How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in California
Occupational therapy assistants play a critical role in today’s healthcare system. Working directly with clients and under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, OTAs help individuals of all ages improve the skills they need for daily life. From recovering after injury to supporting children with developmental challenges, the work is both hands-on and deeply impactful. In California, where healthcare careers are growing rapidly, the path to becoming an OTA begins with choosing the right educational program and understanding the steps toward licensure and employment. This overview outlines every stage of the process and provides a detailed look at the Occupational Therapy Assistant program offered by Stanbridge University.
What Is an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
The work of an occupational therapy assistant centers on delivering care that supports patient independence. OTAs are responsible for implementing treatment plans, aimed at improving clients’ independence with activities of daily living, therapeutic activities, therapeutic exercises, teaching the use of adaptive equipment, and tracking each client’s progress over time. They work in close collaboration with occupational therapists to adjust care strategies as needed and to ensure that the goals of therapy are met. These professionals are employed in a range of environments, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, public schools, outpatient clinics, and in-home care settings. In all of these spaces, OTAs contribute to improving functional mobility, building life skills, and enhancing overall well-being.
Step One: Research Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs and Curriculum
Before applying, it’s important to understand what an occupational therapy assistant does. OTAs carry out treatment plans, guide therapeutic activities, and assist clients in developing physical and cognitive skills. These professionals are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
To become an OTA in California, you must complete a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Stanbridge University offers a fully accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program that blends classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical fieldwork. The curriculum includes foundational coursework in anatomy, therapeutic techniques, documentation, and ethics, as well as supervised rotations in community healthcare settings. A built-in certification review course also prepares students for the national NBCOT exam.
Step Two: Apply to an Accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Once you’ve identified the right educational path, the next step in how to become an occupational therapy assistant in California is applying to an accredited program. Completing an approved occupational therapy assistant degree is essential for certification and licensure in the state.
The admissions process at Stanbridge University is designed to help prospective students begin this journey with clarity. Applicants complete an entrance assessment, submit academic transcripts, and meet with the Occupational Therapy Assistant program faculty to review expectations and next steps.
Students also participate in a structured orientation before the start of classes, ensuring they are prepared for both academic coursework and clinical training.
To learn more about the curriculum, clinical training, and admissions process, visit the OTA program page at Stanbridge University.
Step Three: Complete Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree and Fieldwork
The occupational therapy assistant degree at Stanbridge takes approximately 22 to 23 months to complete.1 Students study therapeutic practices, patient care strategies, and healthcare communication. These courses are paired with hands-on learning in skills labs and clinical rotations.
Fieldwork is completed in two stages. Level I introduces students to occupational therapy environments and clientele through observation and structured participation. Level II is a more intensive placement where students assist directly with client care under professional supervision. These experiences are essential for gaining confidence and meeting certification requirements.
Step Four: Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam and Apply for Licensure
Graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The national certification is required to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). The exam evaluates clinical knowledge, ethical decision-making, and the ability to support patient care plans.
Stanbridge’s review course helps students prepare for the NBCOT exam with guided study, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
After passing the exam, candidates must apply for state licensure through the California Board of Occupational Therapy. The process includes a background check and submission of official transcripts and exam results.
Once licensed, OTAs can begin applying for occupational therapy assistant jobs across California. Settings may include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, or outpatient therapy centers.
Why Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Choosing a career as an occupational therapy assistant offers both personal fulfillment and professional opportunity. Occupational therapy assistants play a key role in supporting clients as they work to regain independence, adapt to physical or cognitive challenges, and improve their overall quality of life.
According to the Employment Development Department of the State of California, in-state employment for occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow by 43.3% fromThe significant growth reflects expanding demand for OTA services across a range of care settings.
Occupational therapy assistants work in nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient and community clinics, home care services, hospitals, and school systems. The profession offers the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan and contribute to meaningful progress in their everyday lives.
Why Choose Stanbridge University for Your OTA Degree
Stanbridge University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program is structured to meet the educational and clinical preparation standards required for entry into the profession. The curriculum is designed to reflect the responsibilities of today’s occupational therapy assistants, with a focus on foundational knowledge, practical skill development, and professional conduct.
Students receive hands-on training with virtual reality, synthetic cadavers, therapy lab simulations, building the confidence and skills needed for fieldwork and clinical practice. Labs take place on campus in environments that mirror real therapy settings, while fieldwork is completed at affiliated community healthcare facilities.
Courses are delivered in on-ground, online, and blended formats, with only 2.5 days of on-ground instruction per week to support flexibility for students managing academic and personal commitments.
In addition to academic training, the university provides career support services that help students navigate the job search process. Resources such as resume development, interview preparation, and access to employer connections are available to assist graduates as they begin pursuing occupational therapy assistant jobs.
Start Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Career in California
The process of becoming an occupational therapy assistant in California begins with the right education. From foundational coursework to fieldwork, certification, and licensure, each stage prepares you to support individuals across a wide range of care needs.
Stanbridge University offers an accredited occupational therapy assistant degree that supports both academic growth and professional readiness.
For detailed information about the Occupational Therapy Assistant curriculum, skills labs, and learning formats, visit the Stanbridge University OTA Program Page. To connect with an admissions representative, please visit the Stanbridge Contact Page.
The Stanbridge University 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) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
1Program duration subject to change. Completion times vary depending upon the start and end dates of a cohort and any individual circumstances that may impact progression.
2Source: Employment Development Department, State of California, Occupation Profile, Occupational Therapy Assistants, https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=occupational+therapy+assistant&careerID=&menuChoice=occexplorer&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=312011&search=Explore+Occupation. As viewed on August 1, 2024.