Welcome to Marian University's Occupational Therapy Assistant program! If you're passionate about helping others, this is your chance to make a real difference. As an OTA, you'll work alongside occupational therapists to support people of all ages in overcoming challenges and gaining independence in their daily lives. Our program combines hands-on experience with engaging coursework, so you’ll graduate feeling confident and ready to jump into this rewarding career.
The OTA program is currently in development, but exciting things are ahead! Applications are expected to open in Summer 2026, with the first cohort starting in January 2027. After that, new students will be welcomed each Fall. These dates depend on the accreditation process, so stay tuned for updates!
The program offers a perfect blend of rigorous academic coursework and extensive hands-on experiences. Students will gain a deep understanding of human anatomy, psychology, and occupational therapy principles while developing practical skills essential for client care.
Benefit from our strong relationships with healthcare facilities across the region. These partnerships provide diverse fieldwork placement opportunities, allowing students to gain experience in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community organizations.
OTA graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, making a tangible difference in people's lives every day.
Bridge OTA associate degree curriculum with undergraduate bachelors' majors.
Participate in community outreach programs, applying skills while making a positive impact in local communities.
Train in our cutting-edge simulation labs equipped with the latest technology and adaptive equipment used in the field. This hands-on experience ensures students are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.
Collaborate with students from other healthcare programs, fostering the teamwork skills essential in modern healthcare environments. Marian University is home to the Woods College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Leighton School of Nursing, and programs in Occupational and Physical Therapy.
Learn from passionate instructors who bring years of practice experience and academic expertise to the classroom. The faculty is dedicated to student success and provides personalized mentorship throughout a student's academic journey.
The associate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant degree program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant 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, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Students must complete 16 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program.
Students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program are required to participate in fieldwork experiences in order to successfully complete the program. Prior to participating in fieldwork experiences, all students are required to obtain and pay for a background check and any other mandatory screening processes. Upon completion, students are required to submit necessary documentation via the appropriate vendor, as identified by the department. The timeline for completion of the background checks and other screening processes will be articulated by the program.
Positive results from a criminal background check that are sufficiently severe in nature may result in the inability of a student to progress in the program and may result in dismissal. Examples of sufficiently severe offenses include, but are not limited to; violent felony convictions, convictions for crimes of deception, convictions for sex crimes, and placement on a sex offender registry. Any subsequent criminal arrests that occur after enrollment must be reported to the unit Dean, or designee.
When a student has a positive finding on a criminal background check, they are strongly encouraged to go through the NBCOT Early Determination process. The appropriate personnel on campus and at a fieldwork site will evaluate the information and surrounding circumstances to determine if the student can participate in a fieldwork experience. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. The occupational therapy program will take reasonable steps to find alternate placements, but a failure to place students as a result of a positive criminal background check may result in a student being unable to satisfy the graduation requirements of the program.
Even if allowed to progress in the program, students should be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Students are advised to consult the appropriate certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details.
Successful completion of a program of study does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.
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Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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