Arkansas · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in Arkansas
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Arkansas has 5 occupational therapy assistant programs listed by ACOTE (5 associate, 0 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in Arkansas earn a median $78,940 a year.
Compare OTA programs in Arkansas
NBCOT COTA results, length and published cost side by side. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University-Jonesboro Jonesboro | Associate | 100% | 1 year | August |
| Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus Ozark | Associate | 88% | — | — |
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) Ashdown | Associate | 88% | — | — |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock | Associate | 82% | — | — |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock Applicant Little Rock | Associate | — | — | — |
— = 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 Arkansas
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University-Jonesboro Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant | Jonesboro | 12 months (3 semesters: fall, spring, summer) | 100% face-to-face, full-time | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Ozark | See program | See program | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Little Rock | See program | Day classes (no night or online option) | 82% ’25 | Accredited |
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Therapy | Ashdown | See program | See program | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock Occupational Therapy Assistant (Applicant-stage listing) | Little Rock | See program | See program | — | Applicant |
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 Arkansas
None of the OTA programs in Arkansas 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 Arkansas
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in Arkansas are licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board. How to get licensed in Arkansas → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in Arkansas?
ACOTE lists 5 occupational therapy assistant programs at 4 schools in Arkansas: 5 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree. 1 program is still working toward full accreditation.
How long is OTA school in Arkansas?
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 Arkansas?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in Arkansas was $78,940 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in Arkansas?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the Arkansas 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. Arkansas has 5 OT programs; see OT schools in Arkansas and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.