North Dakota · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in North Dakota
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
North Dakota has 2 occupational therapy assistant programs listed by ACOTE (2 associate, 0 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in North Dakota earn a median $60,970 a year.
Compare OTA programs in North Dakota
NBCOT COTA results, length and published cost side by side. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton | Associate | 91% | 2 years | — |
| Turtle Mountain College Applicant Belcourt | 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 North Dakota
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science Associate in Applied Science | Wahpeton | 2 years | See program | 91% ’25 | Accredited |
| Turtle Mountain College OTA associate degree | Belcourt | 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 North Dakota
None of the OTA programs in North Dakota 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 North Dakota
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in North Dakota are licensed by the North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. How to get licensed in North Dakota → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in North Dakota?
ACOTE lists 2 occupational therapy assistant programs at 2 schools in North Dakota: 2 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree. 1 program is still working toward full accreditation.
How long is OTA school in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in North Dakota was $60,970 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in North Dakota?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the North Dakota 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. North Dakota has 3 OT programs; see OT schools in North Dakota and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.