Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in Missouri

Missouri has 10 ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools which provides an associate degree in Occupational Therapy. Plus, the state also has 7 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools in Missouri which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy degree. The license is required to practice as an OTA in Missouri; one can appear for the licensure examination after clearing the OTA associate degree from accredited OTA schools.

The list of Occupational therapy assistant schools in Missouri is-

1. Central Methodist University (CMU)
2. Crowder College-Webb City
3. Jefferson College – Hillsboro 
4. Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley
5. Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC)
6. National American University (NAU)- Independence Campus
7. Ozarks Technical Community College 
8. St. Charles Community College (SCC)
9. St. Louis College of Health Careers (SLCHC), County Campus
10. St. Louis Community College at Meramec (STLCC)

Occupational Therapy in Missouri-

The occupational therapist (OT), Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and OT/OTA students have their own state association, i.e. MOTA (Missouri Occupational Therapy Association).

The MOTA is a non-profit volunteer organization which provides a professional community for its members. The MOTA is a state-based professional organization for the occupational therapy profession in Missouri.

Occupational therapist and Occupational therapy assistant work closely with the patient to facilitate the recovery. OT assistant works on all therapy setup and assists OT on assessment and intervention implementation.

The Occupational therapist Assistant has good job opportunities in Missouri. An OTA can also become an Occupational therapist by applying through the bridge program.

Occupational Therapy Assistance License in Missouri-

Graduates of the OTA Program are required to sit for the certification examination administered by the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). Upon successful completion of the NBCOT exam graduates must apply to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration’s Board of Occupational Therapy for authorization to practice as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) within the state of Missouri. An OTA becomes COTA after passing the NBCOT exam.

The minimum requirements for the license are –

• An Associate degree in Occupational therapy assistant.
• NBCOT exam’s passing certificate.
• Social security number.
• Fingerprinting.
•  A Verification of Licensure from other state(s) in which you are currently or previously licensed.
• All applicants are required to pass the Jurisprudence Examination with a score no lower than 80%.
• Application for licensure as an OTA Fee $10.00.

Temporary/limited OTA License:

The board occupational therapy may issue a limited permit, upon the payment of applicable fees and completion of the required application, to a person who sufficiently provides proof of eligibility to sit for the first available examination.

The limited permit shall allow the person to practice occupational therapy assistant under the supervision of an OTR/L or COTA. If you pass the NBCOT examination, the limited permit will be automatically extended for an additional 60 days for application of permanent license. If you fail, you may apply for the renewal of limited permit which will be valid for 8 weeks. If you DO NOT PASS the second exam, your limited permit will be VOID.

OTA Schools in Missouri –

#1 Central Methodist University (CMU)

The OTA School at CMU offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. The OTA students participate in 4 full-time clinical education affiliations with a total of 600 hours of both clinical observation and hands-on experience.

The OTA program provides hands-on learning in the classroom and laboratory. Students also participate in clinical experiences, which give them a real-world view of the OTA profession. 

Central Methodist University
Degree offered	Associate of Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Fayette, MO
Public or Private-	Private University
Program Director-	Rebbecca Fenton
Course Duration-	2-years
Class Size	3 students (in 2018)
OTA Admission	Each Spring Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the CMU and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program and participate in the interview process.
Prerequisites	BI109 (BI107/BI205) Anatomy and Physiology with Lab; AH 100 Introduction to Occupational Therapy; PY 101 Intro to Psychology; AH 324 Kinesiology.
Minimum Requirement	A completed OTA program application; A resume with three sealed reference forms; A resume; Current CPR certification; A biographical handwritten essay. GPA: A minimum CGPA of 2.75 for all college coursework or a GPA of 3.0 for High School graduates. ACT: A composite score of 20 or higher is required. Students can choose to substitute a low or unavailable ACT score with a TEAS score. TEAS: A score of 60 or higher is required.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 411 Central Methodist University Fayette, MO 65248 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.centralmethodist.edu

#2 Crowder College-Webb City

The OTA School at Crowder College offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. The OTA program is a single entry, limited admission program. The OTA curriculum is delivered through the uses of multiple learning styles and a wide variety of teaching methods.

Crowder College-Webb City
Degree offered	Associate of Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Neosho, MO
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Thomas Green, BS, COTA/L
Course Duration-	2-years
Class Size	25 students
OTA Admission	Each Spring Semester
Application Procedure	First, apply to the Crowder College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Pre-admission	BIOL 152 Human Anatomy and Physiology I; COLL 101 College Orientation; COMM 104 Fundamentals of Speech; ENGL 101 English Composition; PSYC 101 General Psychology.
Minimum Requirement	All high school and college transcripts; Complete pre-admission courses with a C or better; Have a minimum GPA or 2.5 on required general education courses.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Allied Health 600 South Ellis Webb City, MO 64870 [email protected]
Website	www.crowder.edu/ota

#3 Jefferson College – Hillsboro

The OTA School at Jefferson College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. It consists of 14-16 credit hours of prerequisite courses; 19 credit hours of general education courses and 49 credit hours of OTA classroom instruction, labs, and fieldwork practicum. Classes offered at Hillsboro campus and at JC online.

Jefferson College – Hillsboro
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Hillsboro, MO
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Director-	Shannon Tournier
Course Duration-	2-years
Class Size	Up to 24 students
OTA Admission	Each Summer Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Prerequisites	COL100, COL101 or COL136 First Year Experience Course; BIO211 Anatomy and Physiology I; BIO212 Anatomy and Physiology II; ENG101 English Composition I; PSY101 General Psychology.
Minimum Requirement	Application Packet and Application Fee of $150.00; Official transcripts; Take the recommended placement test(s) as necessary; Declare pre-OTA as your major; A GPA of 2.5 or better; Health Care Work Keys Test with a 4 or better in all categories; 4 OT Observation Hours (2 hours at 2 different sites); Write a one-page typed essay on, “Why I Want to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant”.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Career and Technical Education Division 1000 Viking Drive Hillsboro, MO 63050-2441 [email protected]
Website	www.jeffco.edu/OTA

#4 Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley

The OTA School is situated inside the Health Science Institute (HSI). The HSI was designed to centralize the health career programs in one building that mimics both healthcare and real-life settings. It incorporates instructional methodologies such as; interdisciplinary simulated learning using state-of-the-art equipment and cloud base lecture capture which allows student access to learning materials 24/7.

The students can access the MCC’s Virtual Hospital, which is a 10,000 sq. ft., accredited, healthcare simulation center that provides an unmatched learning environment.

Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Kansas City, MO
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Coordinator-	Amber Jenkins
Course Duration-	2-years
Class Size	Up to 22 students
OTA Admission	Each Fall semester
Application Procedure	Submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Prerequisites	COLL 100 First Year Seminar or HLSC 100 Introduction to Health Professions; Any biological or physical science course ( 4-6 credits); BIOL 150 Medical Terminology; ENGL 101 Composition and Reading I; OTHA 100 Intro to Occupational Therapy.
Minimum Requirement	Application Packet; Official transcripts; A GPA of 2.5 or better; A valid email must be provided; Volunteer and work experience; All applicants must take the Compass, ACT or Accuplacer placement test; Write a 2-3 pages essay on, “your definition of OT and your reasons for choosing the field” and “How will you study and prepare for the classes”.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Health Science Institute 3444 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111-2412 [email protected]
Website	mcckc.edu/ota

#5 Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC)

The Community colleges from across the state of Missouri along with the University of Missouri have formed a consortium to offer an innovative Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Graduates of the OTA Program will obtain an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant from one of the community colleges. Each student admitted to the OTA Program will select only one “home” campus from the community colleges offering the program of study, including:

• Moberly Area Community College, Columbia Campus
• State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO
• East Central College, Union, MO
• Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff, MO
• North Central Missouri College, Trenton, MO

The application procedure and selection process are the same for all campuses participating in the MHPC OTA Program. Students can apply more than one campus to potentially increase their chances of being selected for the program.

Missouri Health Professions Consortium (MHPC)
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Columbia Campus
Public or Private-	—-
Program Director-	Jacque Sample, DrOT, M.Ed., OTR/L
Course Duration-	1-year (professional phase)
Class Size	Up to 46 students
OTA course begins	From January each year.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the Community College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
General Education requirement	Human Anatomy w/Lab or HAPI; Human Physiology w/Lab or HAPII; Public Speaking; English Composition I; General Psychology; Human Lifespan Development; Medical Terminology; Math requirement (Intermediate Algebra or higher); US & State Constitution Requirement: American History or US Government; Electives.
Minimum Requirement	Application Packet; Official transcripts; A GPA of 2.5 or better; Complete a minimum of 8 hours observation with an OT or OTA at one or more clinical sites of your choosing; Submit a minimum of two recommendations (by a professional, other than a relative); Complete the Student Release of Information Form; Review and sign the Acknowledgement of Technology Requirements Form; Submit a 1-2 page typed essay on, “why you want to join the OT profession”.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 201 Business Loop 70W Columbia, MO 65203 [email protected]
Website	mhpc.missouri.edu

#6 National American University (NAU)- Independence Campus

The OTA School at NAU offers an associate of Applied Science Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. The program is offered in a blended online and on-campus format designed to provide a strong foundation in the theory and nature of the occupation, and the dynamic interaction of clients and their environments.

ACOTE’s Status: Probationary Accreditation* (effective April 1, 2017)
*Admission to this program is closed.

National American University Independence Campus
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Independence campus
Public or Private-	Private Institute
Program Director-	J Devis
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	Up to 17 students
OTA course begins	—
Application Procedure	First, apply to the NAU and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	Graduation from a recognized high school. 2.8 GPA with minimum C grade in all the foundational courses. Science credits to be having earned in the last 5 years. An essay and a personal statement on why the applicant wants to be an OTA. On site interview with OTA Admissions Committee. Completion of at least 8 observation hours with an OTR or COTA. 3 letters of recommendation. At least 2 letters from an instructor, guidance counselor, health care professional. 1 recommendation letter may be a personal reference.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 3620 Arrowhead Avenue Independence, MO 64057-1791 [email protected]
Website	www.national.edu.

#7 Ozarks Technical Community College 

The OTA School at Ozarks Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. The school offers a Hybrid/online lecture facility for the students.

Ozarks Technical Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Springfield, MO
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Jeff Jochems, Ed. D.
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	Up to 20 students
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the Community College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Pre-admission requirement	BCS-165 Human Anatomy; BCS-205 Human Physiology; PLS-101 American Government and Politics; PSY-110 Introduction to Psychology Credits; SOC-101 Introduction to Sociology; COM-100 Introduction to Communication or COM-105 Public Speaking or COM-200 Interpersonal Communication; ENG-101 Composition I or ENG-100 Composition I With Support or ENG-102 Composition II.
Minimum Requirement	A minimum of 2.5 GPA; Submit official transcripts from all educational institutions; Attend an orientation; Take a placement test or submit ACT scores; Attend a STAR seminar if accepted.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1001 East Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802-3625 [email protected]
Website	academics.otc.edu/ota

#8 St. Charles Community College (SCC)

The OTA School at SCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. Admission to the OTA program is selective. Before applying to the OTA program, students should make an appointment with an Allied Health Counselor to their appropriate coursework.

The OTA program will be admitting twice a year in the fall and spring semesters from 2018-2019 Academic Year.

St. Charles Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	Dardenne Prairie, MO
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Chair-	Courtney Barrett
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	Up to 24 students
OTA course begins	Fall & Spring Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the SCC and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Coursework requirement	Complete English Composition I and Beginning Algebra (or equivalents) with a B or better.
Minimum Requirement	Submit official college transcripts from previously-attended colleges; Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on at least 15 hours of college-level coursework; SCC Assessment Tests: Complete any developmental coursework you assess into (includes RDG, ENG 095/096, MAT 096/098, and ESL equivalents).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1 Academy Place Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368-7602 [email protected]
Website	www.stchas.edu/ota

#9 St. Louis College of Health Careers (SLCHC), County Campus

The OTA School at SLCHC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. The school promotes interdisciplinary learning and provides state-of-the-art facilities like the simulation labs.

St. Louis College of Health Careers, County Campus
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	County Campus
Public or Private-	Private Institute
Program Director-	Lea Hollenbeck
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	Up to 24 students
OTA course begins	Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the SLCHC and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	Minimum age of 18 years; Completion of personal interview with Admissions Representative; Completed SLCHC application; Complete HESI Entrance Exam (Passing with a minimum cumulative score of 77% in Math, Reading & Grammar, and a minimum score of 74% in Math); Official copy of High School/HS Equivalency Transcript; Completed background check; An OTA Essay; 3 Letters of Reference; Students starting on a part time status must meet all admissions requirements prior to entering core semester.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1297 N. Highway Drive Fenton, MO 63026 [email protected]
Website	www.slchc.edu/ota

#10 St. Louis Community College at Meramec (STLCC)

The OTA School at STLCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. The OTA program was established in 1983 and is the oldest OTA program in the St. Louis area. It is a well-established, affordable program with a high certification exam pass rate. The School has experienced faculty and the Teacher/student ratio is 1:24 and the lab is 1:12.

St. Louis Community College at Meramec
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
University Campus	St. Louis, MO
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Coordinator-	Cynthia Ballentine, MSOT, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	Up to 24 students
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the Community College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Prerequisite	Reading Prerequisites: 1 of the following- Composite ACT score of 21 or higher OR SAT verbal score of 500 or higher; Accuplacer score of 86 or higher OR COMPASS score of 91 or higher on the Reading portion. Completion of RDG 100 with a “C” or higher. English Prerequisites: 1 of the following- Composite ACT score of 21 or higher OR SAT verbal score of 500 or higher; Accuplacer score of 83 or higher on Sentence Skills OR COMPASS score of 70 or higher on the Writing Skills portion; Completion of ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a “C” or higher. Math Prerequisites: 1 of the following- Math ACT score of 22 or higher OR SAT math score of 580 or higher; Place into MTH 140 or higher on the Accuplacer OR COMPASS; Completion of MTH 050 or higher level math with a “C” or higher.
Minimum Requirement	High school or college CGPA of 2.5; Minimum placement test scores or successful completion of specific courses; successful completion of “Intro to Biology” or Biology 111; Completion of 8 hours of observation with an OT or OTA, and submission of the OTA observation form.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 11333 Big Bend Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63122-5799 [email protected]
Website	www.stlcc.edu/ota

Occupational Therapy Schools in Missouri-

There are 7 Occupational therapy schools which offer an entry-level Master of Science degree in OT or an OTD. A Master degree/Doctorate degree in OT is required to become an Occupational therapist.

List of OT schools-

1. Washington University
2. Missouri State University
3. Rockhurst University
4. Saint Louis University
5. University of Missouri
6. Maryville University
7. Cox College

Get complete info about the OT Schools in Missouri

Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Missouri-

The job outlook for occupational therapy assistant is very good in Missouri. Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities (as per the United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 930 employed and licensed occupational therapy Assistants in Missouri in May 2017 and the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Missouri for the occupational therapist (OT/OTR) and occupational therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA).

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Missouri-

Employment and salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants vary based on work setting and geographical location. The current salary range in the local area is $37,000-$55,000 annually with an estimated 30% increase in jobs over the next 10 years. (Retrieved from http://swz.salary.com)

As per indeed.com, the average salary of an occupational therapy assistant in Missouri was $58,000 (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy assistants were $57,850 and $27.82 respectively in May 2017.