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Are you interested in a career that makes a real difference in people's lives? Consider enrolling in our associate degree program to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), or to explore other exciting job opportunities in related fields. As a COTA, you'll have the chance to work closely under the guidance of an occupational therapist. Your role? To help individuals overcome challenges in their daily lives using engaging, goal-oriented activities. This could mean assisting people in mastering everyday living skills, enjoying leisure and play, or developing work skills.
But that's not all. As a COTA, you'll find yourself in a variety of settings, each offering unique experiences. You might work in a hospital, a school, a geriatric center, or even in people's homes and communities. Each environment offers a chance to positively impact lives, helping people to not just live, but to thrive. If this sounds like the path for you, our program is the perfect starting point to launch your rewarding career in occupational therapy.
General Education classes are offered in a variety of learning formats. A few OTA program-specific courses are offered online or blended, with the majority taught face-to-face at the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.
For more information about Western’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program’s student outcomes, please consult the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) website by clicking here.
View the Occupational Therapy Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, program graduation rates, and estimated program costs.
Students from Western’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam upon graduation. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT exam.