44$44
UniformsShirt and name tag - required for off campus activities$50$50
CPROne time feevariablevariable
Physical Exam and ImmunizationsOne time upon admission to program - See Note 2. Immunizations as requiredvariablevariable
Criminal Background Check and Drug ScreeningOne time - required for clinicals$135$135
SOTA FeesDues to Student OT Association$60$60
AOTA DuesMembership - $75/year$150$150
ClickersOne time fee; required for use in classes$50$50
Clinical Affiliation Out of TownOne semester only (approximate cost)$250$250
Graduation FeeOne time fee$20$20
NC License FeeApplication packet and initial NC license$110$110
National Exam FeeNBCOT exam with online application and one score report$540$540
Testing Center FeeAfter graduation$70$70
TotalWith General Education Courses$10,383$24,591
TotalWithout General Education Courses$7,696$15,760

Notes

  1. Learn more about tuition and payments.
  2. The Central Piedmont student price for a physical exam is $49 at our on-campus Community Based Virtual Clinic.
  3. Tuition, books, some fees, accident insurance, and liability insurance may be eligible for coverage with financial aid.
  4. All costs have been rounded to the nearest dollar.
  5. All costs are estimates and are subject to change.

Take the next step your way. Apply today or plan your path with help.