Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in North Carolina

The North Carolina state 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 5 ACOTE accredited Occupational therapy Schools in NC which provides an entry-level master degree or Doctor of Occupational therapy program. The license is required to practice as an OTA in North Carolina; 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 North Carolina is-

1. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
2. Cape Fear Community College
3. Central Piedmont Community College
4. Durham Technical Community College
5. Pitt Community College
6. South College-Asheville Campus
7. Southwestern Community College – Jackson/Sylva Campus
8. Buncombe Technical community-Ashville Campus
9. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College-Salisbury Campus

Occupational Therapy in North Carolina-

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

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

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 North Carolina. An OTA can also become Occupational therapist by applying through the bridge program. 

Occupational Therapy Assistance License in North Carolina-

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 North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy for authorization to practice as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) within the state of North Carolina. An OTA becomes COTA after passing the NBCOT exam.

The minimum requirements for the license are –

• Application Fee: $100.00.
• Good moral character.
• Successful completion of an accredited OT or OTA educational curriculum.
• Successful completion of the NBCOT exam.
• Successful completion of the Board’s jurisprudence exam. The exam is administered online at NCBOT.org website.

 Temporary OTA License / limited OTA license:

No temporary license is given by the NCBOT to practice as an occupational therapist (OT) or as an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) in North Carolina.

Occupational Therapy Assistant schools in North Carolina-

#1 Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

The Occupational therapy assistant school at Cabarrus College offers excellent OT education to the students. The school offers small classes and 6:1 students-to-faculty ratio ensures individual focus.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Concord, NC
Public or Private-	Private Institute.
Program Director-	Nancy Schneidenbach Green, OTR/L, MHA
Course Duration-	2-year program
Class Size	32-34 students per year
OTA Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	An official transcript showing evidence of high school or college level with a minimum “C” grade. Two references indicating the academic abilities and/or work ethic. Attain the minimum required scores in the ASSET test and the SAT I. Evidence of an upper-half ranking in their high school class. Completion of Basic Life Support course (by American Heart Association). 25 hours of observation in three different OT settings with three separate OTR or COTA supervisors.
Address	401 Medical Park Drive Concord, NC 28025-3959
Website	carolinashealthcare.org

#2 Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)

The OTA School at Cape Fear Community College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA curriculum follows a developmental and student-centered design. Students attend classes for 5 consecutive semesters.

Cape Fear Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Wilmington, NC
Public or Private-	Public Institute.
Program Director-	Dr. Jennifer K. Renshaw, OTD, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2-year program
Class Size	20 students per year
OTA Admission	Once a year (Fall).
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in all post-secondary coursework at CFCC; Completion of the CFCC General Admissions Application; Completion of the appropriate Placement Test and meeting its minimum requirements; Official transcripts from a high school; A minimum “C” grade in a Biology or general science high-school course’ Meet with a Counselor to complete “Intent to Apply”; Schedule the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations exam.
Address	411 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401-3993 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.cfcc.edu

#3 Central Piedmont Community College

The OTA School at Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The college offers more than 600 hrs of supervised clinical training in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric clinics. These hands-on experiences supplement better learning and complement traditional classroom learning.

Central Piedmont Community College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Charlotte, NC
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Brenda Kennell, MA, OTR/L
Course Duration-	6 semesters (2 year program)
Class Size	Around 25 students/year
OTA Admission	Once a year (spring)
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Graduate from High School or completion of the GED. Official transcripts of high school/GED and college. International transcripts needed, if high school or transcripts not from US. Points earned in the following areas:- TEAS score and Completed academic courses. Related work experiences:- At least 240 hours of employment in a year and submission of its verification. Observation experiences:- With an OT or OTA for 12 hours in 2 separate environments and with clients of two different age groups.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Health Sciences Division PO Box 35009 Charlotte, NC 28235-5009 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.cpcc.edu

#4 Durham Technical Community College

The OTA School at Durham Technical Community College offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA students in the college get a chance to develop their skills under the guidance of COTAS, in the triangle area. The school trained them in all aspects of OT from screening and assessment to treatment and documentation.

Durham Technical Community College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Durham, NC
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Susan L. Cheng (Sue)
Course Duration-	2 years program
Class Size	Around 20 to 25 students/year
OTA Admission	Once a year (summer)
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Attend an OTA Information Session (recommended) Apply to the college. Submit official transcript(s) (high school or college) Attend a ConnectSession (Student Orientation). Complete Placement Tests. Exempt based on Multiple Measures (An unweighted GPA of 2.6 or higher AND a qualifying fourth math within the last 5 years are exempt from placement testing).
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 1637 Lawson Street Durham, NC 27703-5023 [email protected]
Website	durhamtech.edu

#5 Pitt Community College

In this course, the school gives you a chance to explore the various OT related issues, including human growth and development and conditions which interfere with activities of daily living. The students will learn the theory and process of occupational therapy with the help of individual/group treatment activities, the therapeutic use of self, activity analysis, and grading/adapting activities and environments.

Pitt Community College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Greenville, NC
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Wendy Perrini, M.S., OTR/L, CHT
Course Duration-	6 semesters (2 years)
Class Size	24 students/year
OTA Admission	Once a year (spring)
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Must be a high school graduate or hold a high school equivalency diploma. Must have a 2.5 GPA in general education and recommended courses for the program. Minimum pre-requisites:- BIO 168 with a C or better.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program P.O. Drawer 7007 Greenville, NC 27835-7007 Email- [email protected]
Website	www.pittcc.edu

#6 South College-Asheville Campus

The OTA School at South College-Asheville Campus offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The college enables the students to give an active participation classroom. The clinical instruction will help the students to develop the skills necessary to work with an OT and handle the patients in a better way.

South College-Asheville Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Asheville, NC
Public or Private-	Private Institute
Program Director-	—–
Course Duration-	2 years
Class Size	Average 10 to 30 students/year
OTA Admission	Twice a year (Spring and fall)
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	General admission requirements: A specified score in college entrance examination and completion of a degree with a minimum 2.00 CGP. A score of 17 or higher on the ACT or a combined score of 900 or higher on the SAT or 18 semester hours or 27 equivalent quarter hours with 3.0 GPA or better. Complete the South College- OTA Program Application form. Proof of 8 hours of observation and/or work hours in a minimum 2 different settings. Minimum C grade in all general education courses. Complete and submit a written essay addressing the required information.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC 28803 Email- asiegler@ southcollegenc.edu
Website	southcollegenc.edu

#7 Southwestern Community College- Jackson/Sylva Campus

The OTA School at Southwestern Community College- Jackson/Sylva Campus offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The college offers you an OTA program that will lead you to the wide path of the workforce as soon as you complete your curriculum.

Southwestern Community College – Jackson/Sylva Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Sylva, NC
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Anna Walls
Course Duration-	5 semesters (2 years)
Class Size	Average 17 to 20 students/year
OTA Admission	Fall
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Official transcripts or a copy of GED scores of high school as well as of all attended post-secondary institutions; Complete 6 hours of observation in OT. Placement Test requirements:- Official HS transcript with a minimum GPA of 2.5 with 10 or more credits and completion of 4 Math courses. OR Official transcript of a pre-requisite course with a minimum “C” grade. OR Scores of Accuplacer, Asset, Compass, ACT or SAT. And Completion of all required developmental courses. TEAS V-AH to be completed by the deadline.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Division of Health Sciences 447 College Drive Sylva, NC 28779-8581 Email- a_walls@ southwesterncc.edu
Website	southwesterncc.edu

#8 Buncombe Technical Community- Ashville Campus

The OTA School at Buncombe Technical community- Ashville Campus offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. In this school, you get an opportunity to deal with people of all ages that have had trauma or disease that inhibits their ability to function normally. OT helps them adapt and regain functional ability to perform daily tasks.

Buncombe Technical community-Ashville Campus
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Ashville, NC
Public or Private-	Public institute
Program Director-	Jane M. Blount MS, CAS, OTR/L
Course Duration-	2 years (5 semesters)
Class Size	—-
OTA Admission	Once a year (Spring)
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Submission of medical and immunization records. Certification of hands-on skills demonstration one and two rescuer adult, child, and Infant CPR, and AED use from AHA and BLS. Minimum 8 hours of observation in two different OT settings. ACA 115 and MED 120 (or acceptable substitutes) with a C grade or better. Pre-requisites:- BIO 168, BIO 169, ENG 111, ENG 112, PSY 150, PSY 241, PSY 281, COM 120, and HUM 115.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant program, 340 victoria road, Asheville, NC Email- janemblount@ abtech.edu
Website	www.abtech.edu

#9 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College- Salisbury Campus

The OTA School at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College-Salisbury Campus offers an Associate of applied science degree in occupational therapy assistant. The OTA program develops competent and professional entry-level occupational therapy assistants.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Degree Offered–	Associate degree in Occupational Therapy (OTA-entry level)
University Campus	Salisbury Campus, NC
Public or Private-	Public Institute
Program Director-	Amy Mahle
Course Duration-	2 year program
Class Size	20 students
OTA Admission	Once a year (Fall)
Application Procedure	Apply to the OTA program through the college website.
Minimum Requirement	Official high school and college transcripts or GED. Minimum placement test scores or developmental coursework in English and Reading (DRE Composite of 151+ or DRE 098), Math (modules 1-3), Algebra (math modules 4-5) and Computer (CSP score of 60%+ or CIS 110). Completion of a Biology course with a minimum C grade.
Address	Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, 1333 Jake Alexander Boulevard, Salisbury, NC. Email- amy.mahle@ rccc.edu
Website	www.rccc.edu/ota

Occupational Therapy Schools in North Carolina-

There are 5 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. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
2. East Carolina University (ECU)
3. Lenoir-Rhyne University
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel hill
5. Winston Salem State University (WSSU).

Get complete info about the OT Schools in North Carolina

Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in North Carolina-

The job outlook for occupational therapy assistant is very good in North Carolina. 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 1370 employed and licensed occupational therapy Assistant in North Carolina in May 2017 and the requirement of license practitioner is increasing. Huge opportunities are there in North Carolina for the occupational therapist (OT/OTR) and occupational therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA).

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in North Carolina-

 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 North Carolina were $82,000 per annum (in 2017) and According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual and hourly income of occupational therapy assistants were $61,470 and $29.55 respectively in May 2017.