Occupational Therapy Assistant: AAS

Occupational Therapy Assistant: AAS

Associate in Applied Science | 67 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Health Professions

Program Website

Academic Advising

Program Description:

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Associate in Applied Science prepares students for positions as occupational therapy practitioners who work under the supervision of registered occupational therapists. Through courses in the development, structure and function of the human body, psychology and occupational therapy principles and techniques, along with clinical experience, students learn skills in communicating, interviewing, assessing, intervention planning, and implementation of interventions for consumers of occupational therapy services.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
Telephone: 301-652-2682 or Website;  www.acoteonline.org 

Graduates of the program will be able to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). All states require licensure in order to practice; however, acquisition of state licenses are typically based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program has several prerequisites based on industry standards. See an adviser for further information. Please be aware that a felony conviction could impact a student's ability to participate in fieldwork experiences, ability to take the certification exam, and/or obtain a license to practice occupational therapy. See OTA Program Director for more information.

Note: All OTA students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 18 months following completion of academic coursework.

Locations.  This program is offered in its entirety at Forest Park. 

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

  1. describe the role that occupational therapy services play in relation to health and wellness promotion and illness prevention to support participation in occupations.
  2. administer structured Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and occupational performance screenings.
  3. assist in administering standardized assessments and other evaluations as directed.
  4. implement intervention strategies that include adaptation, modification, grading and activity analysis.
  5. implement individual and group treatment for increase of function in areas of occupation that have meaning and value.
  6. explain how purposeful activity, occupation, and participation in occupation are influenced by age, ethnic, social, economic, cultural, and lifestyle differences.
  7. articulate the importance of awareness and interpersonal relationships toward self and others, including respect, empathy and cultural diversity.
  8. articulate the effects of health, wellness, and disease processes among individuals and in populations within the context of family and community.
  9. discuss the purpose and methods of occupational therapy and identify the roles of the OTA, OT, and OT aide as well as other health care providers in both traditional and nontraditional settings.
  10. demonstrate creative problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills applicable to the treatment of clients and populations.
  11. describe selected normal and abnormal growth and development patterns, as well as physical and mental functions affecting individuals across the lifespan.
  12. utilize purposeful activity, occupation, and participation in occupation in order to contribute to a state of well-being.
  13. obtain pertinent information from relevant sources and report observations, information, and instructions verbally and in writing using appropriate terminology.
  14. engage openly in the supervisory relationship and assist in the supervision of aides and volunteers as directed.
  15. exhibit ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the principles, code of ethics, and the core values and attitudes established by AOTA.
  16. demonstrate advocacy skills in relation to the client’s needs for services, the practitioner’s needs for continued professional growth and development, and the profession’s need for continued survival.

Program of Study

General Education
COM 101Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
PSY 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3
PSY 205Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3
SOC 201Aspects of Aging3
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3
BIO 207Anatomy and Physiology I (MOTR LIFS 150LAP)4
BIO 208Anatomy and Physiology II4
PTA 222Kinesiology Fundamentals3
Health and Wellness Elective
Select 2 credit hours2
Program Requirements
OTA 101Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Assistant I3
OTA 102Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Assistant II4
OTA 103Adaptive Activities I2
OTA 104Adaptive Activities II2
OTA 203Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy III4
OTA 204Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy IV4
OTA 207Health and Disease4
OTA 208Adaptive Living Skills2
OTA 213Occupational Therapy Assistant Practicum I4
OTA 214Occupational Therapy Assistant Practicum II4
OTA 215The Management of Occupational Therapy2
OTA 216Level II Fieldwork Seminar1
Total Credit Hours67

Admission and Requirements

We admit up to 24 students every fall. Admission to the OTA program is on a first-come, first-served basis for those students who meet the minimum academic and other requirements. In order to facilitate the entry of students in the available spaces, a waiting list is used. A student is placed on the waiting list once program application prerequisites have been met and a program application has been submitted. Placement on the waiting list is based solely on the date of application. Students will be sent a letter each fall while on the list asking for their intentions to pursue admission to the program. Failure to respond to this letter by the deadline will result in removal from the list. Letters will be sent in the spring to those being offered admission to the program in the fall semester. All those receiving letters must attend a mandatory program orientation in May.

The OTA program is a selective admission, college-level program. Students must have successfully completed specific requirements prior to application, including:

  • high school or college cumulative grade point average of 2.5
  • minimum placement test scores or successful completion of specific courses
  • successful completion of BIO 207 - Anatomy and Physiology I with a "C" or higher within the last five years (beginning Aug. 1, 2020)
  • successful completion of PSY 200 - General Psychology with a "C" or higher within the last five years (beginning Aug. 1, 2020)

Students must complete the appropriate pre-requisite courses before enrolling in the required general education, biology, and OTA courses.

Once accepted to the OTA Program, there will be a mandatory orientation during the first part of May.

All OTA students must complete Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of academic coursework.

Please Note: Credits earned in STLCC’s OTA AAS program generally do not transfer to occupational therapy master’s degree programs. The curriculum for an OTA degree is distinctly different from the curriculum for an OT degree. OTA focuses on technical skills and knowledge, while the OT degree emphasizes theory, research, and management. In addition, the OT degree is an entry-level master’s degree. In most cases, a student would need to complete a bachelor’s degree before beginning an OT degree program.

Retention Policy

Students must earn a "C" (74%) or above in all OTA and Biology courses and maintain an overall G.P.A. of at least 2.0 (C).

Students receiving a "D" or below 74% in OTA or Biology courses must repeat these courses. Only one repeat is allowed. The student may not enroll in a course more than two times without an appeal to the Selection and Retention committee. If repeating these courses puts a student out of the program sequence, the student will be able to continue at a later date only if space is available.

No OTA course or PTA 222 - Kinesiology may be repeated more than once, or enrolled in more than twice without review by the retention committee.

Students may only repeat/re-enroll in PTA 222 - Kinesiology and/or OTA courses on a space available basis.

More information regarding specific classroom and fieldwork education grading policies is available in the student handbook which is distributed at orientation.

OTA Program Admissions Requirements

 Full-Time Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Courses to be completed prior to beginning program:
BIO 207Anatomy and Physiology I (MOTR LIFS 150LAP)4
PSY 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3
Total Credit Hours7
New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
PTA 222 Kinesiology Fundamentals3BIO 207 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
OTA 101 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Assistant I3Admission to the OTA program, BIO 207 and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
OTA 103 Adaptive Activities I2Admission to the OTA program, BIO 207 and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours14
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BIO 208 Anatomy and Physiology II4BIO 207 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
SOC 201 Aspects of Aging3SOC 101, PSY 200, or HMS 100 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
OTA 102 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy Assistant II4OTA 101, OTA 103, PSY 205, all with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
OTA 104 Adaptive Activities II2OTA 101, OTA 103, PSY 205, all with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency
OTA 207 Health and Disease4BIO 207, OTA 101, OTA 103, PSY 205, all with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours17
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
COM 101 Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)3Concurrent enrollment in ENG 070 or Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3  
XXX xxxHealth and Wellness Elective2  
Credit Hours8
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
OTA 203 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy III4OTA 102, OTA 104, OTA 207, BIO 208, PTA 222, and SOC 201 with minimum grades of "C" or better, and Reading ProficiencyRequest Degree Audit
OTA 204 Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy IV4OTA 102, OTA 104, OTA 207 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
OTA 208 Adaptive Living Skills2BIO 208, PTA 222, OTA 102, OTA 104, OTA 207, SOC 201 all with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
OTA 215 The Management of Occupational Therapy2OTA 102, OTA 104, OTA 207, SOC 201, BIO 208, and PTA 222 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
OTA 213 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practicum I4OTA 203, OTA 204, OTA 208, OTA 215, all with a minimum grade of "C", and the completion of all general education requirements for the occupational therapy assistant program and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
OTA 214 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practicum II4OTA 203, OTA 204, OTA 208, OTA 215 with minimum grades of "C", and the completion of all general education requirements for the occupational therapy assistant curriculum and Reading Proficiency
OTA 216 Level II Fieldwork Seminar1OTA 203, OTA 204, OTA 208, OTA 215, all with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours9
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.