Prerequisites Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs

Introduction

To enter an Occupational Therapy Assistant program, students typically need a high school diploma or GED, must pass an entrance exam, complete health screenings and background checks, and meet specific application requirements including interviews and references. However, requirements can vary significantly between programs.

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve skills needed for daily living and working. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at American Career College (ACC) in California prepares students for this rewarding career through a structured curriculum combining classroom learning, online classes, and hands-on clinical experience. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) COTA certification exam and apply for licensure through the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT).

This guide outlines the prerequisites and requirements for entering ACC's OTA program, helping prospective students prepare effectively for admission.

Program Overview: ACC's OTA Program

• Degree Awarded: Associate of Occupational Science
• Program Length: Approximately 20 months (five academic terms)
• Credit Hours: 99 credit hours
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
• Format: Blended learning with both online and on-campus components
• Clinical Experience: Includes Level I and Level II fieldwork (approximately 700 hours of supervised clinical practice)

Academic Prerequisites

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED: All applicants must possess a diploma from an accredited high school or recognized equivalent
• Documentation Required: Official high school transcript or GED certificate
• International Credentials: Must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. diploma

Entrance Examination

• ACC requires OTA applicants to take and pass a standardized entrance exam
• This assesses college readiness in areas like math, reading comprehension, and science

College Coursework

ACC's OTA program is structured as a lock-step program where all required coursework (including general education) is taken after admission, as part of the 99-credit curriculum. Unlike some OTA programs, ACC does not require extensive college prerequisites to be completed beforehand.

Note: While some OTA programs require prerequisite courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, and Medical Terminology to be completed before application, ACC includes these within its curriculum.

Grade Requirements

• For applicants with prior college experience (12+ semester credits), college transcripts will be evaluated
• For those with minimal or no college experience, high school performance is considered
• Strong academic performance strengthens your application

Health and Safety Prerequisites

Health prerequisites must be completed after admission but before starting clinical fieldwork. Don't worry about navigating these requirements alone - the admissions team and program orientation will provide detailed guidance on completing each requirement, including timelines and approved providers. Students should be prepared to provide:

Immunizations

Required immunizations typically include:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis B series (takes 6-8 months to complete)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Annual influenza vaccine
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening

Health Screening

• Complete health screening examination
• Pathology tests (if applicable)
• Drug testing

Background Check

• All associate degree students must obtain a background clearance at enrollment
• Students with misdemeanors or felonies may face challenges with clinical placements, licensing through the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT), or employment
• Advisors are available to discuss any concerns regarding background issues

Additional Health Requirements

• CPR Certification (typically BLS for Healthcare Providers)
• Health insurance coverage
• Physical examination confirming fitness for OTA duties

Administrative and Program-Specific Requirements

Application Process

1. Meet with Admissions: Visit campus or meet with an Admissions Advisor
2. Complete Application: Submit enrollment agreement (with parent/guardian signature if under 18)
3. Pay Fees: Non-refundable application/enrollment fee
4. Take Entrance Exam: Achieve passing score on the standardized test
5. Interview: Participate in interview with program faculty or Program Director
6. Submit References: Provide two professional reference letters on ACC forms

Selection Criteria

ACC may award additional points in the selection process based on:

• Prior experience or observation in healthcare settings
• Academic performance
• Interview performance
• References

Tips for Meeting Prerequisites

Planning Ahead

• Start gathering required documentation early
• Budget for all application and enrollment costs
• Prepare for the entrance exam

Utilizing Resources

• Consult with ACC admissions advisors for guidance
• Attend information sessions if available
• Attend orientation prior to starting classes
• Keep organized records of all documentation
• Create a checklist to track completion of requirements

Strengthening Your Application

• Volunteer or work in healthcare settings if possible (experience in settings recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) can be particularly valuable)
• Perform well academically in high school or any college courses
• Prepare thoughtfully for the interview
• Secure strong professional references

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply if I don't have any healthcare experience?

A: Yes. While healthcare experience may strengthen your application, it is not required for admission to ACC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Q: What if my GPA is slightly below expectations?

A: Focus on other aspects of your application, such as strong entrance exam scores, compelling references, and a good interview. Discuss your situation with an admissions advisor.

Q: How recent do prerequisite courses or high school completion need to be?

A: There is typically no time limit on high school completion, though some programs may have recency requirements for specific coursework.

Q: Are there alternative pathways if I don't meet all prerequisites?

A: Our only academic prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent. If you need to earn your high school equivalency, there are free HSE programs available. Speak with an admissions advisor for guidance.

Q: Can students with disabilities be accommodated in the program?

A: Yes, reasonable accommodations can be made for qualified students with documented disabilities, though all students must be able to meet the essential requirements of the program with or without accommodations.

Appendix: Prerequisite Checklist for ACC's OTA Program

Conclusion

Entering ACC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By understanding and fulfilling all prerequisites, you lay the groundwork for success both in the program and in your future career as an OTA. The requirements (academic readiness, health clearances, and administrative tasks) are designed to ensure you are fully prepared for the challenges and rewards of this healthcare profession.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a campus tour to see our facilities and meet with an admissions advisor who can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. For more information about the program, visit the OTA program page.

For specific questions or the most up-to-date information, contact American Career College's admissions office directly.

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