APPLY NOW
Department Home
Deb McKernan-Ace

For more info, contact Deb McKernan-Ace,
program director.

If you are interested in becoming a Field Work Educator, please contact Tiffany Benaroya.

Occupational Therapy Assistant – Associate in Science Degree

The Rutgers OTA program is currently transitioning to the Bachelor of Science.Occupational Therapy Assistant degree beginning Fall of 2024.
Stay tuned for more information.

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 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.  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 info, contact Deb McKernan-Ace via phone 908-889-2474 or email dam440@shp.rutgers.edu.

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://secure.nbcot.org/data/schoolstats.aspx  

Graduation Rate for Rutgers OTA Program:  

Graduation Year Student entering/graduating Graduation rate
2021 25/22 88%
2020 28/27 96%
2019 26/24 92%
Total 79/73 92%

For more info, contact Deb McKernan-Ace via phone 908-889-2474 or email dam440@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.

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.

  1. Please complete our online application.
  2. 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 these 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.

        1. 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.
        2. 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.
        3. Applicant must write and submit an essay justifying OT as a career choice, reflecting on volunteer experience, prerequisite coursework, and other community service.
        4. 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.
        5. 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

         
        Contact our Office of Enrollment Services with questions about requirements, admission, or application process at: (973) 972-5454 or SHPadm@shp.rutgers.edu. The Office of Enrollment Services is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

        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
        973.300.2108mdonner@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) 835-2307JBeeler@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 Deb McKernan-Ace via phone 908-889-2474 or email dam440@shp.rutgers.edu.
        Cost of Attendance

        For 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 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 Deb McKernan-Ace via phone 908-889-2474 or email dam440@shp.rutgers.edu.

        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.
        1. 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
        2. Documentation of 20 hours observation of an OT or an OTA
        3. 2 letters of recommendation; one of which must be from an OT or an OTA
        4. Applicant essay
        1. Apply online
        2. 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: June 30, 2020

        Dept. Home
        APPLY NOW

        For more info, contact Deb McKernan-Ace, program director.