Chicago · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in Chicago area, IL
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Chicago area, IL has 4 occupational therapy assistant programs listed by ACOTE (4 associate, 0 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in Illinois earn a median $64,120 a year.
Chicago here means programs in Chicago, South Holland, Tinley Park, Crystal Lake. See all Illinois OTA programs.
Compare OTA programs in Chicago area, IL
NBCOT COTA results, length and published cost side by side. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Published cost | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox College Tinley Park | Associate | 93% | 18 months | — | — |
| McHenry County College Crystal Lake | Associate | 92% | 80 weeks | $13,261* | — |
| South Suburban College of Cook County South Holland | Associate | 67% | — | $12,672* | Fall |
| National Louis University Applicant Chicago | 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 Chicago area, IL
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox College OTA associate degree | Tinley Park | 18 months (including 4 months of fieldwork) | See program | 93% ’25 | Accredited |
| McHenry County College Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS | Crystal Lake | 80 weeks | See program | 92% ’25 | Accredited |
| South Suburban College of Cook County Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | South Holland | See program | See program | 67% ’25 | Accredited |
| National Louis University OTA associate degree | Chicago | 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 Chicago area, IL
None of the OTA programs in Chicago area, IL 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 Illinois
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in Illinois are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. How to get licensed in Illinois → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in Chicago area, IL?
ACOTE lists 4 occupational therapy assistant programs at 4 schools in Chicago area, IL: 4 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree. 1 program is still working toward full accreditation.
How long is OTA school in Chicago area, IL?
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 Illinois?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in Illinois was $64,120 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in Illinois?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the Illinois 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. Chicago area, IL has 6 OT programs; see OT schools in Chicago area, IL and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.