Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Information Session

Questions & Answers

Is the program offered online?

No. The occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program is designed as a full-time program, with classes offered in-person only during the workday. Currently, we do not have evening, weekend, or hybrid/online options. 

Can I work while in the program?

Possibly. We recommend no more than 20 hours per week of outside work. During the final semester of the program, students will be working full-time at a fieldwork site. Students are strongly discouraged from working while completing their fieldwork placements.

What does the course schedule look like?

If the general education courses in the plan of study have been completed prior to admission, the first two semesters require students to be on campus 2 days a week. If there is flexibility with work schedules, many students successfully work during those first two semesters. Once the third semester begins, students are required to be on campus 4-5 days a week and it is recommended that students not work more than 20 hours a week.

We offer a three-year track option for students to complete the program in three years (9 semesters). On this part-time plan of study, students take 1-3 OTA courses a semester, which requires them to be on campus 2-3 days a week.  This option works well for students who need to work throughout the program and have some flexibility with their work hours. 

The last semester of the program does require two full-time fieldwork rotations (total of 16 weeks, full time) and we do not have part-time options available for these courses.The plan of study is on the OTA webpage and may be helpful to see the general education courses that are required.

Will my prior courses transfer to Durham Tech?

Yes. There is no time limit on the general education courses. Whether you took the class last year or 20 years ago and earned a C or higher, it counts towards the OTA degree. 

On the OTA webpage there is a plan of study which lists the courses that make up the Associate of Applied Science Degree in occupational therapy assistant (OTA). There are nine general education courses in our plan of study. 

 If you have college credit, please send your official transcripts to Durham Tech. Once the transcripts have been evaluated and processed, you'll be able to see the courses for which you received transfer credit (meaning you don't need to take the course again as you complete the program) in your Self-Service account. Transfer credit is usually awarded if the courses were taken at a regionally accredited college, they have the same contact and credit hours as our course, and you got at least a C in the course. 

Can I take the general education courses before starting the program?

Yes. While you’re waiting to begin the OTA courses, you’re welcome to take any of the general education courses (English, psychology, anatomy & physiology, humanities) that you haven’t already taken, as soon as you meet the prerequisites for each one. This may have adverse effects on your eligibility for financial aid while you’re in the program, so please consult with a financial aid counselor to decide if this is the best option for you or not. 

When does the program begin?

The occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program welcomes 24 students each May, during the summer semester. Currently, there are no opportunities to begin the program in the spring or fall semesters. 

What are the steps to apply for the OTA program?

The occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program has a non-competitive admissions process and there is a separate application for the program. Prior to submitting the application for the OTA program, students must complete the following requirements: 

• Meet admission requirements for Durham Tech and apply online
• Arrange for official transcripts from high school and/or college to be sent to Durham Tech. 
• Complete any placement testing and/or coursework that is required based on your prior records (if you have any college credit or a certain high school GPA in the last 10 years, no placement testing is required).
• Complete science prerequisites for BIO 168 (CHM 094) or transfer in credit for BIO 168.
• Attend an OTA Information Session. Sign up by finding the dates on the OTA webpage or the Durham Tech Events webpage. 
• Earn minimum passing score of 58.7% on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). 

Once these steps have been completed, student can submit the application for the OTA program.