Top 10 Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York

Occupational Therapy Assistants can be involved in a wide range of activities, with the goal of helping patients increase their capabilities and improve their functioning in daily life.

This article lists the Occupational Therapy Assistant schools in New York State for those interested in this field, as well as the anticipated salaries for these positions.

New York State, known for its impressive diversity and rich educational opportunities, is home to a number of prestigious institutions offering quality occupational therapy assistant programs. With an increasing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in the field of occupational therapy, pursuing an education in this rewarding sector can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. This article will shine a light on the top 10 Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) schools in New York, analyzing factors such as program content, faculty expertise, facilities, success rates, and student support services.

These schools have not only demonstrated academic excellence in occupational therapy education but have also fostered an environment conducive to the growth and success of their students. Whether you’re a local resident or an international student considering a career in occupational therapy, this comprehensive guide will help you decide where to invest your time and education.

Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York

1. Bryant & Stratton College-Greece Campus

Occupational therapy assistant schools in New York must undergo a rigorous accreditation process to ensure that they meet the high standards set by the Occupational Therapy Association. Among these schools is Bryant & Stratton College-Greece Campus, which offers an OTA associate degree.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has not yet accredited this program, but it is currently in the candidacy status. This means that the Council has determined that the college meets all of the necessary requirements and is working towards full accreditation. In the meantime, students who enroll in the program can be confident that they are receiving a high-quality education that will prepare them for a successful career in Occupational Therapy.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Private Nonprofit
• Status: Accreditation
• 854 Long Pond RoadRochester NY 14612-3049585-625-5646
• dmmerlo@bryantstratton.edu
• Last on-site: 2016/2017
• Next on-site: 2023/2024

2. Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse Campus

Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse Campus is one of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York. The college is still in Accreditation status. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse Campus will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Through classroom instruction and clinical experience, you’ll learn how to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. The program is designed to prepare you for a successful career in occupational therapy. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider enrolling in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse Campus.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Private Nonprofit
• Status: Accreditation
• 953 James StreetSyracuse NY 13203-2502315-472-6603
• fadamocass@bryantstratton.edu
• Last on-site: 2015/2016
• Next on-site: 2022/2023

3. Cayuga Community College-Fulton Campus

Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Many occupational therapy assistant schools in New York offerOTA associate degree programs. Cayuga Community College-Fulton Campus is one of these schools. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Cayuga Community College-Fulton Campus is currently in accreditation status.

This means that the National Occupational Therapy Examining Board does not yet accredit the school, but they are working towards this goal. In the meantime, students who graduate from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Cayuga Community College-Fulton Campus will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Public
• Status: Accreditation
• 11 Glen River DriveFulton NY 13069-4920315-592-4143 x3021
• jmeyer10@cayuga-cc.edu
• Last on-site: 2018/2019
• Next on-site: 2025/2026

4. Erie Community College

Erie Community College (ECC) is a 2-year institution located in Buffalo, New York. The college offers an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). The OTA program at ECC is currently in the accreditation process with the Accreditation Commission for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). If accredited, the program will be able to accept students for the Fall 2022 semester.

In the meantime, interested students are encouraged to learn more about Occupational Therapy Assistant schools in New York. Erie Community College is a great choice for students who want to become an OTA and help others improve their quality of life. The OTA program at ECC will prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in Occupational Therapy.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Public
• Status: Accreditation
• North Campus, 6205 Main StreetWilliamsville NY 14221-7095716-851-1318
• dunne@ecc.edu
• Last on-site: 2019/2020
• Next on-site: 2026/2027

5.Jamestown Community College

Jamestown Community College (JCC) is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at JCC is currently in Candidacy Status, the final step before Full Accreditation. JCC is one of only two Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York that offer an Associate Degree, and it is the only program in the state that isaccredited by the AOTA.

The OTA program at JCC prepares students to work as entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam. JCC graduates have a pass rate of 100% on the NBCOT Exam, which is well above the national average. Jamestown Community College is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Public
• Status: Accreditation
• 31-10 Thomson AvenueLong Island City NY 11101-3083718-482-5740
• rlehman@lagcc.cuny.edu
• Last on-site: 2015/2016
• Next on-site: 2022/2023

The evening program is offered.

6. Maria College

Maria College is one of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York. Right now they are in the middle of their accreditation process, but they offer an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistance. This degree will help students be able to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Although they are not accredited yet, the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Maria College is a great way to get started in your career. The program is very affordable and it is a great way to get your feet wet in the Occupational Therapy field. If you are looking for a Occupational Therapy Assistant School in New York, Maria College is a great option.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Private Nonprofit
• Status: Accreditation
• 700 New Scotland AvenueAlbany NY 12208-1798518-861-2546
• admissions@mariacollege.edu
• Last on-site: 2020/2021
• Next on-site: 2027/2028

Weekend program offered.

7. Mercy College

Mercy College Occupational Therapy Assistant program is one of only four Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York that is still in the process of obtaining accreditation. The other three Occupational Therapy Assistant programs are at Hofstra University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and Stony Brook University. Mercy College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). While a program is in Candidacy Status, it is not able to offer the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.

However, Mercy College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program is able to offer a Certificate of Achievement. The Certificate of Achievement can be obtained by completing all required coursework and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Once a program has been granted Initial Accreditation Status, it can then offer the Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. Mercy College’s goal is to obtain Initial Accreditation Status within the next two years. In the meantime, students who are interested in becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant can still enroll in Mercy College’s program and obtain their Certificate of Achievement.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Private Nonprofit
• Status: Accreditation
• 555 BroadwayDobbs Ferry NY 10522-1134914-674-7833
• otaprogram@mercy.edu
• Last on-site: 2019/2020
• Next on-site: 2029/2030

Evening program offered.

8. Orange County Community College

Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) work with patients under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed to perform everyday activities. Although OTAs typically have an associate degree, some states allow students to begin practicing after completing a certificate program. Orange County Community College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program that is still in the accreditation process.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at OCC is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful occupational therapy assistants. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, and other topics related to Occupational Therapy. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Public
• Status: Accreditation
• 115 South StreetMiddletown NY 10940-6404845-341-4291
• donna.frazier@sunyorange.edu
• Last on-site: 2013/2014
• Next on-site: 2023/2024

9. Rockland Community College

Rockland Community College is one of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York. The college is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA). Rockland Community College offers an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Rockland Community College is still in accreditationstatus. The college is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Registered (OTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A criminal background check, professional reference checks and drug screening may be required for clinical placements.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Public
• Status: Accreditation
• 145 College RoadSuffern NY 10901-3699845-574-4028
• dknoebel@sunyrockland.edu
• Last on-site: 2013/2014
• Next on-site: 2023/2024

10. Suffolk County Community College-Michael J. Grant Campus

Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York Suffolk County Community College-Michael J. Grant Campus offer OTA Associate Degree and still in Accreditation status. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus is currently in Candidacy Status, the first step in the accreditation process administered by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Candidacy Status indicates that the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program meets the eligibility requirements for accreditation but has not been accredited by ACOTE. Candidacy DOES NOT imply that Suffolk Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program will be granted provisional or full accreditation when reviewed by ACOTE, nor does it ensure that ultimately the program will be accredited.

Occupational therapy assistants and therapists work with individuals with physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems that limit their abilities to perform tasks in their daily living and work environments. They also assist clients in developing, recovering, improving, as well as maintain the skills needed to live independently. Most occupational therapy services are provided by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants working together as a team. Occupational therapists generally provide service to clients with more complex needs while occupational therapy assistants provide services to

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Public
• Status: Accreditation
• 1001 Crooked Hill Road-MA 308Brentwood NY 11717-1092631-851-6718
• hubbsl@sunysuffolk.edu
• Last on-site: 2018/2019
• Next on-site: 2028/2029

11. Villa Maria College

Villa Maria College is one of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in New York that offers an OTA Associate Degree. Even though it is still in accreditation status, the college campus has a lot to offer. Students can study in a serene environment with top-notch facilities. The college has impressive student support services that prepare students for their future career. In addition, the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Villa Maria College is designed to meet the needs of busy adults.

The school offers classes during the day, evening, and weekends. This makes it possible for working adults to earn their degree without having to sacrifice their job or family obligations. As a result, Villa Maria College is a great choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

• Degree Level: OTA Associate
• Institution Type: Private Nonprofit
• Status: Accreditation
• 240 Pine Ridge RoadBuffalo NY 14225-3913716-961-1847
• dbrownell@villa.edu
• Last on-site: 2016/2017
• Next on-site: 2021/2022

Conclusion

Choosing the right Occupational Therapy Assistant school is a crucial step in the journey towards a fulfilling and prosperous career in healthcare. New York’s diverse range of institutions each provide unique benefits, whether it’s through their distinguished faculty, innovative program content, state-of-the-art facilities, or robust student support services. Each of the schools mentioned in this article has earned its place among the top 10 in New York, showcasing dedication to student success and educational excellence. As you consider these options, remember that the best choice will ultimately depend on your personal interests, career goals, and learning preferences. With the knowledge and insights provided in this guide, you’re now equipped to make a well-informed decision to begin your exciting journey in the field of occupational therapy.