Virginia · 2027 admissions
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Schools in Virginia
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: ACOTE directory + each program’s own website
Virginia has 5 occupational therapy assistant programs listed by ACOTE (5 associate, 0 bachelor's). Graduates take the NBCOT COTA exam and then apply for a state license. OTAs in Virginia earn a median $74,960 a year.
Compare OTA programs in Virginia
NBCOT COTA results, length and published cost side by side. Accredited programs first, sorted by 2025 pass rate.
| Program | Degree | NBCOT 2025 | Length | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus Virginia Beach | Associate | 94% | — | — |
| South University-Richmond Glen Allen | Associate | 88% | — | — |
| Northern Virginia Community College Springfield | Associate | 82% | 2 years (full-time) | — |
| Southwest Virginia Community College Cedar Bluff | Associate | 54% | — | — |
| Virginia Western Community College Candidacy Roanoke | 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 Virginia
| Program | City | Length | Format | NBCOT | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | Springfield | 2 years (full-time) | See program | 82% ’25 | Accredited |
| South University-Richmond Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Glen Allen | See program | See program | 88% ’25 | Accredited |
| Southwest Virginia Community College OTA associate degree | Cedar Bluff | See program | See program | 54% ’25 | Accredited (probationary) |
| Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus OTA associate degree | Virginia Beach | See program | See program | 94% ’25 | Accredited |
| Virginia Western Community College Associate of Applied Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant | Roanoke | 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 Virginia
None of the OTA programs in Virginia 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 Virginia
U.S. median for occupational therapy assistants: $72,300. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Compare all states.
OTAs in Virginia are licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions). How to get licensed in Virginia → · How to become an OTA · OTA salary by state
Frequently asked questions
How many OTA programs are in Virginia?
ACOTE lists 5 occupational therapy assistant programs at 5 schools in Virginia: 5 associate-degree and 0 bachelor's-degree. 1 program is still working toward full accreditation.
How long is OTA school in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants in Virginia was $74,960 (BLS, May 2025).
How do I become a COTA in Virginia?
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT COTA exam, then apply for a license from the Virginia 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. Virginia has 11 OT programs; see OT schools in Virginia and bridge programs.
Sources: ACOTE school directory (retrieved October 9, 2026); each program’s website; BLS OEWS (May 2025). Found an error? Tell us.