Nebraska · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in Nebraska
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Nebraska 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 Nebraska earn a median $63,180 a year.
Compare OTA programs in Nebraska
NBCOT COTA results, length and published cost side by side. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Adventist University Lincoln | Associate | 100% | — | January |
| Central Community College, Grand Island Campus Grand Island | Associate | 85% | 2 years | — |
| Southeast Community College Candidacy Lincoln | 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 Nebraska
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Community College, Grand Island Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS | Grand Island | 2 years | See program | 85% ’25 | Accredited |
| Union Adventist University Associate degree (OTA major) | Lincoln | 2 years (4 semesters with prerequisites done, or 5 semesters for first-year students) | See program | 100% ’25 | Accredited |
| Southeast Community College OTA associate degree | Lincoln | 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 Nebraska
None of the OTA programs in Nebraska 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 Nebraska
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in Nebraska are licensed by the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit, Office of Rehabilitation & Community Services. How to get licensed in Nebraska → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in Nebraska?
ACOTE lists 3 occupational therapy assistant programs at 3 schools in Nebraska: 3 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree. 1 program is still working toward full accreditation.
How long is OTA school in Nebraska?
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 Nebraska?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in Nebraska was $63,180 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in Nebraska?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the Nebraska 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. Nebraska has 6 OT programs; see OT schools in Nebraska and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.