Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs in Ohio with Program Info

In Ohio, there are a dozen public and private non-profit schools offering programs that can lead to a career as an occupational therapy assistant. Occupational therapy assistant programs require two years of full-time study, including field and classroom work, and culminate in an associate's degree. A criminal background check, immunizations and CPR certification are required for a student to start his or her clinical experience.

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Located in Cincinnati, this college has nearly 8,000 students and offers an occupational therapy assistant associate's degree. Aside from fieldwork, the program covers such topics as anatomy and physiology, home modifications, disability and kinesiology. Emphasis is also placed on communications skills, professionalism and composition. In 2019, 100% of graduates from this program passed the NBCOT exam.

James A Rhodes State College

In Lima, James A Rhodes State College boasted a 100% pass rate for graduates who took the NBCOT exam in 2019. To be admitted to the occupational therapy assistant program, prospective students must have an ACT composite score of at least 21 (18 in English and 20 in math and science). Basic computer skills, current CPR certification and 20 hours of volunteer or work experience in the field of occupational therapy are also required. Once admitted, students study topics such as psychology, anatomy and physiology, mental illness and sociology. A supervised clinical experience is also part of the curriculum at this school.

Kent State University at Ashtabula

In Ashtabula, Kent State University offers an associate's degree in occupational therapy assistant technology. Each summer, this program accepts up to 28 students. In addition to excellent grades and standardized test scores, two 20-hour occupational therapy observational experiences are required to be considered for the program. Once accepted, students complete 68 credit hours of courses, including anatomy, psychology, therapeutic techniques, movement and human growth. This school also has a student occupational therapy association for social and community activities.

Marion Technical College

The application deadline for the occupational therapy assistant program at this college in Marion is April 1. In order to qualify for acceptance, students must have an ACT composite score of 19 or higher and complete one 20-hour observational experience at an occupational therapy facility. The program includes three supervised clinical training sessions, general education classes and core content such as physical disabilities, occupational therapy for the elderly and children, clinical conditions and human development.

North Central State College

In 2019, 94% of graduates of the occupational therapy assistant program at North Central State College in Mansfield passed the NBCOT exam. Acceptance into this program is based on a points system, which takes into account things such as GPA, volunteer work, occupational therapy observation experience and work experience. Students are accepted into this program each summer. The 2-year program includes practicum work and courses such as kinesiology, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and psychology.

Owens Community College

A maximum of 30 students are accepted each fall to the occupational therapy assistant program at Owens Community College in Perrysburg. Admission is based on standard college requirements, including SAT or ACT scores, GPA and high school completion. Once accepted, students begin full-time coursework. This program isn't available part-time or in the evenings. Aside from classwork, fieldwork is also required, including a one-week overnight camp experience during the summer semester of the first term and 16 weeks of full-time fieldwork during the second-year spring semester. In 2019, 100% of graduates of this program passed the certification exam.

Shawnee State University

At Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, prospective students must apply to the occupational therapy assistant program by April 1. Applicants must submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores and have completed high school or college-level algebra, biology and chemistry with a 'C' or higher. Prospective students must also finish 20 hours of volunteer experience under the supervision of an occupational therapy assistant, who will then fill out an evaluation of the prospective student's work. About 25 students are accepted each year based on their grades and test scores, a writing sample and volunteer work. Once accepted, students must complete 73 credit hours of work, including both classroom and fieldwork. In 2019, 81% of Shawnee graduates passed the NBCOT exam.

Sinclair Community College

In Dayton, this school's occupational therapy assistant program accepts a maximum of 30 students each year. The clinical work must be completed within 12 months of admittance. Some of the courses explore treatment methods, evaluation techniques, disease processes and medical terminology.

Stark State College

In 2020, this North Canton school had an 86% NBCOT certification exam pass rate. A GPA of at least 3.0 is strongly preferred for acceptance into this program, and students must have completed high school biology, chemistry and algebra. Courses in physical dysfunction, therapeutic media, abnormal psychology and life span development are required, as well as clinical experiences.

Zane State College

The occupational therapy assistant program at this school in Zanesville had an 89% pass rate for test-takers in 2019. Admission is selective, so applicants should have an ACT composite score of at least 21 or a Health Occupations Aptitude Exam score of at least 35. Additionally, applicants must complete a minimum of 20 hours of occupational therapy observational experience and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This program requires 72 credit hours, of which 38 credit hours are core technical classes, such as foundations of occupational therapy, mental health concepts, pediatric occupational therapy and physical dysfunction. Two practicums are required during the final semester.