Occupational Therapy Assistant – Associate in Science Degree
Our Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program is now accepting students. The A.S. program is no longer accepting students.
Serve the Well-being of Others in Health Care, Educational, and Community Groups
The Rutgers School of Health Profession’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is a 74-credit Associate in Science degree that prepares students as professionals who contribute to the health and well-being of all populations. Our graduates serve people of all ages who experience illness, disease, disability, disadvantages, trauma, and challenging life circumstances, helping them to adapt through participation in meaningful occupations.
The OTA graduate practices as a dynamic and inter-professional team member, working under the supervision of an occupational therapist, within health care, educational, and other community systems.
The OTA profession is one of the fastest growing health professions. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Occupational Therapy Assistants is expected to increase 28 percent between 2016 and 2026.
We are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at
ACOTE
7501 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 510E
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org
Graduates of an ACOTE-accredited program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination 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). In addition, most states including New Jersey require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.
For more information please contact Program Director, Elizabeth Abadiotakis.
Classes are offered on the Busch Campus in Piscataway. Semester schedules vary but include both daytime and nighttime classes each semester.
Fast Facts:
- Students have achieved 97% pass rate on the national certification exam for three consecutive year
- Students routinely surpass the national average score and passing rate
- 11 college partners across the state provide an excellent academic foundation for our program
- 100% of students surveyed were satisfied with the academic and fieldwork curriculum
- 86% of certified graduates are employed as OTAs
“My favorite part is the fieldwork. I’m able to have hands-on involvement in actual therapy sessions. I have found my passion.” – Alicia, Class of 2018.
“I’ve been able to connect what I’m learning in class to my fieldwork.” – Amanda, Class of 2018
“My favorite part of the program is learning from the professors – there’s so much to learn from them,” – Thomas, Class of 2018
“Our Rutgers graduate is exceptional; she goes the extra mile with her patients. Good knowledge base, eager to learn new skills, and also a great team member.” – employer-provided feedback on satisfaction survey with Rutgers SHP OTA graduates
Hear Rutgers SHP students explain why they chose the OTA profession.
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found at: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
Graduation Rate for Rutgers OTA Program:
| Graduation Year | Student entering/graduating | Graduation rate |
| 2024 | 22/20 | 91% |
| 2023 | 28/33 | 82% |
| 2022 | 23/22 | 96% |
| Total | 73/65 | 89% |
For more information please contact Program Director, Elizabeth Abadiotakis.
Due to the effects of COVID on the community, the OTA program will be waiving the requirements for the 20 hours of observation. Applicants will be required to complete a module assignment as a replacement for the observation hours.
The admission deadlines are:
- Spring: November 1
- Fall: June 1
The Rutgers SHP OTA program is a collaboration with other community colleges.
Before applying, students must start by contacting a Partner College to ensure they have satisfied general education requirements. If they haven’t, an advisor can guide them in courses that must be taken.
Contact information for each Partner College is available in the drop-down menu below.
Please complete our online application.
Please submit official college transcripts that document a grade of “C” or better in each pre-professional course listed below, and a minimum cumulative grade-point-average of 2.5 in the following courses:
6 Communication Credits
3 English Composition I
3 English Composition II
9 Social Sciences Credits
3 Introduction to Psychology
3 Developmental Psychology
3 Introduction to Sociology
11 Science and Math Credits
4 Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
4 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
3 College Math, Algebra or Statistics
6 Humanities Credits
3 Ethics or Philosophy
3 Diversity Studies
Applicants must provide documentation of enrollment in all remaining courses to ensure this coursework is complete prior to the start of fall classes at Rutgers.
Applicants may request permission to take these courses concurrent with the professional curriculum: Introduction to Sociology, Ethics or Philosophy, and Diversity Studies. Applicant transcript must document that courses in Developmental Psychology/Lifespan and Human Anatomy and Physiology have been completed within the past five years. Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be completed at the same college or university to ensure all material is covered in a comprehensive and sequential manner.
Alternatively, applicants may submit a request to waive the five-year requirement by providing documentation that knowledge from Human Anatomy and Physiology and/or Developmental Psychology/Lifespan has been used in an employment situation during the past five years.
This documentation will be reviewed and considered by the Admissions Committee for the OTA Program. This documentation must include: Job description with narrative statement describing how knowledge from coursework was used in employment setting and letter of recommendation from a person of authority at the work agency which includes reference to job functions where this knowledge was applied.
- Applicant must complete and submit documentation of a minimum of 20 hours of observation experience in a setting where occupational therapy services are provided. The documentation of this required observation must be signed by a licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant preferably on the facility letterhead.
- Applicant must submit two letters of recommendation using the OTA Applicant Recommendation Form; one must be from an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant.
- Applicant must write and submit an essay justifying OT as a career choice, reflecting on volunteer experience, prerequisite coursework, and other community service.
- Selected applicants must participate in an on-site meeting with the OTA Program Admission Committee. This includes an individual, and group interview, and the applicant must complete an on-site writing sample.
- All supporting documents must be mailed to: SHP Office of Admissions, 65 Bergen St. Room 152, Newark, NJ 07107
*Applicants who did not attend secondary school in the US or have not completed a sufficient number of college level English courses are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Acceptable scores for TOEFL are as follows: 550 and above for paper based test and 79 for Internet based test. All results must be forwarded directly to SHPR from the testing agency. Please note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
An individual who is considering entering an OT educational program or who has already entered an OT educational program can have his or her background reviewed by requesting an Early Determination Review. The fee for this review is $100.00.
For information on candidate code of conduct, character, and early review contact: Credentialing Services at NBCOT 12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (301) 990-7979 character.review@nbcot.org www.nbcot.org
Partner Colleges
Camden County College
P.O. Box 200 College Dr
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Contact: Professor Betty Joynes
E mail: bjoynes@camdencc.edu
Students must complete all 30-credits of the pre-professional OTA curriculum at Camden County College
County College of Morris
214 Center Grove Road
Randolph, NJ 07869
Contact: Bryan Lemme
blemme@ccm.edu
Students must complete all 32-credits of the pre-professional OTA curriculum at CCM-(no transfer credits are accepted)
Cumberland County College
College Drive, PO Box 1500
Vineland, NJ 08362
Contact: Veronica Chainey, Student Development Advisor
vchainey@cccnj.edu / 856-691-8600 x 1286 or 856-200-4533
http://www.cccnj.edu/academics/occupational-therapy-assistant
Hudson County Community College
870 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Contact: Kathleen Smith-Wenning
ksmith-wenning@hccc.edu / 201-360-4284
Mercer County Community College
West Windsor, New Jersey
Contact: Barbara Behrens, PTA, MS, PTA Program Professor and OTA Program Coordinator
ota@mccc.edu
Students must take at least 15-credits of the pre-professional curriculum at Mercer. Mercer will consider previously taken prerequisite courses for transfer credit (up to 17 credits).
Ocean County College
College Drive
Toms River, NJ 08754-2001
Contact: Mary Rebecca Fennessy
732-255-0400 x2423
mfennessy@ocean.edu
Must be a resident of Ocean County and take at least 30-credits at OCC.
Passaic County Community College
One College Boulevard
Paterson, NJ 07505
Contact: Donna Stankiewicz, Asst. Dean for Nurse Education & Health Sciences
E- mail: Dstankiewicz@pccc.edu
Students must complete 35 credits at PCCC because CIS 101- Computer Concepts & Applications is a general education requirement. PCCC will accept up to 15 transfer credits into their pre-professional OTA curriculum (must complete 18 credits at PCCC).
Sussex County Community College
1 College Hill Road
Newton, NJ 07860
Dr. Dina Conde
973.300.2324 / dconde@sussex.edu
If Dr. Conde is not available then please contact:
Mary Ellen Donner, CFP®, CEBS, MBA
973.300.2108 / mdonner@sussex.edu
Salem Community College
468 Hollywood Avenue
Carney’s Point, NJ 08069
John Steiner
JSteiner@salemcc.edu
Students must take at least 15 credits of the pre-professional curriculum at Salem. Salem will consider transferring up to 17 credits of previously taken preprofessional courses.
Thomas Edison State University
Contact: Donna Watson (888) 442-8372
www.tesu.edu
Students must take at least 6 credits at Thomas Edison State University including 3 credits in the category of Civic Engagement.
Warren County Community College
475 Rte 57 West
Washington, NJ 07822
Contact: Dr. J Beeler
(908) 835-2307 / JBeeler@warren.edu
Warren will consider transferring up to 18 credits of previously taken preprofessional course
The technology and competencies that the program’s web-enhanced design require include:
- The ability to perform basic operations of the computer
- The ability to use software applications such as Word and Power Point
- The ability to connect, access, and browse the internet using a high-speed connection
- The ability to use on-line communication tools including e-mail
- Software installation for security and virus protection
For more info, contact Tiffany Benaroya via phone 908-889-2525 or email tls134@shp.rutgers.edu.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is a 74-credit Associate of Science Degree offered jointly by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and New Jersey College Partners for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. The college partners provide foundational content while the professional content is delivered by Rutgers.
Our partner institutions:
- Camden County College
- County College of Morris
- Cumberland County College
- Hudson County Community College
- Mercer County Community College
- Ocean County College
- Passaic County Community College
- Salem Community College
- Sussex County Community College
- Thomas Edison State College* Thomas Edison State University students must also take 3 credits in a course pertaining to Civic Engagement, for example, a course in political science, government, related to public health or social action.
- Warren County Community College
The professional coursework supports the program’s mission and emphasizes human occupation and adaptation, the process of becoming an OT professional and the required competencies and contextual influences on OT practice.
Fieldwork education is integrated into every semester of full-time study. All students must complete at least 16 weeks of Level II fieldwork education prior to graduation, which is typically completed 5 days per week. Level II Fieldwork is completed during the last semester of the program and may extend into the spring semester.
| Community College Distribution Requirement | Credits | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| English Composition I | 3 | |
| English Composition II | 3 | |
| Social Sciences | 9 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| Developmental Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| Science and Math | 11 | |
| Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab | 4 | |
| Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab | 4 | |
| College Algebra or Statistics | 3 | |
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Ethics | 3 | |
| Diversity Studies | 3 |
The 42-credit professional curriculum is offered on the Busch Campus in Piscataway and includes off-site supervised fieldwork education provided by our clinical partners in healthcare, educational, and other community settings. The full-time track includes four semesters beginning in the fall. The part-time sequence differs slightly from that of the full-time and includes seven semesters beginning in the spring.
| Course Title and Number | Credits |
| FALL ONE | 12 |
| Occupational Therapy Foundations for the OTA OCTH 1010 |
3 |
| Communication Techniques PSRT 1102 |
3 |
| Occupational Performance and Participation: Skills and Client Factors OCTH 1020 |
3 |
| Conditions Impacting Occupation, Participation, & Health I: Adult/Older Adult OCTH 1031 |
2 |
| Level I Fieldwork A: Integration and Practice Applications OCTH 1019 |
1 |
| SPRING ONE | 12 |
| Group Dynamics PSRT 1103 |
3 |
| Principles and Practices, I: Wellness and Mental Health OCTH 1051 |
2 |
| Occupational Performance and Participation: Therapeutic Applications OCTH 1040 |
3 |
| Principles and Practices II: Rehabilitation, Disability, Aging, and Participation OCTH 1052 |
3 |
| Level I Fieldwork B: Integration and Practice Applications OCTH 1029 |
1 |
| SUMMER ONE | 6 |
| Conditions Impacting Occupation, Participation & Health II: Child/Adolescent OCTH 1032 |
2 |
| Principles and Practices III: Children and Youth OCTH 1053 |
2 |
| Professional Seminar I OCTH 1071 |
1 |
| Level I Fieldwork C: Integration and Practice Applications OCTH 1039 |
1 |
| FALL TWO | 12 |
| OTA Practice: Fieldwork II, Adult/Older Adult OCTH 2019 |
5 |
| OTA Practice: Fieldwork II, Child/Adolescent OCTH 2029 |
5 |
| Professional Seminar II OCTH 2072 |
2 |
| Course Title and Number | Credits |
| SPRING ONE | 9 |
| Occupational Therapy Foundations for the OTA OCTH 1010 |
3 |
| Communication Techniques PSRT 1102 |
3 |
| Group Dynamics PSRT 1103 |
3 |
| SUMMER ONE | 3 |
| Occupational Performance and Participation: Skills and Client Factors OCTH 1020 |
3 |
| FALL ONE | 5 |
| Conditions Impacting Occupation, Participation, & Health I: Adult/Older Adult OCTH 1031 |
2 |
| Principles and Practices I: Wellness and Mental Health OCTH 1051 |
2 |
| Level I Fieldwork A: Integration and Practice Applications OCTH 1019 |
1 |
| SPRING TWO | 7 |
| Principles and Practices II: Rehabilitation, Disability, Aging, and Participation OCTH 1052 |
3 |
| Occupational Performance and Participation: Therapeutic Applications OCTH 1040 |
3 |
| Level I Fieldwork B: Integration and Practice Applications OCTH 1029 |
1 |
| SUMMER TWO | 6 |
| Conditions Impacting Occupation, Participation & Health II: Child/Adolescent OCTH 1032 |
2 |
| Principles and Practices III: Children and Youth Health OCTH 1053 |
2 |
| Professional Seminar I OCTH 1071 |
1 |
| Level I Fieldwork C: Integration and Practice Applications OCTH 1039 |
1 |
| FALL TWO | 12 |
| Professional Seminar II OCTH 2072 |
2 |
| OTA Practice: Fieldwork II, Adult/Older Adult OCTH 2019 |
5 |
| OTA Practice: Fieldwork II, Child/Adolescent OCTH 2029 |
5 |
Requirements for graduation from the OTA Program include the following:
- Each class must be completed with a grade of C (73%) or better and a cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) must be earned.
- Each student must have demonstrated continual compliance with the OTA Program’s Essential Functions/Standards and the SHP Faculty/Student Honor Code.
- Level II Fieldwork (OCTH 2019, OCTH 2029) must be completed with a passing grade in accordance with the AOTA Level II Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Student.
- Each student must Complete all Graduation Requirements as specified in the OTA Program Manual and SHP Student Handbook.
- Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Inc., (NBCOT).
NBCOT publishes on line resources for exam preparation and competency assessment, available at http://www.nbcot.org.
After successful completion of the exam, the program graduate is recognized as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and is eligible to apply for licensure in many states including New Jersey.
For more info, contact Tiffany Benaroya via phone 908-889-2525 or email tls134@shp.rutgers.edu.
You are invited to a Virtual Information Session to explore the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program.
Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link.
For SHP Tuition and Fees, please see the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees.
(Scroll down to 2023-2024 Rutgers Health Tuition and Fee Rates and click on School of Health Professions)
The total cost of attendance for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program is approximately $38,917 for resident students and $53,997 for non-resident students for AY 24-25. A comprehensive breakdown of the cost of attendance can be found at: https://finance.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/SHP-UG%20UPDATED%207-26.pdf.
Note: All tuition and fees are subject to change.
The Rutgers School of Health Profession’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program is a 74-credit Associate in Science degree committed to preparing Occupational Therapy Assistants as professionals who will contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, groups, and populations in New Jersey and beyond. The OTA program prepares students to serve people of all ages who experience illness, disease, disability, disadvantages, trauma and challenging life circumstances, helping them to adapt through participation in meaningful occupations
The curriculum prepares the OTA to practice as a dynamic and inter-professional team member working under the supervision of an occupational therapist, within health care, educational, and other community systems.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of an occupational therapist in rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities, hospitals, schools and other community settings. The responsibilities of the Occupational Therapy Assistant include:
- Contributing to the process of evaluating a client by gathering information and administering selected assessments.
- Assisting with the development of client centered occupation-based intervention plans.
- Selecting and providing direct occupational therapy interventions to individuals and groups.
- Documenting occupational therapy services provided.
- Completion of 32 pre-professional credits at a Rutgers Partner College with a grade of C or better in each course and a cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Documentation of 20 hours observation of an OT or an OTA
- 2 letters of recommendation; one of which must be from an OT or an OTA
- Applicant essay
- Apply online
- Send all official transcripts and required documentation to: SHP- Office of Admissions, Room 152, 65 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07107
Applicants who have completed at minimum 26 of the 32 pre-professional credits at the Bachelor or Associate Degree level may apply directly to Rutgers OTA Program (not including Anatomy & Physiology I and II which must be completed prior to applying).
If accepted, these individuals will be connected to Thomas Edison State University (TESU); TESU will complete a transcript review and require completion of 6 credits of coursework on-line in order for TESU to serve as their Partner College with acceptance of transfer credits.
The preprofessional credits (32) must be taken at or transferred into one of the established Partner Colleges. Each partner has a policy on transfer credits and residency requirements. Contact the partner college/contact person listed for their policy.
Classes are held during daytime and evenings 2-3 days per week with one additional day per week devoted to fieldwork education. The last semester of the program requires 16-24 weeks of full time fieldwork education which is typically during daytime hours, 5 days per week, and occasionally on the weekend.
State Authorization and Professional Licensing Disclosure:
- The Rutgers School of Health Professions Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant meets the professional licensing requirements of the following states: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, PR
Updated: September 20, 2024
For more info, contact Deb McKernan-Ace, program director.
65 Bergen Street, Suite 120, Newark, NJ 07107-1709
Admissions: 973-972-5454
Dean's office: 973-972-4276
FAX: 973-972-7028