What Questions Should You Ask Before Choosing an OTA Program?
Basic Overview
Choosing an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program involves more than reviewing admissions requirements. Students often compare accreditation, fieldwork opportunities, certification preparation, educational technology, program length, and student support services when evaluating OTA programs. Asking the right questions can help you identify a program that aligns with your educational goals and career aspirations.
Why Is It Important to Compare OTA Programs?
If you are interested in occupational therapy careers, you should compare multiple Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs before making an enrollment decision.
While admissions requirements are important, they are only one factor to consider. Program accreditation, fieldwork experiences, certification preparation, educational technology, and student support services can all influence your educational experience.
Is the OTA Program Accredited?
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to review when comparing OTA programs.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is the accrediting body responsible for Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant education programs in the United States.¹
Graduation from an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program is generally required for eligibility to pursue certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).¹
Questions to ask include:
- Is the program ACOTE accredited?
- What is the current accreditation status?
- When is the next accreditation review scheduled?
Because accreditation can impact certification and licensure pathways, many students begin their research here.
What Fieldwork Opportunities Are Included?
Fieldwork is an important component of Occupational Therapy Assistant education.
Through supervised fieldwork experiences, students apply classroom concepts in real-world healthcare, educational, and community-based settings.¹
Questions to ask include:
- What fieldwork experiences are included?
- What types of practice settings are available?
- How are fieldwork placements coordinated?
- What populations might students work with during fieldwork?
Fieldwork experiences help students connect classroom learning to occupational therapy practice.
How Does the Program Prepare Students for NBCOT Certification?
Many students want to understand how a program supports preparation for certification and professional practice.
Questions to ask include:
- How does the curriculum support certification preparation?
- What academic support resources are available?
- What certification outcomes information is publicly available?
- What opportunities exist for skills development and practice?
Reviewing multiple factors can help you better understand a program’s approach to educational preparation.
What Educational Technology and Learning Resources Are Available?
Healthcare education continues to evolve as institutions incorporate technology-enhanced learning experiences.
Questions to ask include:
- What simulation technologies are available?
- Are anatomy learning tools incorporated into the curriculum?
- What laboratory resources support hands-on learning?
- How is educational technology integrated into instruction?
These resources may complement classroom learning and provide additional opportunities for skill development.
What Student Support Services Are Offered?
Student support services can play an important role throughout an educational program.
Questions to ask include:
- What academic support resources are available?
- Are tutoring services offered?
- How accessible are faculty members?
- What student success resources are available?
Support services vary by institution and may influence the overall student experience.
How Long Does the Program Take to Complete?
Program length is another factor many students review when comparing OTA programs.
Questions to ask include:
- How many credit hours are required?
- What is the expected program length?
- Are courses offered on a full-time or part-time basis?
- How are fieldwork experiences incorporated into the schedule?
Understanding program timelines can help you evaluate educational commitments and long-term planning.
What Should You Know About Admissions Requirements?
Admissions requirements vary between institutions and programs.
Students may want to ask:
- What are the admissions requirements?
- Are there prerequisite courses required?
- What application materials are needed?
- What are the admissions deadlines?
Reviewing admissions requirements early can help you prepare application materials and better understand the enrollment process.
Exploring the Stanbridge University OTA Program
Students interested in Occupational Therapy Assistant education can explore the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Stanbridge University.²
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) through 2028/2029.¹ ²
The program incorporates:
- Hands-on laboratory instruction²
- Fieldwork education experiences²
- Simulation-based learning opportunities²
- Educational technology resources²
- Student support services²
Recent NBCOT-COTA certification exam pass rates for the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses were reported as 78% for 2023–2025.²
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is 112.5 quarter credit hours and is designed to be completed in approximately 22–23 months for full-time students, depending on cohort scheduling and individual progression.³
How Do You Choose the Right OTA Program?
The right OTA program depends on your educational goals, learning preferences, and professional aspirations.
When comparing programs, consider:
- Accreditation status
- Fieldwork opportunities
- Certification preparation resources
- Educational technology
- Student support services
- Program length
- Admissions requirements
Taking time to evaluate these factors can help you identify an OTA program that aligns with your goals and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students often ask about accreditation, fieldwork opportunities, certification preparation, educational technology, student support services, admissions requirements, and program length.
ACOTE accreditation is important because graduating from an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program is generally required for eligibility to pursue NBCOT-COTA certification and state licensure pathways.¹
Students researching OTA programs often review certification preparation resources and publicly available certification outcomes information when comparing educational pathways.¹
Fieldwork is an important component of OTA education because it allows students to apply classroom learning in supervised practice environments.¹
Program length varies by institution. The Stanbridge University Occupational Therapy Assistant program is designed to be completed in approximately 22–23 months for full-time students.³
Students often review simulation technologies, anatomy learning resources, laboratory experiences, and other educational tools that support hands-on learning.
Students can explore Stanbridge University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program information, accreditation status, admissions requirements, and educational resources when researching OTA pathways.²
Footnotes
¹ Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), https://acoteonline.org/, https://www.aota.org/, https://www.nbcot.org/
² Stanbridge University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Information, https://www.stanbridge.edu/program/ota
³ Program 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.