Best institutions to study Occupational Therapist Assistant
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of occupational therapists, to direct patient participation in skill-enhancing, learning, and motivational tasks; correct or diminish pathologies; and to provide direct health education and promotion services.
213 U.S. institutions graduated 3,204 Occupational Therapist Assistant students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0803, a specialization of Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08), and leads most directly to the Occupational Therapy Assistants occupation (BLS SOC 31-2011).
About Occupational Therapist Assistant programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of occupational therapists, to direct patient participation in skill-enhancing, learning, and motivational tasks; correct or diminish pathologies; and to provide direct health education and promotion services. Includes instruction in human life span development, occupational therapy principles and practice skills, treatment planning and implementation, record-keeping and documentation, patient education and intervention, activity and program direction, and assistive services management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Occupational Therapist Assistant program prepares individuals to work under the supervision of occupational therapists, guiding patients through skill-enhancing and motivational tasks. This program is ideal for those interested in helping clients improve their daily living skills and achieve greater independence through therapeutic activities.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in human life span development, treatment planning, patient education, and assistive services management. Core skills include effective communication, critical thinking, and active listening, all essential for supporting patients in their therapy journey.
Credentials awarded
What Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree3,092 graduates / yr · 203 institutions97%
- Bachelor's degree73 graduates / yr · 8 institutions2.3%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years21 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.7%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years16 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Occupational Therapist Assistant completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,892 |
| 2013 | 4,355 |
| 2014 | 4,512 |
| 2015 | 4,926 |
| 2016 | 5,130 |
| 2017 | 5,470 |
| 2018 | 4,828 |
| 2019 | 4,986 |
| 2020 | 3,623 |
| 2021 | 4,848 |
| 2022 | 4,508 |
| 2023 | 3,647 |
| 2024 | 3,178 |
| 2025 | 3,204 |
Top 50 institutions for Occupational Therapist Assistant, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Catherine University Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 133 | 61% | $21,042 | $40,149 |
| 2 | Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 120 | 61% | $35,483 | $30,406 |
| 3 | Santa Ana College Santa Ana, CAPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 77 | 31% | — | $28,200 |
| 4 | Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences Draper, UTPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 47 | 54% | $30,922 | $36,777 |
| 5 | CBD College Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 46 | 82% | $20,729 | $52,829 |
| 6 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Hanceville, ALPublicAssociate's | 43 | 51% | — | $37,346 |
| 7 | Pima Medical Institute - Mesa Mesa, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 41 | 67% | $21,660 | $31,915 |
| 8 | Eastwick College - Ramsey Ramsey, NJPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 39 | 75% | $29,398 | $37,762 |
| 9 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAssociate's | 39 | 21% | — | $33,233 |
| 10 | Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NCPublicAssociate's | 36 | 34% | — | — |
| 11 | Pima Medical Institute - El Paso El Paso, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 36 | 57% | $23,813 | $31,915 |
| 12 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Ponce Mercedita, PRPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 33 | 41% | $9,980 | $9,318 |
| 13 | Pima Medical Institute - Denver Denver, COPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 33 | 73% | $23,429 | $31,915 |
| 14 | Brookline College - Phoenix Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 32 | 53% | — | $27,966 |
| 15 | University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LAPublicAssociate's | 32 | 54% | — | — |
| 16 | Navarro College Corsicana, TXPublicAssociate's | 32 | 23% | — | $51,543 |
| 17 | American Career College - Anaheim Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 32 | 70% | $28,590 | $28,853 |
| 18 | Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, OKPublicAssociate's | 30 | 27% | — | $29,838 |
| 19 | University of Charleston Charleston, WVPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 30 | 46% | $21,939 | $39,938 |
| 20 | Pima Medical Institute - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 30 | 57% | $23,982 | $31,915 |
| 21 | Pima Medical Institute - Houston Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 29 | 71% | $20,583 | $31,915 |
| 22 | Pima Medical Institute - Tucson Tucson, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 28 | 72% | — | $31,915 |
| 23 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAssociate's | 26 | 23% | — | $28,616 |
| 24 | Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Concord, NCPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 24 | 71% | $16,110 | $37,422 |
| 25 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAssociate's | 23 | 21% | — | $33,836 |
| 26 | GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAssociate's | 22 | 29% | — | $50,605 |
| 27 | Lorain County Community College Elyria, OHPublicAssociate's | 22 | 31% | — | $33,693 |
| 28 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAssociate's | 22 | 29% | — | $34,484 |
| 29 | University of Puerto Rico - Humacao Humacao, PRPublicAssociate's | 22 | 47% | — | — |
| 30 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublicAssociate's | 21 | 55% | — | $41,060 |
| 31 | Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield, MOPublicAssociate's | 21 | 33% | — | $38,770 |
| 32 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate's | 21 | 17% | — | $35,469 |
| 33 | Panola College Carthage, TXPublicAssociate's | 21 | 43% | — | — |
| 34 | St Philip's College San Antonio, TXPublicAssociate's | 21 | 28% | — | $46,461 |
| 35 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAssociate's | 21 | 29% | — | $34,862 |
| 36 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KYPublicAssociate's | 20 | 35% | — | $38,477 |
| 37 | Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJPublicAssociate's | 20 | 31% | — | — |
| 38 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NYPublicAssociate's | 20 | 24% | — | $40,463 |
| 39 | Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OHPublicAssociate's | 20 | 48% | — | $36,376 |
| 40 | Indian Capital Technology Center - Muskogee Muskogee, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 100% | — | — |
| 41 | Grossmont College El Cajon, CAPublicAssociate's | 19 | 37% | — | — |
| 42 | Sacramento City College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate's | 19 | 33% | — | $48,969 |
| 43 | Greenville Technical College Greenville, SCPublicAssociate's | 19 | 21% | — | $43,962 |
| 44 | Nashville State Community College Nashville, TNPublicAssociate's | 19 | 18% | — | $40,411 |
| 45 | Parkland College Champaign, ILPublicAssociate's | 18 | 32% | — | $36,872 |
| 46 | St Charles Community College Cottleville, MOPublicAssociate's | 18 | 25% | — | — |
| 47 | Bryant & Stratton College - Wauwatosa Wauwatosa, WIPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 18 | 20% | $15,767 | $32,115 |
| 48 | Middle Georgia State University Macon, GAPublicAssociate's | 18 | 25% | — | — |
| 49 | Arkansas Tech University Russellville, ARPublicAssociate's | 17 | 49% | — | $35,961 |
| 50 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAssociate's | 17 | 24% | — | $40,439 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services field (CIP 51.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 48 states & territories
Where Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 31-2011, Occupational Therapy Assistants, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Occupational Therapist Assistant program typically pursue careers as Occupational Therapy Assistants, with a strong job outlook of 19.2% growth and approximately 7,200 annual openings. The median wage for this profession is $68,340, with most positions requiring an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0803
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Occupational Therapy Assistantsprimary SOC 31-2011 | $72,300 | +19.2% Much faster than average | ~7,200 | Associate's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Occupational Therapist Assistant programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
Tools and technology used
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08).
- Medical/CIP 51.0801
Clinical Assistant 55,276 graduates / yr1,057 institutions - Pharmacy Technician/CIP 51.0805
Assistant 8,060 graduates / yr353 institutions - Physical Therapy AssistantCIP 51.08065,489 graduates / yr360 institutions
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting ServicesCIP 51.08994,386 graduates / yr75 institutions
- Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance)CIP 51.08104,277 graduates / yr79 institutions
- Radiologist AssistantCIP 51.0814partial data1,676 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Clinical/CIP 51.0802
Medical Laboratory Assistant 663 graduates / yr34 institutions - Anesthesiologist AssistantCIP 51.0809497 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Speech-Language Pathology AssistantCIP 51.0816304 graduates / yr21 institutions
- Respiratory Therapy Technician/CIP 51.0812
Assistant 258 graduates / yr19 institutions - Pathology/CIP 51.0811
Pathologist Assistant 178 graduates / yr13 institutions - Lactation ConsultantCIP 51.0815partial data47 graduates / yr4 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Chiropractic Technician/
Assistant51.0813
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs →
Common questions
What degree do I earn from this program?+
You will earn an Associate's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and patient care.
What is the job outlook for Occupational Therapy Assistants?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 19.2%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 213 colleges offering this program across the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Occupational Therapist Assistant?+
Occupational Therapist Assistant is CIP 51.0803 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of occupational therapists, to direct patient participation in skill-enhancing, learning, and motivational tasks; correct or diminish pathologies; and to provide direct health education and promotion services. Includes instruction in human life span development, occupational therapy principles and practice skills, treatment planning and implementation, record-keeping and documentation, patient education and intervention, activity and program direction, and assistive services management.
How many institutions offer Occupational Therapist Assistant programs?+
213 U.S. institutions reported Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 48 states & territories, awarding 3,204 credentials in the year. That is 3.8% of all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates.
How much do Occupational Therapist Assistant graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Occupational Therapy Assistants occupation, which Occupational Therapist Assistant most directly leads to, pays a median of $72,300 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services field report median earnings of $36,872 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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