5 OTA Schools Illinois

Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools in Illinois

Occupational therapy assistants play a vital role in helping patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and work. To become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) in Illinois, one must attend an accredited OTA program. Here are some key points to consider when looking for OTA schools in Illinois:

• Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• Program Length: OTA programs typically take two years to complete and lead to an associate’s degree.
• Clinical Experience: Ensure the program includes extensive clinical experience to prepare you for the job.
• Licensure: After graduating, you will need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become certified and then obtain a state license to practice in Illinois.

Top 5 OTA Schools in Illinois

Here are five notable OTA schools in Illinois, considering factors such as accreditation, program reputation, and graduate success rates:

1. College of DuPage - Located in Glen Ellyn, the College of DuPage offers an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program that includes both theoretical coursework and practical clinical experience.
2. Midwestern University - With a campus in Downers Grove, Midwestern University provides a Master of Occupational Therapy program, but for those looking to become OTAs, they can consider the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at their affiliate institutions.
3. Southwestern Illinois College - Based in Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant, which is accredited by ACOTE.
4. Elgin Community College - Elgin Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, located in Elgin, is designed to prepare students for the NBCOT certification exam and for successful careers as OTAs.
5. Parkland College - In Champaign, Parkland College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant program that is accredited by ACOTE and leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for OTA programs in Illinois may vary, but here are some common prerequisites:

• High School Diploma or GED: Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Prerequisite Courses: Courses like anatomy, physiology, and psychology are often required.
• Observation Hours: Many programs require applicants to have completed a certain number of observation hours in occupational therapy settings.
• Background Check and Immunizations: Due to the clinical nature of the program, a background check and up-to-date immunizations are typically required.

Career Outlook

The demand for occupational therapy assistants is expected to grow significantly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 32% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing need for occupational therapy services in settings such as schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

💡 Note: When choosing an OTA program, it's essential to consider factors like program accreditation, curriculum, and clinical opportunities to ensure you're well-prepared for a successful career as an occupational therapy assistant.

Conclusion Summary

In summary, becoming an occupational therapy assistant in Illinois involves finding the right accredited program, completing the required education and clinical experience, and obtaining certification and state licensure. With the growing demand for OTAs, attending one of the top OTA schools in Illinois can set you on the path to a rewarding career helping individuals achieve their full potential.