Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 9 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 6 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools in Illinois which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy degree. The license is required to practice as an OTA in Illinois; 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 Illinois is-

1. Fox College
2. Illinois Central College-Peoria Campus
3. Lewis & Clark Community College
4. Lincoln Land Community College
5. McHenry County College (MCC)
6. Parkland College
7. South Suburban College of Cook County
8. Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM)
9. Wright College

Occupational Therapy in Illinois-

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

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

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

Occupational Therapy Assistance License in Illinois-

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 Illinois Department Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for authorization to practice as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) within the state of Illinois. 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 is mandatory.
• Personal history information.
• Official transcripts of course work completed.
• Application fees of $25 (OT/OTA).

Temporary/limited OTA License:

If the applicant has been determined eligible for licensure except for the passing of the examination, the applicant shall be issued a “letter of authorization” which allows him/her to practice under supervision in accordance with Section 3(6) of the IDFPR Act. Letters are valid for 6 months & cannot be renewed.

Illinois OTA schools with Overview-

#1 Fox College

The OTA School at Fox College offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA program is designed to be completed in 20 months. The program provides training on the simulated clinical labs, which is directly related to occupational therapy career.

The class sizes are usually small, making it easier to get to know your teachers and get personal, one-on-one attention.

Fox College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Midway capmus, IL
Public or Private-	Private college
Program Director-	N Mathews
Course Duration-	20-months
Class Size	Up to 19 students per year
OTA Class begins	—-
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	A valid high school, private school, or equivalent (GED) record and transcripts. ACT or SAT scores are not required.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 6640 S. Cicero Avenue Bedford Park, IL 60638 nmathews@foxcollege.edu
Website	www.foxcollege.edu/ota

#2 Illinois Central College-Peoria Campus

The OTA School at Illinois Central College-Peoria Campus offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The school provides relevant and up-to-date classes, exemplary service, and enriching campus life, all at an affordable cost.

Illinois Central College-Peoria Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Peoria, IL
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Director-	Jennifer Haines
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	16 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Composition I (ENGL 110); Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 140); Humanities/Fine Arts; Introduction to Communication (COMM 110); Introduction to Health Careers (ICC 104); Introduction to Psychology (PSY 110); Mathematics/Lab Science; Medical Terminology (HLTH 121)
Minimum Requirement	High School Diploma or GED; Transcripts of all schools attended.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 201 South West Adams Street Thomas Building 203 Peoria, IL 61635 jennifer.haines@icc.edu
Website	www.icc.edu/ota

#3 Lewis & Clark Community College

The OTA School at Lewis & Clark Community College offers an Associate of Science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The school provides in-depth knowledge in following areas of practice: self-care, home management training, splinting, environmental modifications, safety training during daily occupations, wheelchair positioning and modifications, sensory integration techniques, teaching of life skills to clients with mental illness, energy management techniques, etc.

Lewis & Clark Community College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Godfrey, IL
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Coordinator-	Debbie Witsken
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	26 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Spring.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	BIOL-130, 131 or 132 (Human Biology); CIS-135 (Computer Literacy); PSYC-131 (General Psychology); ENGL-131 College level English.
Minimum Requirement	Complete the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE) Entrance Examination; Submit Statement of Personal Goals; Submit Clinical Observation Form documenting 8 hours of observation in an OT department with an OTR/L or COTA; Submit two Recommendation Forms – one must be from a high school or college instructor; Submit proof of residency; A Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale; Submit an official high school or GED transcript.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Division of Health Sciences 5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035-2466 dwitsken@lc.edu
Website	www.lc.edu/OTA/

#4 Lincoln Land Community College

The OTA School at Lincoln Land Community College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The class sizes are usually small, making it easier to get one-on-one attention.

Lincoln Land Community College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Springfield, IL
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Director-	Donald Kallembach
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	16 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Spring.
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	EGL 101 Composition I ; BIO 175 Anatomy and Physiology I; BIO 176 Anatomy and Physiology II; PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology; PSY 220 Human Development; SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology.
Minimum Requirement	GPA of 2.5 or higher for all previous college courses; High School transcript with proof of graduation or GED; Complete OTA Seminar; Attend an informational session given on campus by the OTA director; Complete MAT 092 or have a 22 or higher on the math portion of the ACT OR 520 or higher on the math portion of the SAT; Placement into EGL 101 OR complete all appropriate developmental courses OR ACT of 22 or above on English and Reading portions; Complete Health Occupations Aptitude Examination (HOAE).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Health Professions 5250 Shepherd Road P.O. Box 19256 Springfield, IL 62794-9256 donald.kallembach@llcc.edu
Website	www.llcc.edu/ota

#5 McHenry County College (MCC)

The OTA School at McHenry County College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The MCC curriculum focuses on the community, cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and clinical reasoning. The OTA program incorporates technology, evidenced-based information, and current trends to provide students with hands-on experiences. Admission preference is given to residents of McHenry County College District #528.

McHenry County College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Crystal Lake, IL
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Director-	—-
Course Duration-	128-weeks (2 ½ year)
Class Size	16 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	A grade of C or higher is required for all general education and support courses: ENG 151, SPE 151, PSY 151, BIO 263 and BIO 264 (or equivalent).
Minimum Requirement	The CGPA of at-least 2.75 is required for general education & support courses. An OTA supplemental information form. A 2 page typed essay on the following topics: What has been your exposure to OTA and or OTs? and what factors influenced your decision to become an OTA at MCC?
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 8900 US Highway 14 Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2738 OTAINFO@mchenry.edu
Website	www.mchenry.edu/ota

#6 Parkland College

The OTA School at Parkland College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The school provides state-of-the-art laboratory and various options for fieldwork education.  The OTA program has a selective admission process to complete in addition to being accepted to Parkland College.

Parkland College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Champaign, IL
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Director-	Michelle Roberts, MHS, OT/L, CHT
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	20 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	College level reading or CCS 099 (above ‘C’); Must be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 or ESL 101; MAT 098 or above.
Minimum Requirement	High school transcripts or GED; SAT or ACT Scores; TOEFL (if Eng is 2nd language) and achieve a minimum or greater scores in reading, listening, speaking and writing. 18-18-20-18. Meet with Counseling and Advising; Prior to admission students must complete KIN 186.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 2400 West Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL 61821-1899 rmyles@parkland.edu
Website	www.parkland.edu/ota

#7 South Suburban College of Cook County

The OTA School at South Suburban College of Cook County offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA program has a selective admission process. Specific eligibility criteria are used to evaluate each applicant to admit those students with the highest likelihood of success.

The OTA Program begins in the summer semester. Students applying to the OTA Program must complete all prerequisites prior to the application deadline of February 1st. General education courses must be completed prior to starting the program. 

South Suburban College of Cook County
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	South Holland, IL
Public or Private-	Community College
Program Coordinator-	La’taria Overstreet
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	20 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Summer
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	OCS 121 (Overview of College success); ENG 101 (Composition & Rhetoric); BIO 185 (Human anatomy & Physiology I); OTA 101 (Introduction to Occupational Therapy); PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology): ART 112 (Three-Dimensional Design) OR ART 110 (Metals and Jewelry) OR ART 109 (Ceramics I).
General Education Requirement	PSY 206 (Three-Dimensional Design Abnormal Psychology) OR PSY 211 Human Growth & Development; BIO 186 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II); SPE 108 (Oral Communications); HIT 102 (Fundamentals of Medical Terminology).
Minimum Requirement	All official high school (or HSE) transcripts; Current health care insurance; CGPA of 3.25 or better on program prerequisites. Minimum score of 75% on the Health Professions Examination. Completion of general education courses with a ‘C’ or better.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Allied Health Department 15800 South State Street South Holland, IL 60473-1262 loverstreet@ssc.edu
Website	www.ssc.edu/ota

#8 Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM)

The admission procedures for the SICCM OTA program are the same for John A. Logan College and Shawnee Community College. Each college does give preference to its in-district students. Students may apply at only one community college for entrance into a program. Applications and testing will be cross-checked among the campuses.

Students are admitted to the OTA program and register for all courses on their home campus.  General education courses are taken on the home campus, but OTA core courses are taught either at the SICCM regional instructional center or within patient/client care agencies.

Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campuses	John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL, and Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL
Public or Private-	Not-for-profit Institute
Program Director-	Kim Langley, MA. Ed., COTA/L
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	25 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisites	Human Anatomy and Physiology I- 4 credits
Minimum Requirement	Graduate from an approved high school; Satisfy all general entrance requirements for admission to the college; Take the Health Occupational Aptitude Examination. This examination is taken at your local college campus.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 3213 South Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948-3711 klangley@siccm.com
Website	www.siccm.com/OTA

#9 Wright College

The OTA School at Wright College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA program highlights skills instruction in the classroom, enhanced by hands-on learning experiences in health and wellness settings. The curriculum emphasis on the development of real-life problem-solving skills needed for the OTA to enhance meaningful occupations in the lives of people.  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Wilber Wright College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Chicago, IL
Public or Private-	Public College
Program Director-	Lisa Iffland
Course Duration-	2-year
Class Size	24 students per year
OTA Class begins	In Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Prerequisite	——
Minimum Requirement	2 letters of recommendations; 10-30 hours of OT observation; Official High school transcripts; Criminal Background Check; Essay on topic, “Plan for Success”.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 4300 N. Narragansett Avenue Chicago, IL 60634-1591 liffland@ccc.edu
Website	www.ccc.edu/ota

“Applicant” Occupational therapy Assistant schools in Illinois-

This one is a new OTA educational program in Illinois seeking accreditation (not yet holding Candidacy Status). Until Candidacy Status has been granted by ACOTE, this school cannot admit students into the OTA program in Illinois.

#1 Lewis University-Romeoville
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
admissions@lewisu.edu
www.lewisu.edu
ACOTE’s Status: Applicant OTA – entry-level OTA Baccalaureate Degree Program.

Occupational Therapy Schools in Illinois-

There are 6 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. Chicago State University
2. Governors State University
3. Midwestern University-Downers Grove Campus
4. Rush University
5. University of Illinois at Chicago
6. Elmhurst College.

Get complete info about the OT Schools in Illinois

Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Illinois-

The job outlook for occupational therapy assistant is very good in Illinois. 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 2350 employed and licensed occupational therapy Assistants in Illinois in May 2017 and the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in Illinois for the occupational therapist (OT/OTR) and occupational therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA).

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Illinois-

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 Illinois was $62,000 (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy assistants were $61,860 and $29.74 respectively in May 2017.