Kentucky · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in Kentucky
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Kentucky has 3 occupational therapy assistant programs listed by ACOTE (3 associate, 0 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in Kentucky earn a median $65,230 a year.
Compare OTA programs in Kentucky
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville | Associate | 94% | — | — | Spring |
| Madisonville Community College Madisonville | Associate | 80% | 18 months (full-time only) | $13,601* | — |
| Ross College in Hopkinsville Hopkinsville | Associate | 78% | — | — | — |
— = 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 Kentucky
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Community and Technical College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Louisville | See program | See program | 94% ’25 | Accredited |
| Madisonville Community College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Madisonville | 18 months (full-time only) | See program | 80% ’25 | Accredited |
| Ross College in Hopkinsville Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Hopkinsville | See program | See program | 78% ’25 | Accredited (probationary) |
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 Kentucky
None of the OTA programs in Kentucky 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 Kentucky
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in Kentucky are licensed by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy. How to get licensed in Kentucky → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in Kentucky?
ACOTE lists 3 occupational therapy assistant programs at 3 schools in Kentucky: 3 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree.
How long is OTA school in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in Kentucky was $65,230 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in Kentucky?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the Kentucky 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. Kentucky has 5 OT programs; see OT schools in Kentucky and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.