Program application deadlines:
- Part-time for summer start: April 19
- Full-time for fall start: June 1
Program applications received after the deadline will only be reviewed and considered if there are open seats in the program.
Program admission
Additional steps are required for acceptance into this program beyond the standard MCC admissions application.
Follow these steps to apply to the program
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Complete an online application (All students on a visa, DACA or undocumented must fill out an international application)
If you have a disability, see Disability Support Services (DSS)
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Send official college and university transcripts to the Metropolitan Community College, Data Center
Request to have all official College and University Transcripts sent to the Metropolitan Community College Data Center.
If classes were completed at MCC, an MCC transcript is not required.
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- Check out scholarships, A+ benefits and loans available to MCC students
- Apply for aid and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Review Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
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All students who have not taken placement tests in the past 3 years will be required to take the placement tests to establish reading level.
Even students with a degree will need to take the reading placement test prior to application to the program.
Do I need to take my pre-requisites at MCC?
Prerequisites may be taken at other institutions, however students will need to submit their transcripts for determinations.
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The following courses must be completed prior to applying to the program:
- ENGL 101 - Composition and Reading I
- Any 100 level Biological or Physical Science of 4 or more credit hours
- BIOL 150 - Medical Terminology
- OTHA 100 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy
Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Occupational Therapy must have been taken within the last five years to be accepted
Completion of all required general education prior to starting in the OTA program would help to "lighten" the student's load, and is recommended.
Completion of the anatomy and physiology requirement prior to application to the program is strongly recommended.
Can I take prerequisites in the summer and still apply for the coming Fall?
Students may take prerequisites in the summer while applying for the OTA program; admission into the program is contingent on passing the prerequisite class with a "C" grade or better.
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Download the following:
Follow the directions carefully.
Be sure to note all of the program requirements. This document contains all information regarding the program including prerequisites and other requirements for application.
What is the timeline for applying and notification?
- Applications are due prior to June 15
- Students will be notified via email within two weeks of the application deadline
- Students who meet the application criteria will be notified to schedule an interview
- Students accepted into the program will be expected to attend an orientation session in July
What is the interview process like?Interviews will occur on campus with the OTA program faculty, as feasible based on the health and safety protocols in place at the college at the time of interviews. Should face-to-face interviews not be possible, interviews will take place over Zoom.
The interviews will be scheduled with prospective students during one week in July via email/phone call.
Students are expected to arrive early or on-time and may be required to complete a writing sample as a part of the interview process.
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Within two weeks of the application deadline you will receive an email to inform you of your status. You will also be contacted via email or phone to schedule an interview.
Program acceptance
Students accepted into the program will be expected to attend an orientation session in July.
Students not accepted into the program should contact the Student Advising Department or MCC's Health Science Institute healthcare@mcckc.edu to determine next steps.
Previous OT coursework
Students who apply to the program with previous OT coursework, whether from an OTA or OT school will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Transcripts will be audited by the Student Data Center. Students may be expected to take all OTHA courses in sequence beginning with semester one offerings. Work experience cannot replace OTA program course content requirements.
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In order to receive an A.A.S. degree in Occupational Therapy the student must complete all courses with a grade of “C” or better in each course required for the degree and must successfully pass all laboratory checkouts as outlined in each course syllabus.
Additionally, students are expected to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 in the program. Progression through coursework is outlined in the curriculum sequence noted in the Information Packet with no opportunity to complete OTA courses in a variation of the sequence.
Students failing to meet these requirements will be required to reapply to the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, and if accepted, retake all OTHA courses in sequence beginning with semester 1 offerings.
Technology requirement
Students are required to have regular access to computer technology with up-to-date software, reliable broadband connection to the internet and the ability to install software that may be required for the course. Technical skills required for online courses include:
- Access sites and navigate online.
- Use a word processor (i.e. Microsoft Word) to open and save in common document file formats.
- Send and receive email, including attaching and downloading files.
- Read and post to discussion/messaging boards and blogs.
- Use a supported browser and adjust browser settings as required.
- Save a URL as a bookmark/favorite.
- Perform online searches using Google or other search engine.
- Cut, paste and copy information from the internet or files and save to the computer or other storage device
Frequently asked questions
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Once admitted to the program the OTA coursework is completed within two years (four semesters)
Students applying with previous degrees awarded still take the OTA coursework as outlined in the curriculum checklist. The program is two years in duration regardless of previous general education coursework
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The program is full-time with classes meeting during the day most days of the week, excluding weekends. The schedule changes each semester; however, classes generally start at 9 a.m. and end by 4 p.m.. Fieldwork each semester is based on the working schedule of the fieldwork educator.
Students have the summer between year one and two to complete any outstanding general education coursework that is required.
There are two courses in the OTA program offered via distance-education.
- OTHA 100, a prerequisite, can be taken online each semester.
- OTHA 103 is offered in a hybrid format.
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OTA coursework will not transfer to a four-year institution; however, some general education coursework may transfer. The OTA level does not allow you to enter a master's program to become an occupational therapist.
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Yes, students who are not accepted may reapply for the program.