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Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at Weber State University offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on clinical reasoning, therapeutic interventions, leadership and evidence-based practice that prepares students to directly enter the workforce in a rewarding health care career.

The degree also provides the skills to continue on to graduate-level studies in occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, physician’s assistant, or medicine.

Students who successfully complete the program prerequisites are eligible to apply and, once admitted, enter as one of 24 students into a full-time, cohort-based program.

Weber State’s OTA program prepares students to deliver high-quality, client-centered care through hands-on training and fieldwork. Core skills also include:

  • Anatomy and movement: Apply body mechanics to promote function and recovery.
  • Assessment and documentation: Contribute to evaluations and maintain accurate records.
  • Communication: Collaborate with clients, families, and care teams.
  • Cultural competence: Deliver comprehensive, respectful care.
  • Assistive technology: Recommend tools that support independence.
  • Professionalism: Practice ethically and advocate for the profession.

Courses are primarily taught in person on the Weber State Ogden campus in buildings that are ADA accessible. Some courses are taught online through Canvas; students will need a reliable computer with internet access.

Weber State is committed to ensuring that all learning environments are accessible to students with disabilities. Students needing accommodations are encouraged to work with WSU Disability Services.

Students who graduate from this program will be prepared for and eligible to take the National Board for Certification (NBCOT) exam to become a certified occupational therapy assistant.

Graduates can also apply for licensure through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) or the licensing board in the state where they intend to practice.

Students are responsible for contacting NBCOT regarding eligibility for certification, and DOPL, or the licensing board of another state, regarding eligibility for licensure.

Program data will be updated annually and made publicly available on the OTA accreditation webpage.

Applications will open in April 2026.

APPLY NOW

EXPLORE THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

ADVISING INFORMATION

Prospective Students

Prospective students, once they’re admitted to WSU, should meet with our academic advisor and recruiter, Justin Valdez, or the College of Health Professions Office of Admissions Advisement to discuss our program and requirements.

Justin Valdez

Swenson Building, Room 218
801-626-8631
justinvaldez@weber.edu

Office of Admissions Advisement

Marriott Health Building, Room 108
801-626-6136
healthprofessions@weber.edu

If you have previously taken a course at WSU (including concurrently), please visit Return to Weber for more information about returning to school. The Transfer website has additional information about transferring credits and class equivalencies, if applicable.

Current OTA Students

Current OTA students should consult Justin Valdez for their advising needs.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

To be eligible to apply to the OTA program, you must complete all support courses from one of the two following Track options with a grade of C or higher.

All required support courses must be completed or in progress prior to starting the occupational therapy assistant program.

REQUIRED SUPPORT COURSES - TRACK I:

 
  • HTHS 1101: Medical Terminology (2 credits)
  • HTHS 2110 LS: Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
  • HTHS 2111 LS: Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
  • ENGL 1010 EN1: Introductory College Writing (3) AND 
    ENGL 2010 EN2: Intermediate College Writing (3)

REQUIRED SUPPORT COURSES - TRACK II:

 
  • HTHS 1101: Medical Terminology (2)
  • ZOOL 2320: Human Anatomy (4)
  • ZOOL 2420 LS: Human Physiology (4)
  • ENGL 1010 EN1: Introductory College Writing (3) AND
    ENGL 2010 EN2: Intermediate College Writing (3)

Additionally, students must complete the following courses with a grade of B- or higher. These courses must be completed before being accepted into the OTA program.

  • OTA 1010: Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3) 
  • RHS 1550: Introduction to Rehabilitation Sciences (2)
  • PSY 1010 SS: Introductory Psychology (3) 
  • PSY 3010: Psychopathology (3)
  • COMM 1020 HU: Public Speaking (3) OR
    COMM 2110 HU CEL: Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (3) 
  • SOC 1010 SS/CC: Introduction to Sociology (3) OR
    ANTH 1000 SS/CC: Introduction to Anthropology (3)
  • CHF 1500 SS/CC: Human Development (3)
  • MATH 1040 QL or Math 1050 QL (or higher)
  • One of the following three courses:
    • RHS 1300: First Aid: Responding to Emergencies (2)
    • RHS 2300: Emergency Response (3)
    • PAR 1000 INT: Emergency Medical Technician (4) AND
      PAR 1001: Emergency Medical Technician Lab (2)

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

All degree requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant are listed in the WSU catalog. Work with an advisor for recommended courses for the OTA program and graduate program preparation, and recommended electives.

In the final semester of the program, students complete two full-time, 8-week, Level II Fieldwork placements (similar to internships) in affiliated clinical, hospital, school-based and community sites under the supervision of licensed occupational therapy practitioners. Students will need reliable transportation for fieldwork.

Students must adequately complete all required coursework and fieldwork in order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).

RETENTION REQUIREMENTS

After students are selected for the program, retention in the program will be based on the following retention criteria:

  • Grade of a B- or better in all major core courses
  • Grade of a C or better in all support courses and electives
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in all courses required for this major
  • Adherence to the OTA Student Handbook (PDF)

Students who fail to meet the retention criteria will be placed on probation in the occupational therapy assistant major for one semester.

If standards are not met by the end of the probationary period, the student may be dismissed from the major at the discretion of the program director.

Repeating Courses

  • Students who receive any grade below a B- in an occupational therapy assistant major course must repeat that course, and receive a grade of B- or higher to remain in the major.
  • Students who receive any grade below a C in an occupational therapy assistant support course or elective must repeat that course, and receive a grade of C or higher to remain in the major.
  • Failure to repeat a course (when offered) will result in dismissal from the program at the discretion of the program director.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK and FELONY CONVICTIONS

All admitted students must complete a criminal background check through the school-approved vendor at their own expense.

Students with felonies or misdemeanors related to drugs, alcohol, sexual misconduct, or moral turpitude may be denied placement at fieldwork sites and may be ineligible for certification or licensure.

The OTA program cannot guarantee placement for students with a positive criminal history; fieldwork sites make final decisions about student placement.

Students with known infractions are strongly encouraged to pursue expungement or sealing of records before applying.

PROGRAM COST

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST (FULL-TIME STUDENT)

The following costs are approximates and are subject to change.

The estimated total cost for the OTA program for a full-time, Utah resident student is $17,185.68, or $39,690.60 for a non-resident student. WSU tuition and fee rates are found on the Office of the Bursar website. Costs are broken down by category in the following lists.

Resident Tuition and Fees

  • $3,346.42 (per semester)
  • $13,385.68 (total for the program, four semesters)

Non-Resident Tuition and Fees

  • $8,972.65 (per semester)

Books and Supplies

  • $500 (per semester)
  • $2,500 (total for the program, four semesters)

Additional Estimated Costs

  • On-campus housing: $4,024-$9,572 per academic year
  • Background check and drug screens: $200
  • Travel expenses to fieldwork, clinical and conference locations: $800
  • Professional dress (program polos and jacket, scrubs, shoes, nametag): $300
  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) membership: $78 annually
  • Utah Occupational Therapy Association (UOTA) membership: $20 annually
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) Certification Exam: $540
  • Utah State Licensure Application: $70

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The following application deadlines for the OTA program are for fall 2026 semester enrollment.

  • Priority Admissions: May 15, 2026
  • Final Admission Deadline: Aug. 7, 2026 (pending successful completion of summer courses)

Applications will open in April 2026.

Apply Now

CONTACT

ROBYN THOMPSON

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director
robynthompson2@weber.edu