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 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.
What you’ll learn
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.
| Item | Description | In State Students | Out of State Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | With General Education Courses (refer to note 1) | $5,624 | $19,832 |
| Tuition | Without General Education Courses (refer to note 1) | $3,192 | $11,256 |
| Books | With General Education Courses | $1,258 | $1,258 |
| Books | Without General Education Courses | $1,003 | $1,003 |
| Activity Fee | Paid 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 Fee | Paid each semester at registration - $48/semester | $288 | $288 |
| CAPS Fee | Campus Parking - $80/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $107/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more | $589 | $589 |
| Lab Fee | Included in Course Registration - $27/lab hr. or $216 max/semester | $945 | $945 |
| Accident Insurance | Required for program - $1.60/semester | $8 | $8 |
| Liability Insurance | Required for program - $8.70/semester | $44 | $44 |
| Uniforms | Shirt and name tag - required for off campus activities | $50 | $50 |
| CPR | One time fee | variable | variable |
| Physical Exam and Immunizations | One time upon admission to program - See Note 2. Immunizations as required | variable | variable |
| Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening | One time - required for clinicals | $135 | $135 |
| SOTA Fees | Dues to Student OT Association | $60 | $60 |
| AOTA Dues | Membership - $75/year | $150 | $150 |
| Clickers | One time fee; required for use in classes | $50 | $50 |
| Clinical Affiliation Out of Town | One semester only (approximate cost) | $250 | $250 |
| Graduation Fee | One time fee | $20 | $20 |
| NC License Fee | Application packet and initial NC license | $110 | $110 |
| National Exam Fee | NBCOT exam with online application and one score report | $540 | $540 |
| Testing Center Fee | After graduation | $70 | $70 |
| Total | With General Education Courses | $10,383 | $24,591 |
| Total | Without General Education Courses | $7,696 | $15,760 |
Notes
- Learn more about tuition and payments.
- The Central Piedmont student price for a physical exam is $49 at our on-campus Community Based Virtual Clinic.
- Tuition, books, some fees, accident insurance, and liability insurance may be eligible for coverage with financial aid.
- All costs have been rounded to the nearest dollar.
- All costs are estimates and are subject to change.
Accreditation information
The occupational therapy assistant program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-AOTA
Email
ACOTE Website
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Exam School Performance
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