The Bachelor of Science Health Sciences major, Occupational Therapy Assistant concentration, provides a high-quality educational experience and has been granted Candidacy Status* by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Students will develop hands-on skills in various settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, and community centers, by collaborating with healthcare professionals to design individualized patient treatment plans. Communication and problem-solving skills are emphasized to ensure effective patient care coordination. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Concentration prepares students to become entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Students enrolled in this concentration will complete the University’s general education requirements, core health science courses, and required OTA concentration courses. Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) concentration will be eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) exam. Those who earn the COTA® certification from NBCOT, are held to the highest standards of professional competence, public safety, ethical conduct, and ongoing recertification for continued proficiency in the field.

*The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), has granted Westfield State University Candidacy Status for pre-accreditation. As the program advances from pre-accreditation to full accreditation, it will remain committed to meeting ACOTE’s rigorous standards for excellence in occupational therapy education. For more information, please visit at www.acote.org.