Job outlook
98%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Health and Human Services undergraduate students had instructors who made them excited about learning
95%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates participated in experience-driven learning
Pursue a B.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pursue a B.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Sammons Rider Occupational Therapy Assistant program combines occupational therapy theory, evidence-based practice and clinical learning experiences to prepare you for a career as an occupational therapy assistant. You'll study human movement, occupational performance, mental health, pediatric practice, adult rehabilitation and care for older adults while developing professional reasoning and communication skills.
What you'll learn
What you'll learn
You'll build a strong foundation in occupational therapy principles, human anatomy, psychology and evidence-based practice. Coursework explores assessment, intervention planning, documentation, therapeutic activities and the use of technology to support functional independence. You'll learn how to work with clients across a variety of settings while strengthening your clinical reasoning, professional communication and collaborative practice skills. The curriculum also emphasizes leadership, advocacy and ethical decision-making within the profession.
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There is a strong sense of community at WMU, faculty and staff are genuinely invested in student success, both academically and personally.
Jobs after graduation
Jobs after graduation
Occupational therapy assistants work with individuals across the lifespan to support participation in daily activities and improve quality of life. Graduates pursue careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and community-based programs. The bachelor's degree also provides a strong foundation for students who choose to continue into graduate education in occupational therapy.
Career pathways
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Rehabilitation Services
- Pediatric Therapy Services
- School-Based Therapy
- Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care
- Community Health Programs
- Home Health Services
- Graduate Study in Occupational Therapy
Making the most of your learning experience
Your learning extends beyond the classroom through extensive fieldwork experiences and a required baccalaureate project. You'll work alongside faculty, practitioners and doctoral occupational therapy students while developing professional skills in observation, intervention planning, documentation and client care. These experiences help you build confidence, strengthen your résumé and prepare for professional practice before graduation. The program's emphasis on collaboration and experiential learning ensures you graduate with practical experience that employers value.
Scholarships
What scholarships are available for the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Western Michigan University offers a range of institutional scholarships and grants to help make a high-quality education affordable, including merit-based awards, need-based grants and departmental scholarships. Many students receive financial support—99% of full-time undergraduates with financial need receive aid—and scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. The University’s financial aid team works closely with students and families to navigate options, from admissions scholarships like the Medallion program to funding identified through Scholarship Universe, WMU’s scholarship-matching tool. With personalized support, financial resources and a commitment to access, WMU helps students identify funding opportunities and manage the cost of their education.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements
To be eligible for regular admission to this program, each applicant must present evidence of the following criteria:
- Official transcripts for all college work.
- A cumulative college grade point average of 2.5 or better in undergraduate academic course work.
- Students may have no more than two prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application and must complete each with a C or better.
Because admission is considered competitive, the academic criteria listed above should be considered as minimum standards.
Please note the following:
- In the admission process, a formula is employed that assigns points for GPA and for the other admission topics. Admission to the program is based on the compilation of all points.
- Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the professional occupational therapy assistant curriculum. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be sent to the University Admissions Office in time to be processed prior to the department deadline.
- Occupational therapy is a profession that is regulated on national and state levels, and everyone who wishes to practice as an occupational therapy assistant is required to pass the NBCOT Certification Exam after graduating from an accredited program.
- Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have been charged with a felony and convicted of a misdemeanor, while not prohibited from taking the NBCOT certification examination, may not be able to practice based on state laws.
OTA program accreditation status:
Accreditation
The baccalaureate-degree-level Sammons Rider Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. 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 a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.