Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York

New York has 12 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 20 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools in New York, which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy degree. The license is required to practice as an OTA in New York; 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 New York is-

1. Bryant & Stratton College- Greece Campus
2. Bryant & Stratton College- Syracuse Campus
3. Erie Community College (ECC)
4. Jamestown Community College
5. LaGuardia Community College
6. Maria College
7. Mercy College
8. Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange)
9. Rockland Community College (SUNY RCC)
10. Suffolk County Community College-Michael J. Grant Campus
11. Villa Maria College
12. Cayuga Community College – Fulton Campus

Occupational Therapy in New York-

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

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

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 New York. An OTA can also become an Occupational therapist by applying through the bridge program.

Occupational Therapy Assistance License in New York-

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 New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions for authorization to practice as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) within the state of New York. 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.
• be of good moral character.
• be at least 18 years of age for licensure as an occupational therapy assistant.
•  A Verification of Licensure from other state(s) in which you are currently or previously licensed.
• The fee for licensure as an OTA is $147 (OT $294).

 Temporary/limited OTA License:

A temporary permit to practice as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) may be granted to persons who have completed the educational and experience requirements for licensure and are waiting to take the certification examination.

A person with a temporary permit may only practice occupational therapy assisting under the direct supervision of a New York certified occupational therapist or physician and may practice only in a public, voluntary, or proprietary hospital, or health care agency, or in a preschool or elementary school as a related service for a handicapped child. The limited permit is valid for one year. A limited permit may be renewed once.  The fee for a limited permit as an occupational therapy assistant is $70.

New York OTA schools

#1 Bryant & Stratton College-Greece Campus & Syracuse Campus

The Bryant & Stratton College offers an Associate of Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant in 4 campuses. The 2 campuses are in New York (Greece & Syracuse Campus) while other two campuses are in other states, i.e. one is in Ohio (Solon campus) and another one is in Wisconsin (Wauwatosa Campus). The Greece campus has a full medical lab, five computer labs, a state-of-the-art occupational therapy assistant lab and a number of other unique features. 

Bryant & Stratton College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campuses	Greece Campus (Rochester, NY) Syracuse Campus
Public or Private-	Private Institute
Program Coordinator-	Greece Campus- David M. Merlo, MS, COTA/L Syracuse Campus- Frances AdamoCass
Course Duration-	30-months
Class Size	Greece Campus- up to 10 students Syracuse Campus- up to 18 students.
OTA course begins	Each January, May and September Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	Minimum GPA of 2.5 with official transcripts; Accuplacer scores related to math (50 or above) and English (72 or above); Successfully completed chemistry or physics and biology at the high school or college level; Interview with program coordinator; Signed disclosure of no history of drug use, criminal records.
Address	Rochester Campus- Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 854 Long Pond Road Rochester, NY 14612-3049 [email protected] Syracuse Campus- 953 James Street Syracuse, NY 13203-2502 [email protected]
Website	bryantstratton.edu/ota

#3 Erie Community College (ECC)

The Erie Community College is a part of the SUNY (State University of New York) system. The OTA School at ECC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. The OTA applicants must meet the special admission requirements mentioned below. The North campus of ECC has a state-of-the-art lab for the occupational therapy assistant program. 

Erie Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	North Campus
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Evelyn Post-Dunn, PhD, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	24 students per year.
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	An 80 percent or above high school average; A minimum CGPA of 2.8 is required for all undergraduate colleges attended; Applicants must pass the SUNY Erie Math Placement Test at a higher level than MT 006; Applicants must pass the SUNY Erie English Placement Test at the EN 110 level or above; Submission of an entrance essay on different topics: the roles and responsibilities of an OTA in 2 diverse areas of practice; Describe plan for balancing personal life and academic responsibilities; Describe personal attributes, accomplishments, and experiences; Explain reasons for entering the field at the OTA level. Complete minimum of 15 hours of observation, volunteering or shadowing in an OT area of practice; Applicant must meet with a Health Sciences Admission Counselor.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program North Campus 6205 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221-7095 [email protected]
Website	www.ecc.edu/ota

#4 Jamestown Community College

The Jamestown Community College is a part of the SUNY (State University of New York) system. The OTA School at JCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant.

Students at JCC get opportunities for hands-on experience in the classroom and the local community. These real-life experiences with clients, combined with expert mentoring and teaching from expert faculty, will help to build the OTA skills. Admission to the OTA program is selective. The OTA School offers 2 course formats, full-time and part-time. The Full-time course can be completed in 2 years, while part-time course can be completed in 3 years.

Jamestown Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Jamestown Campus
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Sarah Tranum
Course Duration-	2-year (full time) or 3 year (part time)
Class Size	Up to 32 students per year.
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	High school average of 85% or better, and/or college GPA of 2.5 or better; Successful completion of high school chemistry, CHE 1500: Introduction to Chemistry, or CHE 1530: Allied Health Chemistry; Eligible to take ENG 1530: English Composition II; Submit a high school and/or college transcripts from all other institutions; Complete a math and English placement tests; Must have online computer access.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 525 Falconer Street, PO Box 20 Jamestown, NY 14701 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.sunyjcc.edu/ota

#5 LaGuardia Community College

The LaGuardia Community College is a part of the CUNY (City University of New York) system. The OTA School at LCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant. LaGuardia’s OTA program has existed since 1973. It is the only one within the CUNY system. Academic courses are offered both during the day and the extended day (evenings and/or Saturdays) sessions. A part-time option is also available with the permission of the program director. The OTA program at LaGuardia is 63 credits and consists of a pre-clinical (pre-requisites) and clinical (OTA courses) phase.

LaGuardia Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Long Island City Campus
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Regina M. Lehman MS, OT/L
Course Duration-	2 years and 3 months.
Class Size	Up to 40 students (20 students twice per year).
OTA course begins	Each Fall and Spring Semester (clinical phase).
Application Procedure	Submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Prerequisites	ENG 101, SSY 101, SCB 203 and one of the following: MAT115, MAT 117, MAT 119, OR MAT 120 with a 2.5 or better.
Minimum Requirement	High school diploma and official high school transcript (original) OR Original GED diploma and scores (original); All students are required to take the ATI-TEAS exam as a requirement for candidacy. A Proficient score (55% or higher) on the TEAS is required for candidacy application.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 31-10 Thomson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101-3083 [email protected]
Website	www.laguardia.edu/ota

#6 Maria College

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Maria College was founded by Bearldean B. Burke in 1975. This nationally ranked program teaches students how to help patients overcome physical challenges and improve the quality of their lives.

The OTA program has an option of flexible scheduling, students can opt for the Day program or Weekend program. 

Maria College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Albany, NY
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Program Director-	Scott L. Home, MS, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2 years for regular day program & 3 years for weekend program.
Class Size	Up to 80 students
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Prerequisites	3 science courses in high school or college with at least one course being Biology and one course being Chemistry with a score of 80% or higher, and 2 college preparation Math courses.
Minimum Requirement	Completed Application; High School Transcript; An interview with an Admission Counselor; An overall high school GPA of 80% or higher is also required. Encouraged but not required: ACT or SAT score report; Letter of Recommendation; An essay or personal statement.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 700 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208-1798 [email protected]
Website	mariacollege.edu/ota

#7 Mercy College

The OTA program at Mercy College can be tailored according to the personal needs. The OTA program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The classes are held on Monday – Thursday evenings.

The Mercy college is equipped with the Health Professions Clinical Simulation and Learning Labs. The simulation labs consist of several specialized labs designed to simulate different disciplines within a health care facility. It Includes a rehab lab.

The Clinical Simulation and Learning Labs are used by the students from various health professions and it provides an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience in settings that reflect in-patient, clinic, and home settings. 

Mercy College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Dobbs Ferry, NY
Public or Private-	Private not-for-profit Institute
Program Director-	Cristina Dumitrescu
Course Duration-	2 years for full time program.
Class Size	Up to 35 students
OTA course begins	Each Fall and Spring Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	Submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended; Have a minimum GPA of 2.75; Place at the English 111 level; A personal interview with the OTA Program Director and a written on-site essay at the time of the interview; Submit the 3 Recommendation Forms, one form must be completed by a COTA or an OTR/L, Work Supervisor or an instructor of a prerequisite course.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 555 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522-1134 [email protected]
Website	www.mercy.edu/ota

#8 Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange)

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program started in 1977 and since that time OTA school is providing quality education. A well-equipped and state of the art lab, Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Center, faculty members with a wide array of professional expertise and a diverse variety of fieldwork experiences contribute to the success of the program.

The OTA program of study may be completed on a part-time basis. Individualized part-time schedules can be developed between the student and the OTA faculty advisor.

Orange County Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Middletown, NY
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Chair-	Donna Frazier, MA, OTR/L,
Course Duration-	2 years for full time program.
Class Size	Up to 24 students.
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit an online application to the Orange County Community College.
Minimum Requirement	Submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended; Have a minimum GPA of 2.75; An informational meeting with the Department Chair is required; Advanced Placement Biology with a score of 3 or better on the AP exam OR Introduction to Biology BIO110; 15 hours of OT observation in three different Occupational Therapy practice areas.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 115 South Street Middletown, NY 10940-6404 [email protected]
Website	www.sunyorange.edu/ota

#9 Rockland Community College (SUNY RCC)-

The Rockland Community College is a part of the SUNY (State University of New York) system. The OTA School at RCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant.

Students at RCC get opportunities for hands-on experience in the occupational therapy lab. The school offers small class sizes, affordable tuition, financial aid, and scholarships.

Admission to the program is competitive and selective.  The OTA program of study may be completed on a part-time basis.

Rockland Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Suffern, NY
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Chair-	Donna Knoebel
Course Duration-	2 years for full time program.
Class Size	Up to 44 students per year (each semester – 22 students).
OTA course begins	Each Fall & Spring Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Minimum Requirement	Submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended; Have a minimum CGPA of 2.5; Earned a grade of C+ or better in BIO 110 (A&P I); Have taken the English and Math Assessment Exams. Applicants must place to ENG 101 Attend an OTA Program Information Session; Complete the mandatory Observation Requirement of minimum 18 hours; Complete the Observation Report of an OT Setting; Obtain 2 Letters of Recommendation; A Valid Health Clearance Form; Complete the required OTA Self Reflection Essay.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 145 College Road Suffern, NY 10901-3699 [email protected]
Website	www.sunyrockland.edu/ota

#10 Suffolk County Community College-Michael J. Grant Campus

The Suffolk County Community College is a part of the SUNY (State University of New York) system. The OTA School at SCCC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant.

Suffolk County Community College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Michael J. Grant Campus
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Coordinator-	Lisa Hubbs
Course Duration-	2 years.
Class Size	Up to 34 students per year.
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit an online application to the Suffolk County Community College.
Minimum Requirement	High school diploma; 80 unweighted high school average; Completion of high school Integrated Algebra or equivalent, laboratory biology, and laboratory chemistry with an 80 average; A minimum of 25 hours of observation in a clinical environment under an OTR/L.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1001 Crooked Hill Road – MA 308 Brentwood, NY 11717-1092 [email protected]
Website	www.sunysuffolk.edu/ota

#11 Villa Maria College

The OTA Program has dedicated classroom and laboratory space to provide students the opportunity to practice clinical skills, including a pediatric lab, a fully equipped kitchen, a designated work area, and other rooms replicating home, clinic, and hospital environments. The OTA Program engages students in practice at the adjacent Felician Sisters Blessed Angela Care Center, practicing assessment and intervention skills with the residents of this assisted living and long-term care facility under the direction and supervision of OTA faculty.

Villa Maria College
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Buffalo Campus
Public or Private-	Private Institute
Program Director-	Paula Velarde
Course Duration-	2 years.
Class Size	—-
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	Submit an online application to the Villa Maria College.
Minimum Requirement	A high school average of 85%, or a cumulative college GPA of 2.8 or higher; Completed high school or college Biology and Chemistry; Interview with an OTA faculty member; Volunteer work in a health care setting is strongly encouraged. Neither the SAT nor the ACT is required for admission, but the scores from the SAT or the ACT allow the College to consider them for scholarship opportunities.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 240 Pine Ridge Road Buffalo, NY 14225-3913 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.villa.edu/ota

#12 Cayuga Community College – Fulton Campus

The Cayuga Community College is a part of the SUNY (State University of New York) system. The OTA School at Cayuga-CC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational therapy Assistant.

Admission to the OTA program is a two-application process. Applicants must fill out the Admissions application and an OTA Admission Application.

Cayuga Community College – Fulton Campus
Degree offered	Associate of Applied Science degree in OTA
College Campus	Fulton Campus
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Joan Meyers
Course Duration-	2 years.
Class Size	—-
OTA course begins	Each Fall Semester.
Application Procedure	First, apply to the College and get admitted. Then, submit the application for admission to the OTA program.
Prerequisites	Biology- high school biology with a lab OR introductory college biology with a lab (Cayuga’s BIOL 100, BIOL 101, BIOL 103 or equivalent course); Math- Math 102 or higher or completion of Cayuga’s Math 099; English- Cayuga’s English 101-Freshman English 1 or completion of Cayuga’s English 101; High school chemistry with a lab grade C or higher; College chemistry with a lab (Cayuga’s CHEM 101, CHEM 103 or equivalent course) grade C or higher; Nursing ABC Chemistry grade C or higher; High school physics with a lab grade C or higher; College physics with a lab (Cayuga’s PHYS 103, PHYS 104 or equivalent course) grade C or higher.
Minimum Requirement	Official high school transcript or GED/TASC; High school average of 80% or higher OR college CGPA 2.5 or higher; TOEFL score required if English is not a first language; Satisfactory scores on the ATI TEAS allied health entrance exam; Basic proficiency in computer use; Two professional references.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 11 Glen River Drive Fulton, NY 13069-4920 [email protected]
Website	www.cayuga-cc.edu/ota
ACOTE’s Status-	Candidacy Status

Occupational Therapy Schools in New York-

There are 20 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. Clarkson University
2. Columbia University
3. Dominican College
4. D’Youville College
5. Hofstra University
6. Ithaca College
7. Keuka College
8. Le Moyne College
9. Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus (LIU)
10. Mercy College
11. Nazareth College
12. New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
13. New York University
14. Sage Colleges
15. State University of New York Downstate Medical Center
16. Stony Brook University
17. Touro College
18. University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY Buffalo)
19. Utica College
20. York College, The City University of New York (CUNY).

Get complete info about the OT Schools in New York

Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in New York-

The job outlook for occupational therapy assistant is very good in New York. 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 2650 employed and licensed occupational therapy Assistants in New York in May 2017 and the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in New York for the occupational therapist (OT/OTR) and occupational therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA).

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York-

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 New York was $59,000 (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy assistants were $59,650 and $28.68 respectively in May 2017.