Occupational therapy is everywhere, and the need for qualified assistants is high! Occupational therapy assistants work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior care facilities, therapy practices, schools and home health care. They help people learn skills to function in daily life though strengthening muscle power, increasing motion and coordination and developing self-sufficiency.
This dynamic program will prepare you for a successful career with a combination of classroom and clinical experience. Students work in the field with their GRCC instructors in a variety of locations and complete full-time clinical rotations with a licensed professional during their last semester.
The program has been meeting the healthcare needs of West Michigan since 1979, and it is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Why Get Your Occupational Therapy Associate Degree at GRCC?
- Our program offers flexible, hands-on courses focused on practical experience and career-ready skills.
- Comprehensive training includes a mix of classroom instruction and faculty-led field work.
- This program has a hybrid schedule with only one to two days on-campus.
- Students complete two full-time rotations with a licensed professional during the last semester.
- Students graduate with clinical experience for their resumes and excellent job prospects in West Michigan.
- Students are well-prepared for the national licensing exam after graduation.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Tuition Calculator
GRCC is an affordable option for anyone seeking their occupational therapy assistant associate degree in Michigan. Our tuition calculator can help you estimate the cost of your degree. You may also qualify for financial aid and other scholarships, so be sure to schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about your options to pay for college.
Please note: This calculator does not include additional student costs like books or parking. These costs are an estimate only and do not constitute a contract or binding agreement of costs to attend Grand Rapids Community College.
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Additional Program Information
Admission Requirements
Students are admitted to the program once a year, in the Fall semester. To be eligible for admission into the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, a student must:
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Have a high school GPA of at least 2.5
- Demonstrate math, reading and writing competency
- Pass a preliminary criminal background check
- Complete BI 121 and BI 122 within two attempts with a grade of C or higher
Please reference the catalog for more details on admission requirements.
Essential Abilities and Technical Standards
Students will be required to perform certain physical functions in order to successfully complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. These functions will be performed throughout the coursework and clinical experience. A full list of essential abilities and technical standards is available in the catalog.
Off-Campus Instruction
Off-site instruction accounts for approximately 30% of the program and includes both part-time and full-time fieldwork rotations. Students are responsible for transportation to the off-site locations and any other costs associated with attending the off-campus location. View a list of potential off-site instruction locations.
OTA Success Stories
September Foisy
“I want to work with people of all ages who have development disabilities. I want to give back so that other people receive. I want all people to know that they matter.”
Career-Ready Skills
GRCC’s OTA program includes fieldwork and rotations working with a licensed professional. Students learn marketable skills, and many have jobs before they graduate!
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.A.A.S.
Still have questions about pursuing your OTA associate degree? Read through our frequently asked questions below or reach out to the department directly at ota@grcc.edu or (616) 234-4349
How long is the Occupational Therapy Assistant program?
Most students complete their associate degree in two or three years. How quickly you finish your degree will depend on how many classes you take per semester. Since this program requires at least 60 credits, you’ll need to take 15 credits per semester to graduate in two years.
We know that life doesn’t stop while you pursue your education, which is why we’ve designed a flexible program to accommodate your schedule. Most students work part- or full-time while in the OTA program. Aside from the full-time clinical rotations in the last semester, it program only requires one to two days per week of in-person work.
GRCC also offers support services like free tutoring, walk-in counseling, laptop loans, childcare resources, food assistance and more. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
How much does the Occupational Therapy Assistant program cost?
Use the tuition calculator to estimate the cost of earning your Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from GRCC. Please note that this is not an official estimate and does not include costs like books and transportation.
Additionally, many students qualify for scholarships and financial aid like Michigan Reconnect or the Michigan Community College Guarantee, which can significantly reduce tuition.
Please schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about how to pay for college.
How to get into an Occupational Therapy Assistant program?
Your first step to becoming an occupational therapy assistant is to apply to GRCC as a degree-seeking student in the Health and Exercise Sciences Pathway.
Next, you must complete the Health Admissions Application, selecting the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. A full list of requirements is available in the catalog.
What can you do with an Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree?
Occupational therapy assistants help people learn to function in daily life. They work in rehabilitation centers, senior care facilities, therapy practices, schools and home health care. They work under the direction of an occupational therapist and as part of a team that may include physical therapists, nurses, teachers and special education experts.
The clinical experience you’ll gain as a GRCC student can help you decide if you want to focus your career in pediatrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation or mental health.
Once you earn your associate degree, you will need to pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and apply for licensure with the state of Michigan.
How much does an Occupational Therapy Assistant make?
This degree program will prepare you for an entry-level job as an occupational therapy assistant and is a great first step toward a rewarding career!
Additional Information
Want to learn more about this area of study?
Visit the Department of Occupational Therapy Assistant
Questions about this program?
Department email: ota@grcc.edu
Department phone: (616) 234-4349