South Dakota · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in South Dakota
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
South Dakota has 1 occupational therapy assistant program listed by ACOTE (1 associate, 0 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in South Dakota earn a median $56,180 a year.
All OTA programs in South Dakota
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Technical College OTA associate degree | Watertown | 20 months (full-time) | See program | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
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 South Dakota
None of the OTA programs in South 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 South Dakota
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in South Dakota are licensed by the South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners. How to get licensed in South Dakota → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in South Dakota?
ACOTE lists 1 occupational therapy assistant program at 1 school in South Dakota: 1 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree.
How long is OTA school in South 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 South Dakota?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in South Dakota was $56,180 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in South Dakota?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the South 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. South Dakota has 1 OT program; see OT schools in South 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.