Occupational Therapy Assistant / Get Started Today

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Application

If you’re new to GateWay or the Maricopa Community Colleges, or if you need to reapply, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete your admissions application:

Become a Student

• New Students: Click "Join Now" to create an account.
• Returning Students: Click "Log In" and enter your MEID and password. If you do not
  remember your MEID or password, select “Forgot your Username?” and/or “Forgot your
  Password?” for assistance.

What to Enter on Your Application:

Duo Two-Factor Authentication 

After completing your admission application, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication. Click on the link to set up your Duo two-factor authentication account.  

For further assistance, contact Enrollment Services at (602) 238-4350 or visit the Enrollment Services department at our Washington Campus  campus in person at 108 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 

Step 3: Prerequisites

A. Work and Observation Hours

Applicants must complete a minimum of 20 hours of work or observation in occupational therapy practice settings before applying to the OTA Program.

Hour requirements include:

• At least 10 hours in an adult setting
• At least 10 hours in a pediatric setting
• A minimum of 10 total hours must be completed in an inpatient facility, such as a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or rehabilitation hospital

These requirements ensure applicants have a clear understanding of the OTA profession and are committed to pursuing this career path.

Additional guidelines:

• Most facilities allow observation only, not hands on participation
• Hours may be completed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, schools, or community agencies
• Students are responsible for arranging their own observation hours, which may include contacting multiple facilities and completing orientation requirements
• A licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) or Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) must verify completed hours using the Work and Observation Hours Verification and Assessment Form
• Personal occupational therapy experience does not count toward this requirement

Completion of these hours is required prior to submitting an application to the OTA Program.

B. Required Course Work

Complete the following college-level courses with a grade of A or B:

C. Official Transcripts

Applicants must submit official transcripts for all previously completed college coursework to the Admissions, Records, and Registration Office.

Important transcript requirements:

• Official transcripts must be sent directly from institution to institution
• Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for transcripts to be received and processed
• Request that the sending institution include your current name and GateWay Community College student ID number to ensure accurate matching

For detailed instructions on transferring coursework, visit:

Transfer Course Credits

Submitting transcripts early is strongly encouraged to avoid delays in the admissions and evaluation process.

Step 4: Program Application, Essential Functions Form, and Checklist 

View and apply to the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, click here.

Email your completed documents to [email protected] using your official Maricopa student email address.

Step 5: Background Check and Fingerprint Clearance

After you are accepted into the program, you will receive instructions on how to complete the MCCCD Background Check. You will also be required to present a copy of a valid Level One Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC).

To begin the program, you must:

• Present a valid Level One AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Successfully pass the MCCCD Background Check

Important Notes

• Students cannot be placed in clinical experiences without meeting these requirements.
• All associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
• Students are strongly encouraged to apply for the fingerprint clearance card early in the application process. Please allow a minimum of eight weeks for processing.
• The AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card is valid for six years from the date of issue.

Step 6: Payment Options / Funding

You must have Financial Aid or a payment plan set up before your program start date.

Students who do not arrange payment in advance may be dropped from their classes for non-payment.

Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Scholarship Opportunities

Veterans Services

Important Reminders

★ Regularly check your Maricopa student email and Student Center for updates on payment balances and deadlines. 

★ If you’ve applied for financial aid, check for any pending "To Do List" items that may delay your award. 

★ Your seat in the program is not secured until your funding is confirmed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in being dropped from the program.

ADA Standards

The following definitions and terminology describe the essential functions required of entry-level students and professionals in the Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) Program within the Allied Health Division at GateWay Community College.

Required skills and performance frequency may vary by program. For additional details, please refer to the OTA Essential Functions Form.

A. Sensorimotor Tasks

Sensorimotor tasks require the use of sensory, perceptual, neuromuscular, and motor skills to safely and effectively perform occupational therapy activities.

Students must be capable of the following:

• Bilateral integration: Coordinating both sides of the body during activities
• Depth perception: Judging distances and spatial relationships, essential for walking, reaching, and mobility
• Endurance: Sustaining cardiac, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal activity over time
• Exposure tolerance: Ability to work around a variety of substances and environmental conditions
• Fine motor coordination and dexterity: Controlled use of small muscle groups for tasks such as pinching, typing, writing, and manipulating objects
• Grasping: Applying pressure with fingers and palms to hold objects
• Gross motor coordination: Controlled use of large muscle groups for goal-directed movement
• Hearing: Ability to perceive sound with no more than a 40 dB loss at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz, with or without correction, including the ability to hear patient communication, alarms, and vital sounds
• Kneeling: Bending legs to rest on one or both knees
• Lifting: Raising or moving objects using upper extremities and back muscles
• Oral motor control: Coordinating muscles for speaking and eating
• Perceptual processing: Interpreting sensory input to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli
• Physical contact: Tolerating touch with people and objects
• Postural alignment and body mechanics: Maintaining safe body positioning during sitting, standing, lifting, transferring, pushing, or pulling
• Postural control: Maintaining balance using equilibrium and righting reactions
• Praxis: Planning and executing new motor actions in response to environmental demands
• Reaching and stretching: Extending arms and hands in multiple directions
• Repetitive motion tolerance: Sustained use of hands, wrists, fingers, standing, and walking
• Right-left discrimination: Differentiating sides of the body
• Sensory processing: Interpreting tactile, visual, auditory, vestibular, proprioceptive, gustatory, and olfactory input
• Stereognosis: Identifying objects by touch without visual input
• Stooping: Bending at the knees while keeping the spine straight
• Strength: Demonstrating muscle power to resist gravity or force
• Verbal communication: Expressing information clearly, accurately, and promptly
• Topographic orientation: Navigating buildings, departments, and clinical environments
• Transfers: Safely moving people or objects between positions
• Visual acuity: Perceiving shapes and details in direct line of sight
• Visual field or peripheral vision: Detecting motion or objects outside direct view
• Visual motor coordination: Integrating visual input with motor activity
• Workload tolerance as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor
  • Sedentary work, up to 10 lbs
  • Light work, up to 20 lbs
  • Medium work, up to 50 lbs
  • Heavy work, up to 100 lbs
  • Very heavy work, greater than 100 lbs
• Writing: Recording information accurately on paper or electronic systems

B. Cognitive Tasks

Cognitive tasks require the ability to receive, interpret, retain, and apply information in academic and clinical environments.

Students must demonstrate:

• Attention span sufficient to maintain safety and learning
• Concept formation for organizing and applying new information
• Critical thinking to evaluate situations and make informed decisions
• Generalization of learned skills across settings
• Goal setting for patients and self
• Learning ability to acquire new skills and behaviors
• Level of arousal adequate for responsiveness and safety awareness
• Memory for short and long-term recall
• Orientation to person, place, time, and situation
• Problem-solving to identify issues and implement solutions
• Recognition of people, objects, and clinical tools
• Sequencing of steps for procedures and tasks

C. Psychosocial Tasks

Psychosocial tasks involve interpersonal interaction, emotional regulation, and professional behavior.

Students must be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of others through interpretation of verbal and nonverbal communication
• Communicate respect and warmth to build rapport and trust
• Utilize effective coping skills to manage stress, feedback, testing, and public speaking
• Adhere to ethical principles and professional codes of conduct
• Demonstrate independence in task completion and decision making
• Identify and incorporate patient interests into treatment planning
• Use appropriate interpersonal skills in all settings
• Maintain a healthy self-concept and promote positive self-concept in others

Health and Safety Requirements

Maricopa Community Colleges requires all Surgical Technology students to meet the Health and Safety standards set by our most stringent clinical partner.
This ensures that students are eligible for immediate and flexible placement at any assigned clinical site.

Health and Safety Requirements

If you have questions, you may contact the Health and Safety Administrators for assistance.

Performance Essentials for the OTA Student

The following physical and mental performance requirements are expected of students enrolled in the Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) Program. These essentials reflect the skills and abilities necessary to successfully complete coursework, labs, and fieldwork experiences.

Students must be able to:

• Abide by and perform the OTA Program Essential Functions, with or without reasonable accommodations (see additional program documentation)
• Comply with policies and procedures of the College, the OTA Program, and assigned fieldwork sites
• Manage the stress, physical demands, and cognitive workload of a daytime program averaging 15 credits per semester
• Demonstrate manual dexterity sufficient to perform therapeutic activities and procedures with pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations
• Adhere to the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and consistently demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom and during fieldwork
• Provide services without prejudice, showing respect for individuals of all cultures and across the lifespan
• Observe, gather, interpret, and report relevant data accurately
• Maintain independent mobility
• Comprehend and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using appropriate grammar and vocabulary
• Accurately follow verbal and written directions
• Appropriately utilize supervisory guidance
• Respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations through interpretation of auditory cues and sound clinical reasoning

Students must also be able to perform visual and cognitive tasks such as:

• Visually assessing patients for changes in skin color, edema, skin integrity, pressure injuries, pain indicators, facial expressions, and body language
• Determining appropriate food consistency and quantity for individuals with choking or swallowing precautions
• Identifying fall risks and environmental hazards in facilities and client homes, including poor lighting, low contrast areas, wet floors, rugs, curbs, and obstacles
• Reading and completing medical documentation of varying print sizes and formats accurately, under time constraints and productivity standards required for patient safety and effective care

Additional expectations include the ability to:

• Consult and collaborate with students, faculty, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and community members
• Perform or instruct safe transfers and repositioning techniques
• Apply individual safety precautions consistently
• Demonstrate caring, understanding, and responsiveness to the needs of individuals and the community
• Participate in health and wellness promotion through public awareness activities
• Define and respect professional and personal boundaries

These performance essentials help ensure students are prepared for the academic rigor, clinical responsibilities, and professional standards of the OTA profession.

Program Contacts

Dr. Marla Pomeranz 

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director
[email protected]
(602) 286-8170
 

Healthcare Advising

[email protected]

Program Course Sequence

Course Sequence by Term

What is an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help individuals across the lifespan who have physical, cognitive, psychological, or developmental impairments regain or develop the skills needed to perform activities of daily living.

OTAs blend science, creativity, and compassion to support meaningful participation in everyday life. They follow the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, using a holistic and client-centered approach across the following domains:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  Bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, feeding, functional mobility, grooming, and personal hygiene
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
  Care of others and pets, child rearing, communication management, driving and community mobility, financial and health management, home and meal management, religious and spiritual participation, safety maintenance, and shopping
• Health Management
  Social and emotional health, symptom management, medication management, physical activity, nutrition, and use of personal care devices
• Rest and Sleep
  Rest, sleep preparation, and sleep participation
• Education
  Formal education, informal learning, and personal educational pursuits
• Work
  Employment exploration, job acquisition, performance, retirement preparation, and volunteer activities
• Play and Leisure
  Exploration and participation in play and leisure activities
• Social Participation
  Engagement with family, friends, and the community

Who provides occupational therapy services?

Occupational Therapy services are provided by:

• Occupational Therapists (OTs), who evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and provide skilled therapy
• Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs), who implement selected interventions under the supervision of an OT

OTs always supervise OTAs in clinical practice.

Do I need to become an OTA before becoming an OT?

No. Individuals interested in becoming an Occupational Therapist do not need to complete an OTA program first. The OTA pathway is optional and is not a requirement for OT education.

What education is required?

• Occupational Therapists (OTs) must complete a bachelor’s degree before applying to an OT program. OT programs are offered at the master’s or doctoral level and typically take three to four years to complete.
• Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) complete an associate degree at a community or technical college. OTA programs are typically completed in four semesters.

Where do OTs and OTAs work?

OTs and OTAs work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Schools
• Home health
• Outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers

What is the current job market for OTAs?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Occupational Therapy Assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Growth is driven by increased demand for occupational therapy services related to:

• Aging populations and age-related conditions such as arthritis and stroke
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes
• Autism spectrum disorder and pediatric developmental needs
• Outpatient and home-based rehabilitation services

Graduates of the OTA Program at GateWay Community College are expected to be in high demand.

For additional labor market data, visit:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm

How much do OTs and OTAs earn?

Current wage and salary information for Occupational Therapists can be found through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes312011.htm

Why should I consider a career in occupational therapy?

A career in occupational therapy is both rewarding and impactful. OTs and OTAs work closely with patients to help them recover from injuries or illnesses that have altered their daily lives.

They are essential members of the rehabilitation team, helping individuals regain independence, confidence, and quality of life. Work settings are diverse, schedules are often daytime and weekday-based, and teamwork and patient interaction are central to the profession.

Do I need to pass an exam to become an OT or OTA?

Yes. To practice in Arizona, individuals must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination for their respective level of education.

Licensure and certification are overseen by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), and total costs associated with examination and licensure are approximately $650.

If I have a criminal record, can I still pursue this career?

Clinical partners require students to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. In addition, students must not be listed on the Federal Office of Inspector General’s Exclusion List.

Students who are unable to obtain these clearances are not permitted to attend clinical experiences and therefore cannot continue in healthcare education programs at GateWay Community College.

How many students are admitted to the program?

A new cohort of 25 students is admitted each January into the traditional day program. The number of students admitted may vary based on employment market conditions and the availability of clinical training sites.

What happens if I am not accepted into the program?

The OTA Program has limited enrollment capacity. Only applicants who have completed all required program prerequisites may have their name added to the waiting queue for an available space in a future cohort.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The OTA Program can be completed in five semesters. Students admitted to the January day program typically graduate in May, provided all lecture, laboratory, and clinical courses are completed successfully.

Many students choose to spend one year prior to program entry completing prerequisite and general education courses required for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

What is the delivery method for OTA coursework?

OTA coursework is offered using a variety of instructional formats, including:

• In person
• Hybrid
• Online

Are OTA Program courses transferable if I pursue a bachelor’s degree?

Yes. The GateWay Community College OTA Program has an established academic pathway with Northern Arizona University (NAU), providing a bridge toward a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and eventual entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

For more information, contact College Advising at 602.286.8600 or visit:
www.nau.edu/extended

When are classes scheduled?

Lecture and laboratory classes may be scheduled Monday through Friday, beginning as early as 7:00 a.m. and ending as late as 5:30 p.m. Depending on the semester, students may attend class 3 to 6 hours per day, 3 to 4 days per week.

All laboratory courses are held on site at GateWay Community College.

Clinical practicum and fieldwork rotations occur Monday through Friday for eight hours per day over eight consecutive weeks. Extended hours and occasional weekend shifts may be required. Clinical placements include hospitals, extended care facilities, schools, and outpatient practices.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

The OTA Program is academically rigorous. Faculty recommend that work hours be kept to a minimum. Each student must determine how many work hours they can manage while maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Financial assistance is available to eligible students and may include grants, scholarships, employment opportunities, or loans. Aid may be provided through a single source or as a combined package.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at
602.286.8300 or [email protected] , or visit: http://www.gatewaycc.edu/financial-aid

Estimated Program Costs*

The estimated program costs are outlined below. Students are responsible for transportation, housing, and uniforms.

* https://www.maricopa.edu/students/tuition-payment-information/tuition-fees