Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Healthcare

Program

BS in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Work Toward Helping Individuals Gain Their Independence

Grand Canyon University offers those seeking employment in the occupational therapy field the opportunity to earn their degree through our OTA program.

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Offered By

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Take the Next Step With GCU’s OTA Degree

Throughout your program, you will have the opportunity to gain competence and a well-rounded knowledge base in occupational therapy assisting. GCU instills aspects of a Christian worldview in all our programs, helping you understand the importance of delivering ethical, respectable and holistic care to your patients. This also includes looking at client needs, restoration, and the physical, mental and spiritual betterment of the whole person. Graduates will advocate for the advancement of human flourishing.

You will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills and apply occupational therapy concepts and best practices through on-campus experiences, a baccalaureate project and your fieldwork requirements.

These skills include:

Problem-solving
Clinical reasoning
Research
Patient assessment
Leadership and management
Therapeutic and rehabilitation techniques

Take OT Assistant Degree Courses Online or on Campus

As an OTA student, you will have the opportunity to complete your courses on campus or online.¹ Students have access to numerous benefits that GCU offers, including learning tools, tutoring and support services to assist you as you complete your program. Online students will also be expected to attend on-campus experiences.

Campus Experience

Online Experience

Coursework

Blend Science, Healthcare and Leadership Courses

As you work through the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to gain important skills necessary to the occupational therapy assistant profession.

The OTA program courses are designed to cover different subject areas, including:

Anatomy and physiology

Lifespan development

Kinesiology

Medical terminology

Clinical reasoning

Evidence-based practices

Abnormal psychology

Mental health, geriatric and pediatric practice

Leadership and management

Physical and neurological rehab

Careers

Career Paths for OTA Degree Graduates

The goal of this bachelor’s program is to qualify you to work in the occupational therapy field as an occupational therapy assistant. Through studying the scientifically based academic and clinical curricula, you will be taught critical thinking and the application of best practices, allowing you to help others implement useful methods and techniques that can help them lead independent lives. This program can also be a path to the OT graduate program, as a master's degree is required to become an OT.

Accreditation

Pursue Your Undergraduate at an Accredited University

GCU is an institutionally accredited university, earning continuous accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. We are proud to offer programs that meet the high standards established by our accreditor, allowing us to provide a quality education to all students.

The baccalaureate degree level occupational therapy assistant program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301.652.AOTA and its web address is acoteonline.org. The program must have a pre-accreditation 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 in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). An occupational therapy assistant is certified for three years. After three years, an occupational therapy assistant may apply for recertification by NBCOT. In addition, all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage.

For more information on the certification exam, please contact NBCOT. Telephone: 301-990-7979, email: info@nbcot.org. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to positively impact people’s lives by becoming an OTA, read through some commonly asked questions to gain more insight into this career path and earning your degree.

The BS in OTA program is based on a cohort model and is designed as an accelerated path to a bachelor's degree in OTA. This design model is based on the GCU initiative to offer programs that allow students to graduate and get into the workforce as quickly as possible. After the secondary admission into the program, all program major courses will need to be taken on a full-time, year-round basis. To learn more about how long it may take you to complete this program and determine your eligibility, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.

Both OTAs and PTAs work to help patients get rehabilitated through therapy. However, there are key differences between the two. OTAs help their patients gain more independence in daily activities through holistic and functional treatments that focus on fine motor skills, cognitive abilities and adaptation strategies for everyday tasks. Meanwhile, PTAs focus on their patient's gross motor skills, strength, balance and mobility usually after an injury or illness.

Because an OTA bachelor’s degree requires more credits and courses, this degree goes more in-depth in its curriculum, covering a wider variety of science topics and OTA-specific courses than an associate degree. Because of this, you will have the opportunity to gain more knowledge of the field and can gain a stronger foundation before either pursuing an OTA position or progressing to enroll in a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program.

In order to qualify for an OT master’s program, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. While your bachelor’s does not necessarily need to be in OTA, it can provide you with a valuable foundation of knowledge in occupational therapy and various sciences. This can be helpful when enrolling in and beginning your MSOT program.

An OTA is a medical professional who supports occupational therapists in their day-to-day duties, such as working with patients to improve their limitations. They assist in carrying out treatment plans and evaluations, help track client progress and provide education for both clients and their families to promote overall health and independence.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major80 credits

Open Elective Credits0-6 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

PSY-102

4 Total Credits

SOC-102

4 Total Credits

MAT-274

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.

Core Courses

BIO-201

3 Total Credits

BIO-201L

1 Total Credits

PSY-357

4 Total Credits

BIO-202

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is the second in a two-course sequence examining the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. This portion includes the study of immunity; metabolism; energetics; fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, hematologic, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: BIO-201 and BIO-201L. Co-Requisite: BIO-202L.

BIO-202L

1 Total Credits

OTH-100

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces concepts of occupation, practice framework, ethics, values, and the history and philosophy of occupational therapy practice. In this course, learners gain skills that are central to the practice of an occupational therapy assistant, including activity analysis, documentation, professional behaviors, and regulatory safety training. Prerequisites: PSY-102, BIO-201, BIO-201L, BIO-202, and BIO-202L.

EXS-335

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an analysis of human movement, integrating knowledge of the skeletal, muscular, and neurological systems with the effects that gravity, friction, internal and external forces, and the laws of motion have on their functions. Topics include biomechanics of human bone, joint, and skeletal muscle; structure and function of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine; concepts of linear and angular kinematics and kinetics as applied to human motion; equilibrium and stability on land; and motion through a fluid medium of air or water. Also included is the application of these factors to various types of physical skills. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-335L.

EXS-335L

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This laboratory course is designed to apply the anatomical, kinesiological, and biomechanical principles learned in the lecture course to human body movement. Movement of all of the major joints of the body is analyzed by relative and absolute joint position and muscle action, and biomechanical terms such as linear and angular kinematics, friction, work, power, energy, and torque are applied to human motion. Prerequisites: BIO-155 and BIO-155L, or BIO-201 and BIO-201L, or BIO-210 and BIO-210L. Co-Requisite: EXS-335.

BIO-335

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers the language of medicine that will be used as a foundation for understanding upper level undergraduate and graduate level courses to follow. It will include pronunciation, definition, usage and origins of medical terms. Medical terms presented will be used to identify signs, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options for selected pathologies. With these skills the student will be able to effectively interpret and communicate in a healthcare setting. Prerequisite: BIO-192 or BIO-202 or BIO-211 or BIO-364.

OTH-300

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners learn about the different types of clinical reasoning and the steps involved in sound clinical decision-making. This course teaches learners how to analyze the clinical decision-making process and to plan and implement occupational and evidence-based treatment plans. This course enables learners to understand how to be reflective practitioners and assess the effectiveness of their intervention approaches. Prerequisites: OTH-100 and admission to the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

OTH-310

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this writing-intensive course, learners are introduced to basic research concepts and develop skills for becoming an effective evidence-based practitioner in a rapidly changing society. This course focuses on developing a PICO question, understanding levels of evidence, developing effective search strategies, and evaluating evidence to provide the most effective treatment interventions to clients. Learners gain understanding on how evidence-based practice supports client-centered care and supports advocacy of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learners examine how to be consumers of and contributors to evidence-based practice as OTA practitioners. Prerequisites: OTH-100 and admission to the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

PSY-470

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This is a writing intensive foundation course in the science of abnormal behavior that offers students the opportunity to study the origin and development of abnormal patterns and disorders. This course is designed to assist students in recognizing and understanding mental illness through increased awareness of emotional, functional, and physiological factors influencing mental health. Specific topics include symptoms, diagnoses, etiology, epidemiology, and treatment of various psychological disorders and syndromes.

OTH-320

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines concepts, theories, and models influencing occupational therapy practice for individuals, groups, and communities across the life span with psychosocial dysfunction. Mental health conditions are discussed, including signs, symptoms, risk factors, and medical management, as well as their effects on meaningful occupation and the role of the occupational therapy assistant in providing interventions. Concepts introduced include therapeutic use of self, client-centered care, advocacy, and group interventions. Learners are required to participate in a Level I on-site fieldwork experience. Practicum/field experience hours: 32. Prerequisites: OTH-100 and admission to the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Co-Requisite: OTH-320CE.

OTH-320CE

0 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners attend an on-campus experience to participate in simulations and hands-on learning related to the variety of concepts, theories, and models influencing occupational therapy practice for individuals, groups, and communities across the life span with psychosocial dysfunction. Learners provide interventions in simulation labs. Concepts introduced include therapeutic use of self, client-centered care, advocacy, and group interventions. Prerequisites: OTH-100 and admission to the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Co-Requisite: OTH-320.

OTH-350

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines basic management, leadership, and professional development responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant. Business aspects of the profession are discussed, including billing, ethics, conflict, and quality management. Additional topics include supervisory relationships, the roles and functions of regulatory agencies, ongoing professional development, and the role of the occupational therapy assistant as manager or entrepreneur. Prerequisites: OTH-320 and OTH-320CE.

OTH-360

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the processes of aging within cultural, social, demographic, and economic contexts and explores the role of the occupational therapy assistant in working with the aging population. Students develop a better understanding of geriatric conditions and their impact on occupational performance and use client-centered intervention techniques to modify daily occupational tasks through environmental assessments, adaptation, and health promotion. This course provides exploration of dementia care, low vision, self-feeding, driving, home modifications, wheelchair positioning and maintenance, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and fall prevention. Students are required to participate in a Level I on-site fieldwork experience. Practicum/field experience hours: 32. Prerequisites: OTH-320 and OTH-320CE. Co-Requisites: OTH-370 and OTH-370CE.

OTH-370

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the theories and models of practice used in occupational therapy for people, groups, and populations with physical disabilities, including orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and common medical conditions. Observation skills, problem-solving, critical-thinking, treatment techniques, and documentation are practiced through case studies, laboratory activities, examinations, and discussion. This course provides exploration of assistive technology, modalities, work hardening, ADA compliance, hand injuries, body mechanics, transfers, pain management, and adaptive equipment. Prerequisites: OTH-320 and OTH-320CE. Co-Requisites: OTH-360 and OTH-370CE.

OTH-370CE

0 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners attend an on-campus experience to participate in simulations and hands-on learning related to the variety of theories and models of practice used in occupational therapy. Learners implement evidence-based assessments and interventions focusing on adults and older adults. Learners explore concepts such as activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) interventions, contraindications and precautions, orthopedic assessments and interventions, and ADA compliance. Prerequisites: OTH-320 and OTH-320CE. Co-Requisites: OTH-360 and OTH-370.

OTH-400

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores common pediatric conditions and their impact on occupational performance, as well as the theories and models of practice used in occupational therapy for infants, children, and adolescents. Learners apply client-centered, occupational, and evidence-based interventions for pediatric clients addressing motor, sensory, and process challenges. Learners design unique interventions specific to children and adolescents, including approaches for handwriting, eating, animal-assisted therapy, and adaptive technology to ensure equity and inclusion. Learners are required to participate in a Level I on-site fieldwork experience. Practicum/field experience hours: 32. Prerequisites: OTH-370 and OTH-370CE. Co-Requisites: OTH-410 and OTH-410CE.

OTH-410

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the theories and models of practice used in occupational therapy intervention for clients with neurological disabilities, such as CVA, SCI, TBI, and neurodegenerative conditions. This course provides exploration of vision therapy, splinting, and cognitive and perceptual treatments. Learners discuss etiology, signs/symptoms, and prognoses of various neurologic conditions, and implement a plan of care under the supervision of an occupational therapist that focuses on fostering independence and participation in meaningful occupations. Prerequisites: OTH-370 and OTH-370CE. Co-Requisites: OTH-400 and OTH-410CE.

OTH-410CE

0 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners attend an on-campus experience to participate in simulations and hands-on learning related to the variety of theories and models of practice used in occupational therapy. Learners implement evidence-based assessments and interventions focusing on infants, children, adolescents, and patients with neurological disabilities and neurodegenerative conditions. Prerequisites: OTH-370 and OTH-370CE. Co-Requisites: OTH-400 and OTH-410.

OTH-420

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers concepts and skills for the competent entry-level occupational therapy assistant. Topics include advocacy, management, and regulations. Additionally, learners examine the knowledge and skills necessary to work in emerging practice areas, such as primary care and community-based programs, and learn about occupational injustice in health care systems. Prerequisites: OTH-370 and OTH-370CE.

OTH-440

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth learning experience in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice skills, administration, leadership, advocacy, and education. The course is founded on an individual or group project, which allows learners to demonstrate application of evidence-based research and knowledge gained throughout the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. The course provides learners with the opportunity to study an area of interest in depth. In this course, learners work with an assigned faculty advisor to create specific project objectives that will be applied in the second Baccalaureate Project course. Prerequisites: OTH-370 and OTH-370CE.

OTH-445

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course builds upon the first Baccalaureate Project course. Learners continue to work with their assigned faculty advisor as they further study their area of interest in depth and work toward meeting the objectives of their individual or group project. The course culminates with students presenting a report of the project in which they demonstrate application of evidence-based research and knowledge gained throughout the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program. The second half of the course provides preparation for the NBCOT exam. Learners practice reading, interpreting, and answering questions like those on the COTA exam to help assess individual strengths and weaknesses. Prerequisite: OTH-440.

OTH-490

10 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners must complete two 8-week, full-time, in-depth fieldwork opportunities to carry out professional responsibilities under the supervision of qualified occupational therapy practitioners serving as role models. Learners apply occupational therapy theory, research, assessments, treatment interventions, and evidence-based practice in the clinical or community setting to address physical and psychosocial factors. Learners demonstrate and apply entry-level occupational therapy assistant skills with increasing responsibility and less direct oversight as they demonstrate greater competency. Practicum/field experience hours: 560. Prerequisites: OTH-400, OTH-410 and OTH-410CE.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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