Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree (BS)
Female occupational therapy assistant talking with an older patient during a home visit.
Class Setting
Degree Level
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Overview

What Is an Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree?

An occupational therapy assistant degree is an undergraduate program that can prepare you to help individuals develop, recover and maintain skills needed for daily activities. 

Our OTA program combines occupational therapy coursework with hands-on experiences designed to build knowledge of human movement, occupational performance and therapeutic interventions. Through the program, you can develop the competencies needed to work under the supervision of an occupational therapist and prepare to pursue professional certification as an occupational therapy assistant.

Male occupational therapy assistant guiding a child through a hands-on activity.

Bachelor’s vs. Associate Degree in OTA

Bachelor’s and associate OTA degree pathways can both provide education relevant to occupational therapy assistant practice, but they differ in degree level, curriculum scope and opportunities for continued education. A bachelor’s program generally includes additional undergraduate coursework, while an associate program offers a shorter degree pathway focused on foundational OTA preparation.

Comparison Area
Degree Level
Bachelor’s Degree in OTA
Four-year undergraduate degree pathway
Associate Degree in OTA
Associate-level undergraduate pathway
Comparison Area
Coursework
Bachelor’s Degree in OTA
Includes additional undergraduate coursework alongside OTA preparation
Associate Degree in OTA
Focuses on the coursework required for the associate-level pathway
Comparison Area
Science and Related Study
Bachelor’s Degree in OTA
May include broader study in science and related subjects
Associate Degree in OTA
Typically includes a more limited range of supporting coursework
Comparison Area
OTA Preparation
Bachelor’s Degree in OTA
Provides education relevant to pursuing OTA practice
Associate Degree in OTA
Provides education relevant to pursuing OTA practice
Comparison Area
Graduate Education
Bachelor’s Degree in OTA
Provides a bachelor’s-level foundation that may meet the undergraduate degree requirement for some MSOT programs
Associate Degree in OTA
Additional education is needed before pursuing an MSOT, depending on program requirements
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Class Settings
Campus
Online
Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $490 per credit [More Info]

Course Information
Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
Online: 8 weeks

[More Info]
Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

  • 16+ years old
  • High School Graduate
  • 2.8+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

  • ACT: 19
  • SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

What To Expect

What To Expect in an Online Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Female online occupational therapy assistant student studying on a laptop at home.

The occupational therapy assistant degree combines online coursework with hands-on learning experiences designed to help you develop competencies for OTA practice. You will explore occupational therapy concepts through structured online courses while gaining practical experience through fieldwork in your state of residence and immersion experiences at GCU’s Phoenix campus. 

Throughout the program, you will also consider the occupational therapy career through a Christian worldview while developing the knowledge and professional skills relevant to working with individuals across the lifespan.

What Is GCU's OTA Program Experience Like?

Complete OTA Coursework Online

Complete your OTA coursework through our online learning platform, where you can engage with course materials, assignments and discussions in a structured digital classroom. Online(See disclaimer 1) courses provide a convenient way to complete the academic portion of your OTA program while preparing for the hands-on fieldwork and immersion experiences required as part of your degree.

Coursework

What Will I Study in an OTA Program?

In the OTA program, you will study the sciences, occupational therapy concepts and evidence-based approaches used to support individuals across the lifespan. Coursework explores areas such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, lifespan development, clinical reasoning, mental health and physical and neurological rehabilitation. You will also examine professional topics including documentation, leadership and the use of research to inform occupational therapy interventions.

Female occupational therapy assistant discussing care with an older patient.

Core Course Topics in an OTA Degree

Occupational therapy assistant courses cover scientific foundations, occupational therapy practice and professional competencies that can prepare you to work with individuals with a range of needs.

Areas of study include:

Human movement and function

Examine anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics to build your understanding of the human body and how it moves

Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice

Explore clinical decision-making, research concepts and evidence-based approaches used to plan and evaluate occupational therapy interventions

Occupational therapy across the lifespan

Study occupational therapy approaches for individuals across different stages of life, including pediatric, adult and geriatric populations

Rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions

Analyze approaches to physical and neurological rehabilitation and the therapeutic techniques used to support occupational performance and participation in daily activities

Outlook

What Can You Do With an OTA Degree?

An OTA degree can prepare you to pursue a career as an occupational therapy assistant while developing knowledge and skills beyond entry-level preparation. Your bachelor’s-level education can deepen your understanding of occupational therapy and healthcare while providing a foundation for continued education and professional development.

Cost & Savings

OTA Program Tuition and Financial Options

The cost of earning your OTA degree can depend on factors such as tuition, fees and your individual financial aid eligibility. Because the program includes online coursework, fieldwork experiences and required immersions at GCU’s Phoenix campus, you may also want to consider potential travel and related expenses when planning for your education. Consider current tuition rates and available financial aid, scholarships and other ways to help manage the cost of your degree.

Explore Online Tuition
Explore On-Campus Tuition
Female occupational therapy assistant observing a child during a play activity.

GCU has not increased campus tuition rates since 2009

Ways To Save

Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.

Transfer Your Credits

If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.

Scholarships & Grants

You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.

Explore Your Financial Options

Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options. 

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FAQ

OTA Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to positively impact people’s lives by becoming an OTA, read through some commonly asked questions to gain more insight into this career path and earning your degree.

Admission

What Are the Admission Requirements for an OTA Degree?

GCU offers a streamlined admission process with no application fee, personal statement or essay required. High school students may qualify for admission by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or minimum SAT or ACT test score requirements. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program, so please review the requirements for your chosen program.

How To Apply to GCU

You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process. 

It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees. 

Pick your program

Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.

Complete our online application

Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.

Submit supporting documents

Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary
General Education Requirements34-40 credits
Major80 credits
Open Elective Credits0-6 credits
Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Core Courses

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Male online occupational therapy assistant student studying on a laptop.
Prepare for Your Future in Occupational Therapy

Build your knowledge of occupational therapy through online coursework, hands-on fieldwork and immersive learning experiences. Explore GCU’s BS in Occupational Therapy Assistant and prepare to pursue your educational and professional goals.

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  1. Fieldwork completed in state of residence; immersion hours completed at the GCU campus in Phoenix, AZ.