
Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree (BS)
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.

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.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
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 in an Online Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

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.
Nationally Recognized Accreditation
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Experience OTA Studies on Campus
Put concepts from your online(See disclaimer 1) coursework into practice during required immersion experiences at GCU’s Phoenix campus. These in-person experiences provide opportunities to develop and practice occupational therapy techniques in a hands-on learning environment while engaging with faculty and fellow students.
Personalized Student Support
Access academic and student support resources throughout your OTA degree experience. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions provides student resources, along with faculty and support teams, that can help you navigate online coursework, academic expectations and other aspects of your educational journey as you work toward your goals.
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.

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
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What does an occupational therapy assistant do?
What’s the difference between an OTA and a PTA?
What are the benefits of getting a bachelor’s degree in OTA?
Can an occupational therapy assistant degree prepare me for an MSOT program?
Can I earn an occupational therapy assistant degree online?
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.
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.
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Explore Related Healthcare Topics
Explore occupational therapy, rehabilitation and other healthcare career paths as you consider where your interests and educational goals may lead.

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





