Alabama · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in Alabama
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Alabama has 3 occupational therapy assistant programs listed by ACOTE (2 associate, 1 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in Alabama earn a median $62,250 a year.
Compare OTA programs in Alabama
NBCOT COTA results, length and published cost side by side. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace State Community College Hanceville | Associate | 89% | — | — |
| Coastal Alabama Community College Applicant Bay Minette | Associate | — | — | — |
| University of North Alabama Candidacy Florence | Bachelor’s | — | — | — |
— = not published or not yet verified. Costs are as each school publishes them (full-program tuition; * = all-in total). NBCOT = share of new graduates passing in 2025. Click a program for sources and quotes.
All OTA programs in Alabama
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace State Community College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Hanceville | See program | Day program | 89% ’25 | Accredited |
| Coastal Alabama Community College OTA associate degree | Bay Minette | See program | See program | — | Applicant |
| University of North Alabama Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant | Florence | See program | See program | — | Candidacy |
Status and degree level from the ACOTE directory. Length and format only where confirmed on the program’s own website. NBCOT = share of the program’s new graduates who passed the NBCOT exam in the latest year reported (NBCOT school performance data, retrieved 2026-10-08); new programs have no results yet.
Online and hybrid OTA programs in Alabama
None of the OTA programs in Alabama reports 50% or more distance education to ACOTE or describes a hybrid format on its website. Every accredited OTA program includes in-person labs and fieldwork.
Pay in Alabama
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in Alabama are licensed by the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy. How to get licensed in Alabama → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in Alabama?
ACOTE lists 3 occupational therapy assistant programs at 3 schools in Alabama: 2 associate-degree and 1 bachelor's-degree. 2 programs are still working toward full accreditation.
How long is OTA school in Alabama?
Most OTA associate programs take about two years including fieldwork, and every accredited OTA program includes at least 16 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork. Check the length we confirmed for each program in the table above; some schools also require prerequisite courses before you start.
How much do OTAs make in Alabama?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in Alabama was $62,250 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in Alabama?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the Alabama occupational therapy licensing board. See how licensing works.
Can I become an occupational therapist later?
Yes. Many OTAs later complete an OTA-to-OT bridge program. Alabama has 7 OT programs; see OT schools in Alabama and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.