About Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that assists individuals who face challenges related to physical injury, illness, developmental, psychosocial, or aging-related issues. The therapy helps people to regain the necessary functions to carry out daily work, self-care, and leisure activities related to their roles. Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the guidance of Registered Occupational Therapists, and practitioners work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, mental health institutions, and return to work programs, catering to people from birth to old age.
Why Choose Our Program?
Two program tracks are offered including a Traditional track and a Hybrid track which is the only hybrid program offered in the state of Washington.
- Strong curriculum integration in each course with a focus on current community practice
- Faculty considered experts in the field with community practice and partnerships, leading to high employment rates
- 1:1 in-depth advising and excellent relationships with community partners further increase student success
- Exceptionally strong student organization with 100% AOTA membership
Choosing the Program That Fits You
- Designed for students who need more flexibility in the day hours
- Courses are offered throughout the week with occasional Saturday intensive labs or community service work. Ideally students come to campus 2-3 times per week in the evening dependent on scheduling of courses and how instruction is delivered.
- Courses offered on-line and in face-to-face format
- Students must be self-directed, computer literate, and have ready access to computer technology to use on-line course delivery method
- Level I fieldwork required involving day-time clinic observations
- Program demands align with part time employment
- Nine (9) quarters in length
- Program is developmental in design where students must finish foundational classes in program before entering application academic practice classes
- Program Start: Spring quarter, odd years
- Face to face course times vary but can start as early as 4:00pm
- Designed for students who are free to attend full-time day classes Monday through Friday, with some early evening courses. An occasional Saturday may be expected to allow for community service work.
- For those who desire a structured program in a traditional classroom lecture/lab format
- Seven (7) quarters in length; quarters 6 and 7 consisting of full-time internship/fieldwork
- Full time employment is not recommended
- Program is developmental in design where students must finish foundational classes in program before entering application practice classes
- Program Start: Fall quarter
- No courses in the first summer between first year (3rd quarter) and second year (4th quarter)
Associate Degree Options
Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that assists individuals who face challenges
related to physical injury, illness, developmental, psychosocial, or aging-related
issues. The therapy helps people to regain the necessary functions to carry out daily
work, self-care, and leisure activities related to their roles.
Length of Program: 110 credits
Average Salary: $72,355
Location: Main Campus
Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS Hybrid
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that assists individuals who face challenges
related to physical injury, illness, developmental, psychosocial, or aging-related
issues. The therapy helps people to regain the necessary functions to carry out daily
work, self-care, and leisure activities related to their roles.
Length of Program: 110 credits
Average Salary: $72,355
Location: Main Campus
Contact Us
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us at:
- Melissa Porras-Monroe, MA, OTR/L Program Director
mporras-monroe@greenriver.edu
253-931-6902 - OTA Advising & Admissions
otaptaAdvising@greenriver.edu
Program Quick Links
- OTA Application (accepting year-round)
- Getting to Know Occupational Therapy
- Criminal Conviction History Disclosure Form
- Secure Upload
- Pre-requisites/Curriculum Sequence
- Essential Functions and Disqualifying Factors
- Cost of the Program
Accreditation Information
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). They are located at:
7501 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 2081
Status: Accredited
Have Questions About Registration?
Career Outlook
If you like helping people live better lives, becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) could be a great choice. With an AA degree, you can start working in health care and make a big difference.
What Does an OTA Do?
OTAs help people of all ages learn or re-learn everyday skills. These skills can include:
- Getting dressed
- Eating and cooking
- Moving safely
- Working or going to school
OTAs work with patients who are sick, injured, or have disabilities. They follow a plan made by an occupational therapist and help patients reach their goals.
Where Do OTAs Work?
OTAs can work in:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Rehab centers
- Nursing homes
- Patients’ homes
They work closely with therapists, nurses, and families to help people live as independently as possible.
Job Opportunities
There is a high demand for OTAs. More people need help getting back to daily life after an injury or illness. Older adults also need this kind of care, so jobs are expected to keep growing.
Job Growth
Jobs for OTAs are growing much faster than average. That means there will be lots of opportunities in the coming years, especially in places with many older adults.
Pay and Hours
Most OTAs make around $50,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on where they work. Many jobs are full-time, but there are part-time positions too. Some OTAs work during the day, while others may work evenings or weekends.
Room to Grow
Being an OTA is a great long-term career, but you can also choose to go back to school and become a full occupational therapist. This means more training, but also higher pay and more responsibility.
View the Career and Program Explorer
GRC Retention
The total number of graduates from Green River College Occupational Therapy Assistant program during the 3-year period (2022-2024) was 41 with an overall graduation rate of 85.41%.
| Graduation Year | Students entering / graduates | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15/16 | 94% |
| 2023 | 13/18 | 72.2% |
| 2024 | 13/14 | 93% |
Performance of GRC graduates on the NBCOT certification exam can be found at NBCOT School Performance.
For more information about the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, come to an Information Session. Click on the below to book your session now!